Shubhanshu Shukla To Arrive In India Today After Historic ISS Mission; Likely To Meet PM Modi

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS), is returning to India today, August 16, after completing his landmark journey as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Following his debriefing in the United States, the Indian Air Force officer has already boarded his flight back home.

Shukla shared an emotional message on Instagram before departure, reflecting on his year-long experience in the US. He expressed sadness at leaving behind the people who became his friends and family during the mission but also conveyed his excitement about reuniting with his loved ones in India.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced on August 15 that during his brief stay in Delhi, Shukla is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Afterward, he will travel to his hometown of Lucknow to meet his family, before returning to the capital to participate in the National Space Day celebrations on August 23.

In his Instagram post, Shukla wrote:

"As I sit on the plane to come back to India, a mix of emotions is running through my heart. I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family, and everyone in the country for the first time post-mission.

I guess this is what life is-everything all at once. Having received incredible love and support from everyone during and after the mission, I can't wait to come back to India to share my experiences with all of you. Goodbyes are hard, but we need to keep moving in life. As my commander @astro_peggy fondly says, 'the only constant in spaceflight is change.' I believe that applies to life as well. I guess at the end of the day-'Yun hi chala chal rahi-jeevan gaadi hai samay pahiya.'"

Shukla's return marks a proud moment for India's space journey, with his visit set to inspire young space enthusiasts across the country.