Latest news with #Axiom-4Mission
United News of India
2 days ago
- Science
- United News of India
After historic ISS mission, Shukla reaches India to rousing reception
Chennai, Aug 17 (UNI) Decorated Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who piloted the Axiom-4 Mission and become the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) where he conducted microgravity experiments during his 18-day stay, landed in New Delhi this morning from Texas, US. He was accorded a rousing reception on his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi early this morning. Shukla, who along with three other crew members on board AX-4 (others being from the US, Poland and Hungary) splashed down off the coast of California on July 15 after an 18-day stay aboard the ISS, was received by his Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and his family members, including his wife Kamna, and ISRO scientists. Terming his visit to ISS as a moment f pride, later, he met ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan and shared his experience he had at ISS. Shux was expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi either today or tomorrow. Dr Jitendra in a post on X said "a moment of pride for India! ." "A moment of glory for #ISRO! A moment of gratitude to the dispensation that facilitated this under the leadership of PM @narendramodi", he wrote. . Sharing the photos upon receiving at the airport, Dr Jitendra said "India's Space glory touches the Indian soil… as the iconic son of Mother India, #Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla lands at Delhi in the early hours of morning today." "Accompanying him, another equally accomplished Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of the astronauts selected for India's first Human mission Gaganyaan who was India's designated backup for the mission to the International Space Station #ISS", he added. "Privileged to receive both of them at the New Delhi Airport along with Delhi CM Smt. Rekha Gupta @gupta_rekha, #ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan and later welcomed by a group of students", he said. Shux was the first Indian in 41 years afer Rakesh Sharma to travel to space and the first ever to visit ISS when the AX-4 mission, which he piloted took off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 25. Upon docking at ISS after a 28-hour journey, SHux conducted seven micro gravity experiments on behalf of ISRO, held outreaching programmes and also interacted with Mr Modi, ISRO Chairman and school and college students. After his ISS visit, the Dragon spacecraft splashed down successfully off California coast marking the culmination of a historic visit and milestone in India's space Odyssey. Shux boarded a flight to India at Texas yesterday and landed this morning. Afrer boarding the flight back to India, Shux penned an emotional note reflecting on his one year experience as part of the mission and said he was eager to return to India and share his experiences with all. "As I sit on the plane to come back to India I have a mix of emotions running through my heart", he wrote. "I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past one 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", he added. "I guess this is what life is - everything all at once", Shux posted in Instagram. "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", he said. "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.", Shux said. "I guess at the end of the day -'Yun hi chala chal rahi - jeevan gaadi hai samay pahiya' #axiom4 #shux #shubhanshushukla #space #farewell", he wrote quoting a Hindi song. UNI GV 0615
Hans India
16-07-2025
- Science
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 16th July 2025
Bravo Shubhanshu! Heartiest congratulations to astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla for the successful completion of his space mission. We became emotional while watching the successful splash down from the Dragon space capsule, off the Coast of California, which ferried our nation's hero, along with three other astronauts. Shukla, the second Indian to go into space, conducted 60 odd experiments that were assigned to him by ISRO and NASA. My greetings to Shukla for inspiring millions of countrymen with his indomitable spirit, dedication and courage. The knowledge and experience he has gained in the last fortnight will help ISRO scientists to work on its plans as regards the Gaganyan programme. R. J. Janardhana Rao, Hyderabad-28. Shubhanshu research centre-cum-university Welcome back to earth Shubhanshu Shukla and fellow-three astronauts after 18 days of research in ISS (International Space Station). The team emerged from the Dragon capsule that splashed into the Pacific Ocean (3.30 pm July 15). Setting up a full-fledged 'Shubhanshu research centre-cum-university' will be the finest tribute to him. Shubhanshu is an inspiration to 140 crore Indians and their progressive dreams. His interviews to the media on his research work are the most awaited, especially by the budding space-aspirants. PVP Madhu Nivriti, Secunderabad-61 Proud moment for Indians Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returning to earth after the successful Axiom-4 Mission is a proud moment for every Indian, reminiscent of Rakesh Sharma's historic spaceflight. He spent 18 days in the International Space Station (ISS), which is a remarkable career milestone. Notably, the astronaut successfully completed the assigned experiments during his mission. While wishing Shukla for his achievement, I hope these will inspire