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India hails Shubhanshu Shukla's historic spaceflight with widespread praise

India hails Shubhanshu Shukla's historic spaceflight with widespread praise

India Today21 hours ago
With Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's safe return to Earth after his groundbreaking voyage to the International Space Station (ISS), leaders from across India's scientific and space communities have lauded the mission as a critical precursor to India's human space exploration goals, most notably the upcoming Gaganyaan mission and long-term ambitions of lunar expeditions.Shukla, who became the first Indian to visit the ISS, spent 18 days in space as part of the multinational Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, conducting over 60 scientific experiments, including seven designed and coordinated by Isro and Indian research institutions.advertisementPraising his contributions, Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), said, 'We congratulate Axiom and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on completing a successful mission. This achievement is a stepping stone for India's future crewed space journeys, including the Gaganyaan mission and our ambitious goal of landing an Indian on the Moon by 2040. It will support Isro and energize both global and Indian private space industries.'
Echoing the sentiment, astrophysicist Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University, stated, 'This mission is not just a step forward – it is a giant leap in translating ambition into capability... The insights gained will be vital as we prepare for Gaganyaan in 2027, an Indian space station by 2035, and a Moon landing by 2040. It's a foundation for capability-driven space exploration.'Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, CMD of Ananth Technologies, emphasised the scientific success of the mission, 'Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla successfully completed all seven Indian-designed experiments, including studies on tardigrades, muscle cell growth, and crop germination. This mission is a precursor to our own Gaganyaan mission, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat where planetary exploration is driven by experimentation.'Adding to the chorus, Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA-India, celebrated the mission's biotech impact, 'This mission launches India into the space-biotech frontier. It showcases the power of public–private partnerships—featuring Isro, SpaceX, Axiom Space, Skyroot—and sets the stage for sustainable, orbit-based life-support systems.'As India steps into a new era of human spaceflight, Shubanshu Shukla's mission is being hailed as a defining launchpad for India's future among the stars.- EndsTune InMust Watch
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Union Cabinet hails Shubhanshu Shukla's space odyssey
Union Cabinet hails Shubhanshu Shukla's space odyssey

The Hindu

time44 minutes ago

  • The Hindu

Union Cabinet hails Shubhanshu Shukla's space odyssey

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) congratulated astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla for the successful completion of his historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station and asserted that it heralded a new chapter in India's space programme. The Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adopted a resolution that termed Shukla's space journey as a moment of pride, glory and joy for the entire nation and represented infinite aspirations of India. Also read | Shubhanshu Shukla undergoing post-mission medical evaluation, says ISRO "The Cabinet joins the nation in celebrating the return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Earth, following the successful completion of his historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station," Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said reading out the resolution adopted at the meeting. Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, and three other astronauts of the private Axiom-4 mission returned to earth on Tuesday after spending 20 days in space of which 18 days were spent at the International Space Station (ISS). The resolution said the successful mission significantly elevates India's global standing in space exploration. "It is a vital stepping stone towards India's own human spaceflight ambition, including the Gaganyaan and the Bharatiya Antariksha Station. It reaffirms India's resolve to be at the forefront of human space exploration," it said. The Axiom-4 mission was launched on June 25, with Shukla as mission pilot. He became the first Indian to travel to the ISS. "It heralds a new chapter in India's space programme and gives a golden glimpse of our future space programme," the resolution said. "Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's mission is not just a personal triumph - it is a beacon of inspiration for a new generation of young Indians. It will ignite the scientific temper, fuel curiosity, and inspire countless youth to pursue careers in science and embrace innovation," the resolution said. The Cabinet commends the Indian Space Research Organisation and the entire community of our scientists and engineers whose relentless efforts have made this achievement possible, it said. During his time aboard the International Space Station, Shukla worked seamlessly with fellow members of the Axiom-4 Crew and Expedition 73, embodying India's growing leadership in international space cooperation. He conducted pioneering experiments in microgravity on subjects such as muscle regeneration, algal and microbial growth, crop viability, microbial survivability, cognitive performance in space, and the behaviour of cyanobacteria. "These studies will deepen global understanding of human spaceflight and microgravity science, and provide critical inputs for India's future missions," the resolution read. The Cabinet also applauded the visionary and decisive leadership of Prime Minister Modi, whose strategic foresight, unwavering belief in India's space potential, and consistent guidance have enabled the country to chart new frontiers and emerge as a leader among spacefaring nations. "The Cabinet also recalls with pride India's recent landmark achievements, including the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the South Pole of the Moon on 23rd August 2023, a day etched in history as India's National Space Day," the resolution said. It noted that India's Aditya-L1 Mission launched in 2023 has significantly enhanced humanity's understanding of solar activity. These feats reflect the spirit of scientific excellence and national self-reliance. Through sustained reforms in the space sector, the Government has unlocked unprecedented growth in India's space economy. The emergence of around 300 new start-ups in this sector has not only led to job creation at a large scale, but also nurtured a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven development, it said. The Cabinet reaffirms its firm conviction that this mission will energise the national resolve to build Viksit Bharat — a developed India — by 2047, as envisioned by the Prime Minister, it said.

