Shubhanshu Shukla to return from ISS today after 18-day Axiom-4 mission, calls it a milestone for India's human spaceflight journey
Shukla, along with the Axiom-4 crew, is scheduled to return back to Earth after an 18-day mission aboard the ISS. Recently, in an interview with CNN, Shukla opened up about how it feels to be in space. "I'm Shubanha Shukla. I'm the mission pilot for the Axiom-4 mission. I think it is great to be in space. It was kind of a cycle," the astronaut said.
'It is so much fun being here'
He went on to explain what his experience was like being in space for 3 weeks. For the initial one or two days, according to Shukla, it takes time to adjust to the microgravity. However, after that, as it grows and the longer a person stays, they start liking it more, Shukla added.
This mission not only establishes Shukla as the second Indian astronaut to travel to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's landmark journey in 1984, but it also strengthens India's standing as a significant player in the global space arena.
Axiom 4 Mission: The Dragon spacecraft has SUCCESSFULLY UNDOCKED from the International Space Station (ISS).🇮🇳 Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and the crew are expected to SPLASH DOWN tomorrow! #Axiom4Mission #SpaceX #Axiom4 #SubhanshuShukla #IndiaInSpace pic.twitter.com/wldeAxR6NV
Subhanshu Shukla's experience on India's Gaganyaan Mission
During the interview, when asked how the Axiom-4 mission would support India's ambitious Gaganyaan program, its first planned crewed space mission scheduled for 2027. Shukla further explained that he gained valuable insights from the mission, which he plans to bring back and apply directly to India's human spaceflight initiatives.
'This AI4 mission comes at a very crucial time for India. We're progressing steadily on our own human spaceflight journey with Gaganyaan, and several test missions have already been conducted. Some are scheduled for this year and next," Shukla said.
Providing additional comments on the Gaganyaan mission, the astronaut mentioned that he doesn't have the most recent updates on its timeline due to being away. He emphasised, "But I can confidently say that this mission—from launch to recovery—offers invaluable insights. These are lessons I will take back and apply directly to India's spaceflight efforts."
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