many youngsters. Ganti Venkata, Secunderabad Banning of toddy could boomerang This refers to 'Be wary: Adulterated toddy is a silent killer' (THI July15). Banning toddy might seem like a quick fix to curb adulteration and health risks—but it's a complex move with wide-ranging consequences. Toddy is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, especially in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and parts of West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. Both toddy and its unfermented form (neera) are sometimes used in local ceremonies and temple offerings. It's not just a drink—it's a symbol of rural heritage and community bonding. However, cultural practices should never come at the cost of public health. Let's choose safety over the 'kick'. Unfermented toddy is considered beneficial to health, as it contains natural nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Toddy societies often enjoy political patronage and represent vote banks. If banned, the risk of illicit liquor markets thriving in the vacuum is high-and potentially more dangerous. Banning toddy without a safety net could do more harm than good. Therefore, the focus should be to crack down on adulteration, not tradition, regulate and certify toddy quality, educate consumers, provide safe alternatives, and support livelihoods through training and alternative income sources. Dr O. Prasada Rao, Hyderabad 'RTI vs Privacy' is a true mirror reflection The article by Dr Madabhushi Sreedhar Acharylu on 'RTI vs Privacy' has projected the practical issues faced by many people. They all helplessly roam around police stations and courts for speedy justice. During his recent visit to Hyderabad, the Chief Justice of India spoke about delivery of justice in the most affected cases. When legal heads sort out and solve each common issue with useful and usable solutions, lakhs of pending cases can get cleared and ensure that the affected victims get relief from the hurdles that they are subject to. G Murali Mohan Rao, Secunderabad-11 Discernment in choice of snacks There has been a mixed reaction to the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs' directive to central and state government offices to put up 'sugar and fat boards' as a reminder of the adverse impact on health of certain very popular snacks. Those who are against it are health-illiterate and are not health-conscious. Health experts are unanimous in their opinion that ubiquitous snacks like samosa, jalebi, laddus, pakodas and vada pav are unhealthy foods and harmful. A healthy diet is an important part of healthy living. In this context, it is worth saying that street food should be regulated and cooking oil should not be allowed to be reused. Once people become aware of the nutritional content, sugar and fat, they will find the aroma of the deep-fried snacks less irresistible. The human body is not a dustbin to put junk foods. Simple sugars and trans-fat in disproportionate quantities have been identified as silent culprits behind obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer. Warning against eating certain unhealthy foods through 'nutritional boards' in government offices will help. At the same time, they must highlight better and healthier snacks, lest people opt for packaged foods further aggravating the health crisis. G. David Milton, Maruthancode (TN)
India.com
15-07-2025
- Science
- India.com
Shubhanshu Shukla Return LIVE Updates: Dragon spacecraft carrying 4 crew members to splash down soon
Shubhanshu Shukla to return to Earth today at..., splashdown set for..., how to watch Axiom Mission-4 touchdown LIVE - Details Shubhanshu Shukla Earth Return Live Updates: The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, with India's Shubhanshu Shukla and three other astronauts on the Axiom-4 Mission, is set to splash down back on Earth around 3 PM IST today at Space Station (ISS). The splashdown off the coast of California, US, is expected at 5.30 am EDT (3 PM IST) on July 15. 'These timings have a margin window of approximately 1 hour,' Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh said. Shukla's farewell message: '41 years ago, an Indian came to space and he told us how India looks from up above. Today's India looks ambitious from space, today's India looks fearless, today's India looks confident, today's India looks full of pride… today's India still looks 'saare jahan se acha,'' said Shukla in his farewell address aboard the ISS. He spoke both in English and Hindi on the eve of the commencement of the Axiom-4 crew's return journey to Earth. 'Our journey ahead into space exploration may be long and arduous, but it has begun,' he added. India's Shubhanshu Shukla, US' Commander Peggy Whitson, European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Slawosz 'Suave' Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) astronaut Tibor Kapu left for the International Space Station on June 26 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. Shubhanshu Shukla Return LIVE Update:
Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Shubhanshu Shukla returning to Earth soon. Here's a recap of his 18 days onboard ISS