'New Chapter...': Cabinet Hails Shubhanshu Shukla's Homecoming, Passes Resolution
'New Chapter...': Cabinet Hails Shubhanshu Shukla's Homecoming, Passes Resolution

News18

timean hour ago

  • News18

'New Chapter...': Cabinet Hails Shubhanshu Shukla's Homecoming, Passes Resolution

Last Updated: The Union Cabinet welcomed astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's return from the ISS after the Axiom-4 mission. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed the 18-day mission as historic. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday passed a resolution welcoming the return of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla from International Space Station (ISS) after successfully concluding the Axiom-4 space mission. Hailing Group Captain Shukla's homecoming, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Cabinet has passed a resolution following the successful completion of his historic 18-day mission aboard the ISS. #WATCH | After the cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, 'Today the Union Cabinet has passed a resolution on the return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from ISS (International Space Station)…This is an occasion of pride, glory and joy for the entire country.… — ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2025 After the cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, 'Today the Union Cabinet has passed a resolution on the return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from ISS (International Space Station)…This is an occasion of pride, glory and joy for the entire country. Today, the Cabinet, along with the country, congratulates Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on his successful return to Earth. He has completed a historic 18-day mission on the International Space Station… This is a new chapter in India's space program. This gives a golden glimpse into the future of our space programme. The Cabinet congratulates the entire team of scientists and engineers at ISRO for this historic achievement…" 'The Cabinet commends the Indian Space Research Organisation and the entire community of our scientists and engineers whose relentless efforts have made this achievement possible," Vaishnaw added. The Cabinet hailed Shukla's efforts at the ISS-bound mission, saying, his experiments will further deepen understanding of human spaceflight and and provide critical inputs for India's future missions. 'He conducted pioneering experiments in microgravity on subjects such as muscle regeneration, algal and microbial growth, crop viability, microbial survivability, cognitive performance in space, and the behaviour of cyanobacteria. These studies will deepen global understanding of human spaceflight and microgravity science, and provide critical inputs for India's future missions. This successful mission significantly elevates India's global standing in space exploration. It is a vital stepping stone towards India's own human spaceflight ambition, including the Gaganyaan and the Bharatiya Antariksha Station. It reaffirms India's resolve to be at the forefront of human space exploration." Earlier on Wednesday, Shubhanshu Shukla, India's Gaganyatri, returned to earth as his SpaceX crew capsule Grace splashed down off the coast of California near San Diego right after 3pm IST. The Indian astronaut who was part of a commercial mission operated by Axiom Space, with the support of ISRO and NASA, is expected to land in India by August 17. Shukla has created history by becoming the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS. view comments First Published: July 16, 2025, 15:36 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Resolution passed: Cabinet hails safe return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla; calls space mission a 'beacon for youth'
Resolution passed: Cabinet hails safe return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla; calls space mission a 'beacon for youth'

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Resolution passed: Cabinet hails safe return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla; calls space mission a 'beacon for youth'

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Tuesday passed a resolution welcoming the safe return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the International Space Station (ISS), hailing his 18-day space mission as a milestone in India's space journey and a source of inspiration for the nation's youth. Group Captain Shukla, who returned to Earth on July 15, 2025, became the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS. Launched on June 25 as part of the Axiom-4 mission, he conducted a range of scientific experiments in microgravity and worked in close coordination with fellow crew members of Expedition 73. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "The mission of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is not just the success of one person, it is an example of inspiration for the young generation of India. This will increase curiosity in our children and youth, and develop scientific thinking. Influenced by this, a large number of youth will make science and innovation their career. The Cabinet firmly believes that this mission will give new energy to the resolve of developed India. The dream of making India a developed nation by 2047, which the Prime Minister has seen, will get new strength." The Cabinet described the moment as one of 'pride, glory and joy' for the nation, and praised the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the broader scientific community for enabling the achievement through sustained efforts and technical excellence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Before Dying, My Husband Said, I'm Sorry. I Asked For What. You'll See. Then This Happened Novelodge Undo During the mission, Shukla carried out advanced experiments in space biology and human physiology, including research on muscle regeneration, microbial growth, cognitive performance, crop viability, and the behaviour of cyanobacteria. These findings are expected to contribute significantly to India's future human spaceflight goals, including the Gaganyaan mission and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station. Highlighting India's rising stature in global space cooperation, the Cabinet also recalled landmark achievements such as the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing and the Aditya-L1 solar observatory mission. These, it said, underscored the country's scientific excellence and growing space economy. The Cabinet credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for steering India's space ambitions, citing his 'strategic foresight' and 'unwavering belief' in India's potential to lead among spacefaring nations. The resolution also noted the emergence of nearly 300 start-ups in the space sector, reflecting the success of government reforms that have catalysed innovation, job creation and entrepreneurship. Reaffirming its commitment to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Cabinet said the success of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's mission would galvanise scientific spirit across generations and propel India's space aspirations into a new era.

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