Aaj Ka Bharat: Shux revives Rakesh Sharma's iconic words from ISS as Axiom-4 preps for homecoming
Shubhanshu Shukla delivered a heartfelt farewell message from the
International Space Station
(ISS) as he and his
Axiom Mission 4
(Ax-4) crewmates prepare to return to Earth. Blending nostalgia with pride, he echoed the historic words of Rakesh Sharma with a modern perspective:
'Aaj ka Bharat space se mahatvakaanshi dikhta hai, nidar dikhta hai, confident dikhta hai, garv se poorn dikhta hai... aur inhi sab kaarano se aaj mai fir se keh sakta hoon ki aaj ka Bharat abhi bhi saare jahaan se acha dikhta hai.'
('Today's India looks ambitious, fearless, confident, and full of pride from space—and for all these reasons, I can once again say that India still appears better than the entire world.')
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Undo
A live farewell event with
NASA
's Expedition 73 crew is scheduled for 7:25 PM IST on July 14, streamed by Axiom Space.
As the Ax-4 crew prepares to leave orbit, their mission stands as a testament to international cooperation, scientific progress, and the indomitable spirit of exploration.
Live Events
Gratitude to collaborators
During his remarks, Group Captain Shukla expressed deep appreciation to
ISRO
, NASA, Axiom Space,
SpaceX
, international partners, and the citizens of India for their support.
He said it felt almost magical to be there and thanked his country and everyone who made the mission possible, including the ISRO teams who developed protocols, and the researchers and students who contributed experiments and outreach materials.
Shukla stressed the extraordinary experience of working alongside professionals from around the world, underscoring how the mission's impact extended beyond science.
Reflections on Unity and Achievement
Agreeing with Hungarian
astronaut
Tibor Kapu, Shukla highlighted the power of international collaboration.
He noted that the most profound realization he would bring back was what humanity can accomplish when people from different countries unite behind a shared goal. 'It's truly remarkable,' he said.
The beloved astronaut ended his message on an optimistic note: 'We will meet soon on Earth.' The farewell ceremony concluded with an emotional moment as the crew embraced, which was later shared by Axiom Space on social media.
Mission Overview and Return Timeline
Group Captain Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, and his Ax-4 teammates are scheduled to begin their return journey on July 14. They will undock from the station at around 4:35 PM IST, with splashdown expected in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast at approximately 3 PM IST on July 15.
The trip aboard the Dragon spacecraft will take about 22 hours, concluding nearly 18 days spent in orbit.
The Ax-4 crew comprises Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla representing ISRO, European Space Agency project astronaut Slawosz 'Suave' Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu. The mission launched on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and the spacecraft docked with the ISS a day later, ahead of schedule.
Scientific Research and Outreach
Throughout the mission, the team conducted over 60 scientific experiments and numerous outreach activities. The Dragon capsule will return with more than 580 pounds of research samples and equipment.
On 'flight day 18,' the astronauts were still working intensively. Tibor Kapu advanced the Fruit Fly DNA Repair experiment and the VITAPRIC project on nutrient-rich plant growth.
Group Captain Shukla led the testing of Continuous Glucose Monitors in microgravity, an important step for enabling diabetic individuals to participate in spaceflight.
Other projects included the Voyager Displays study of eye tracking and coordination, ENPERCHAR research into perception in microgravity, the Neuromotion VR study assessing motor skills and attention, Suit Fabric tests collecting data on heat transfer and material properties, and investigations into stress reduction and mental health using neurofeedback techniques.