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has begun his journey back to Earth from space, marking a significant phase in the country's space program. Shukla, was the second Indian to have travelled to space, succeeding Rakesh Sharma in 1984. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, with Shukla and three other astronauts on the Axiom-4 Mission, undocked from the Harmony module of International Space Station (ISS) approximately 7.05 am EDT (4.35 pm IST) on Monday. The splashdown off the coast of California, US, is expected at 5.30 am EDT (3 PM IST) on Tuesday. As his space expedition concludes, here's a recap of his 18-day-long journey onboard ISS. On Sunday, the eve of the commencement of the Axiom-4 crew's return journey to Earth, Shukla evoked fellow astronaut Rakesh Sharma's line during the 1984 space odyssey and said today's India still looks 'saare Jahan se acha' and added 'India looks ambitious from space, today's India looks fearless, today's India looks confident, today's India looks full of pride.' During the farewell speech along with fellow astronauts, he said, 'Our journey ahead into space exploration may be long and arduous, but it has begun.' Shukla, who conducted experiments on space microalgae, was live for the second and final time on ham radio on July 8 and remarked it was a privilege to be amongst the few who have had the chance to see the Earth from a vantage point. In a video posted on X handle, Shukla highlighted the significance of the mission and how it was expanding access to low Earth orbit (LEO) for countries to achieve their space exploration goals, leading to advancements for Earth. He also said how physical fitness is key to astronauts while at the ISS and that the orbiting observatory offers a mini gym for the astronauts. Shukla shared that his body, too, faced space sickness soon after reaching the ISS. As Shukla called V Narayanan, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation, he acknowledged the efforts of team ISRO in ensuring his safe travel to ISS. While Narayanan expressed his keen interest in Shukla's well-being, he shared updates on the progress of the experiments and activities carried out on the space station. In his first interaction with students from Thiruvananthapuram and Lucknow on ham radio on July 4, Shukla had a light-hearted conversation with the students he and narrated how difficult it was to sleep — not just because he was in space but owing to the excitement and wanting to do more and more experiments. Shukla, who showed students his sleeping bag, said, 'I am doing a lot of experiments and these are challenging and exciting. All of these experiments have been planned by ISRO-NASA. But there are a few that I particularly like, especially the one on stem cells. We know there is limited time (onboard the ISS) but we want to do more and more (experiments). But we need to get rest to do the experiments.' Before that, his smiling photographs emerged from the cupola or the Earth-viewing vantage point and the Indian Air Force's (IAF) test pilot reiterated that looking back at the earth was beautiful and that it was an amazing experience. Three days after Shukla ventured into space along with three other astronauts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with him and Shukla aka Shux discussed everything from pride he took in putting up the national flag on ISS, experiments onboard ISS, challenges of living in microgravity, in detail. PM Modi said he is close to the heart of his countrymen. 'Your name has the word 'shubh' in it and your journey is the 'shubharambh' of a new age,' he said. The Air Force Group Captain also informed the Prime Minister that he had shared the 'gajar ka halwa', 'moong daal halwa', and 'aamras' with his fellow astronauts. 'I wanted others to taste and experience the rich culinary heritage of India. And they really enjoyed it,' he said. Pilot Shukla — along with the commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary — entered the ISS on June 25. The Axiom-4 mission carrying the astronauts lifted off from Florida's Kennedy Space Centre, after facing several delays due to technical problems, inclement weather, and a leak on the ISS. Themed 'Realise the Return', this is the first stint of the astronauts from three countries on the ISS. More than a month before the expedition, Shukla's family in Lucknow had an unusual company for dinner: Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe and he narrated everything on the space journey to his parents, alleviating their fears. Over a three-course dinner that lasted 3-4 hours at a hotel in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar, Stibbe — who was part of the historic Axiom-1 (Ax-1) mission to the ISS in 2022 – told Shukla's parents Shambhu Dayal Shukla and Asha, and sister Suchi, everything they needed to know: how astronauts lived, what they ate, how they slept, what they did, and how they spent their time at the ISS.
NDTV
14-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Axiom 4 Mission Return LIVE: SpaceX Dragon With Axiom-4 Crew Undocks From ISS
Shubhanshu Shukla Axiom 4 Mission Return Live Updates: India's Shubhanshu Shukla and three other astronauts will return home from space in the next 22 hours. The hatch between the SpaceX capsule and the International Space Station (ISS) has been closed, and the spacecraft has undocked. Astronauts Peggy Whitson, Shubhanshu Shukla, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Tibor Kapu are part of the Axiom-4 mission that lifted off for the ISS on June 25 for a two-week mission. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated officer of the Indian Air Force, became the second Indian after Wing Commander (Later Group Captain) Rakesh Sharma to go to space since 1984 and the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. India has allocated nearly Rs 33,000 crore for the Axiom-4 Mission, also referred to as Mission Akash Ganga, which aims to land an Indian on the moon by 2040.
