As astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to return to India on Sunday, his reflections on spaceflight and its impact on life offer a unique perspective, encapsulated in the sentiment that "the only constant in spaceflight is change". This notion, borrowed from his commander Peggy Whitson, resonates deeply with Shukla as he embarks on the next chapter of his journey, leaving behind the familiar yet forever altered by his experience among the stars.
Shukla, an Indian Air Force Group Captain, made history as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) on a private mission. His journey on the Axiom-4 mission saw him conduct over 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions during his 18 days on the ISS. These experiments spanned various fields, from medicine and agriculture to the effects of space on the human body and testing the resilience of microscopic organisms. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan emphasized the value of Shukla's ISS experience for India's Gaganyaan mission, the country's first human spaceflight program, scheduled for 2027.
Shukla's return to India is filled with mixed emotions. He expressed sadness at leaving behind the team he worked with in the US, who had become like a second family during his year-long training for the Axiom-4 mission. At the same time, he is eager to reunite with his family, friends, and the entire nation, sharing his experiences and insights gained from his time in space. In an Instagram post, Shukla captured this sentiment, stating, "I guess this is what life is—everything all at once".
Upon his arrival in India, Shukla is expected to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sharing his firsthand experiences to contribute to the Gaganyaan mission. He will also participate in National Space Day celebrations in Delhi on August 22-23. Before heading to Delhi, Shukla is expected to visit his hometown, Lucknow, to be with his family. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, expressed the family's excitement about his return.
Shukla's journey to space began with his commissioning into the IAF fighter wing in 2006. With over 2,000 hours of flying experience across various aircraft and rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia, Shukla was well-prepared for the challenges of spaceflight. His participation in the Axiom-4 mission and his upcoming contributions to Gaganyaan solidify his place as a key figure in India's space ambitions.
Beyond the scientific experiments and technical achievements, Shukla's spaceflight experience has also provided him with a profound shift in perspective. Looking at Earth from the ISS, he saw a planet without borders, fostering a sense of unity and oneness. This perspective aligns with the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – "the world is one family". As Shukla aptly put it, "It seems that the whole Earth is our home... You don't see any border, any boundary line".
As Shubhanshu Shukla returns to India, his experiences and reflections promise to inspire a new generation of space enthusiasts and contribute significantly to the country's burgeoning space program. His journey underscores the idea that while spaceflight is characterized by constant change, the pursuit of knowledge, unity, and progress remains a steadfast goal.