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Indian Express
33 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Shubhanshu Shukla returns to Earth: 10 key points for your UPSC prep
Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up on your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget on the significance of Shubhanshu Shukla's return from space. (Relevance: UPSC has asked questions on space missions, and considering the significance of the Axiom-4 mission, it becomes an important topic for your exam. Knowing the important facts related to Shubhanshu Shukl, only the second Indian to go the space, and the significance for India, will be helpful for your upcoming exams.) After spending 18 days on the International Space Station and orbiting around the Earth 288 times, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his three colleagues on the Axiom-4 mission splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday (15th July) after a 20-hour journey from the International Space Station. This mission not only strengthens India's foray into human spaceflight but also showcases its growing contribution to space research through a series of significant experiments led by Shukla aboard the International Space Station (ISS). During his time in space, Shukla conducted and completed all seven microgravity experiments and other scheduled scientific tasks. These included research on the Indian strain of Tardigrades, Myogenesis, Sprouting of methi and moong seeds, Cyanobacteria, Microalgae, Crop seeds, and the Voyager Display. 1. Study of space microalgae: Among the most crucial of Shukla's experiments was the study of space microalgae to examine their ability to generate food, oxygen, and biofuels. The resilience of microalgae in microgravity is considered key to sustaining human life during extended space missions. Additionally, through centrifugation of cyanobacteria, Shukla compared two strains to understand the impact of microgravity on their growth and biochemical activity. 2. Myogenesis study: Shukla conducted microscopic observations and sample collection for the Myogenesis study, aiming to understand muscle cell behaviour in space. The results are expected to benefit not just future Moon or Mars missions but also medical treatments for muscle-wasting diseases and age-related immobility on Earth. 3. Sprouting of methi and moong seeds: As part of the Sprouts project, he observed how methi and moong seeds germinate in space. subjected the sprouts to -80 degree Celsius temperatures to study the impact of microgravity on seed development. Upon return to Earth, he will cultivate the seeds, and multiple generations will be observed for any changes in genetics, microbial ecosystems, and nutritional profiles, aiming to identify plants with desirable traits for sustainable farming in space. 4. Studies on astronaut health and safety: Shukla and his crewmates participated in several collaborative studies to assess astronaut health and safety. These included measuring radiation exposure with the Rad Nano Dosimeter, studying mental and cardiac health during prolonged spaceflight, observing heat transfer and the human body's adaptability to microgravity and conducting neuromuscular electrical stimulation sessions to explore ways to combat muscle loss in space. 5. Muscle atrophy: He also investigated muscle atrophy using the Life Sciences Glovebox facility and contributed to sustainable space agriculture by irrigating crop seeds under microgravity conditions. 6. Research on the Indian strain of Tardigrades: Tardigrades, also known as 'water bears', are robust aquatic animals that have been around for roughly 600 million years, 400 million years before dinosaurs walked the planet. The study on the Indian strain of Tardigrades was part of Shukla's experiments. The primary objective of the experiment was to identify the genes that are responsible for making these animals resilient. 7. Study on cyanobacteria: Through centrifugation of cyanobacteria, Shukla compared two strains to understand the impact of microgravity on their growth and biochemical activity. The findings could support the development of sustainable systems for carbon and nitrogen recycling in space and highlight cyanobacteria's potential as a superfood for long-duration missions. 8. Voyager Display: This experiment focused on the interaction between humans and electronic displays in microgravity. The experiment also checked if using screens in space makes astronauts feel more stressed or tired. The experiment was designed by IISc, Bengaluru. 9. Seed resilience trials: It involved seed resilience trials, testing rice, cowpea, sesame, brinjal, and tomato seeds that have been exposed to microgravity. The objective is to assess the impact of space conditions on these seeds, to advance space agriculture, and develop climate-resilient plant varieties suitable for cultivation on Earth and beyond a microgravity environment. 10. About Axiom-4 mission: The mission was launched on 25th June, 2025, after much delay and anticipation. It carried four astronauts into space along with Shukla: Peggy Whitson from America as commander of the mission, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The crew travelled to the ISS on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft using the Falcon 9 rocket. The mission is operated and managed by Axiom Space, a private US space company When a spacecraft re-enters the Earth's atmosphere, it experiences deceleration due to friction. At this time, the speed comes down to about 25-30 km per hour, which is safe for a splashdown in the ocean. The low viscosity and high density of water provide a much greater cushion. The other reason is the availability of vast open spaces, which, in the case of landing on the ground, would require precise definition. Also, in the ocean, there is no danger of hitting something else, even if the spacecraft is dragged a bit off-course by air or water currents. Astronauts need reconditioning after coming back to Earth in order to deal with the symptoms they experience. The reconditioning process includes training the astronauts to start listening to their inner ear again, helping with motion control, and taking care of conditions they face when they are standing. It also deals with their perception of the movement of their own bodies, strength, and endurance. In addition, it looks at the astronauts performing skilled activities. According to NASA, "Microgravity is the condition in which people or objects appear to be weightless. The effects of microgravity can be seen when astronauts and objects float in space. Microgravity can be experienced in other ways, as well. 'Micro-' means 'very small,' so microgravity refers to the condition where gravity seems to be very small." It is not same as zero-gravity. 1. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked with the International Space Station (ISS), which involves an intricate procedure as ISS orbits Earth at an altitude of more than 400 km, and the procedure takes place while both the space station and the approaching vehicle are travelling at speeds of around 27,000 km/h. In January, India became the fourth country to successfully dock two satellites in space with the launch of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) satellites. 2. The SpaDeX mission was lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on December 30 by PSLV-C60 and successfully placed two satellites in the desired lower earth orbit (below 2000 Km). Two small satellites, the SDX01 Chaser and SDX02 Target, injected in a 475-km circular orbit after the launch, have successfully demonstrated docking. 3. Docking is a process by which two fast-moving spacecraft are brought to the same orbit, brought closer to each other manually or autonomously, and finally joined together. This capability is necessary for carrying out missions that require heavy spacecraft that a single launch vehicle may not be capable of lifting off with. 4. This technology will be required for setting up the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. The first module is planned to be launched in 2028. It is supposed to have five modules, which are expected to be launched separately and brought together in space. 5. Docking capability will also be required for the next lunar mission, Chandrayaan-4, which aims to bring back samples from the Moon. This mission will see five key modules sent into orbit in two separate launches. Consider the following statements: 1. When a spacecraft re-enters the Earth's atmosphere, it experiences acceleration due to friction. 2. Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to go to the International Space Station (ISS). 3. Tardigrades are robust terrestrial animals that have been around for roughly 600 million years. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3 (Source: Simpler, safer: Why spacecraft prefer splashdowns over landing on ground, Methi sprouting to microalgae: 7 experiments Shubhanshu Shukla conducted in space, Knowledge Nugget: Axiom-4 mission — What you must know for UPSC Exam, What's next for Shubhanshu Shukla, other astronauts on return from space mission, Knowledge nugget of the day: SpaDeX Mission) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
‘Tell them you love them': Shubhanshu Shukla's heartwarming note as he reunites with family after historic ISS mission
Axiom-4 Mission Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla reunited with his family after the successful completion of his 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Overwhelmed by the reunion, he shared a heartwarming note on social media urging people to value their loved ones. Sharing pictures of embracing his wife Kamna and hugging his four-year-old child, Shukla expressed that while space flight is amazing, reuniting with loved ones after a long time is equally incredible. 'Space flight is amazing, but seeing your loved ones after a long time is equally amazing,' Shukla wrote. He then said that while he was in strict quarantine for 2 months before the mission, the family visits required being 8 meters apart because of distancing measures, which forced everyone to tell his little one that he had germs on hands in order to prevent physical contact. A post shared by Shubhanshu Shukla (@ 'It has been 2 months since I entered quarantine. During the quarantine family visits we had to be 8 m apart. My little one had to be told that he had germs on his hands and that is why he could not touch his father. Every time he would come for the visit he would ask his mom 'Can I wash my hands?' It was challenging,' he said. The Indian astronaut then said that coming back to Earth and hugging his family felt like 'home'. 'Coming back to Earth and holding my family back in my arms felt like home. Find a loved one today and tell them that you love them. We often get busy in life and forget how important the people in our lives are,' the post read. The world welcomed the return of the Axiom-4 crew to Earth, after the successful completion of their 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). After spending 18 days on the ISS, Shukla and his colleagues on the Axiom-4 mission began their 22-hour return journey to Earth on Monday afternoon. The spacecraft took about 20 hours to reach Earth. On its way, it made another few rounds of the Earth, giving the astronauts some more opportunities to view it from space. During their 18-day stay on the ISS, the astronauts completed 288 revolutions of the Earth.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Shubhanshu Shukla's emotional reunion with family melts millions of hearts online
After completing a historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned to Earth and to his family's warm embrace. Shukla, who became the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma, shared a series of emotional reunion photos on Instagram. The touching images, showing him embracing his wife and young son, have resonated deeply with audiences across the country. 'Felt like home,' he wrote, capturing the joy and vulnerability of finally holding his loved ones after weeks of isolation. Shubhanshu Shukla's historic return from International Space Station Shukla returned to Earth aboard SpaceX's Dragon capsule on July 15, marking the end of India's first crewed mission to the ISS. Affectionately nicknamed 'Shux' by his international crewmates, he had been in quarantine for several weeks before and after the mission, keeping him apart from his wife and four-year-old son. Despite limited, distanced visits during quarantine, Shukla described how his son had to be told not to touch him due to 'germs on his hands.' Once reunited, however, the young boy ran into his father's arms while his wife, Kamna, hugged him tightly through tears. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 진짜! 전국에서 인터넷 요금 제일 저렴하게 만들어드립니다! 세모통 가격 받기 Undo 'Space is magical, but so is love': Shukla's message touches millions The photos, posted to Shukla's Instagram handle, show candid moments of pure joy, with one caption reading, 'Space flight is amazing, but seeing your loved ones after a long time is equally amazing.' His heartfelt message urged people to reconnect with loved ones, reminding followers not to let life's pace overshadow the importance of human connection. 'Find a loved one today and tell them that you love them,' he wrote. As India celebrates his trailblazing mission, it is this emotional return that has captured the nation's heart, showing that the most powerful moments sometimes happen not in space, but back on Earth.
