India's Space Pride on Hold: Shubhanshu Shukla's Return from ISS Delayed

By- Sabyasachi Bhattacherjee 

Indian Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla, who went on a space mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, had plans to return to Earth postponed for now. Although they were originally scheduled to return to Earth on July 10 in a SpaceX Dragon capsule, that schedule has been postponed due to weather and technical limitations, according to a joint statement from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). It is estimated that astronauts will not be able to leave the ISS before July 14th. 

Subhanshu is joined by three other astronauts on this mission—all of whom have participated in space exploration through private initiatives. The Axiom-4 mission, a joint project of Axiom Space, SpaceX, and NASA, launched on June 25. After a 28-hour journey, they arrived at the International Space Station and began a series of important scientific studies. Their space-based mission is seen as part of preparations for long-term human habitation and research in space. 

One of the major features of this mission was the germination test of Indian food grains, especially moong and fenugreek seeds, in the microgravity environment inside the ISS. In addition, they have participated in more than 60 scientific experiments related to biotechnology, materials science, artificial intelligence, and space medicine. Through this, not only India's research field but also international space research has been enriched.

despite the success of the mission, there were some complications in returning it from the ISS to Earth. The European Space Agency said that a pressure loss problem was recently detected in the Russian Zvezda module of the ISS, which was later brought under control, but NASA is taking all precautions to ensure the safety of astronauts. Weather conditions are also an important consideration for the return, as the journey can be risky if sea conditions are not favorable during splashdown.

Just as the astronauts' families are concerned about this delay, ordinary people across the country are also waiting for their safe return. Shubhangshu's father, Shambhudayal Shukla, told the media, "We are proud of his space journey, but our hearts will not rest until we get news of his return." His mother, Asha Shukla, said, "We are keeping an eye on the news every day, hoping to know the date of his return." 

Subhanshu Shukla is one of the rare group of people who have directly contributed to international space exploration on behalf of India. In 1984, Rakesh Sharma made history by traveling into space in a Soviet spacecraft. Now, Shubhangshu Shukla has repeated that history, albeit in a different context—through a private initiative. The Axiom-4 mission remains a significant chapter in the history of Indian spaceflight. The entire nation is now looking forward to that glorious moment—the day when Shubhangshu Shukla and his companions will successfully return to Earth. Their journey is not just a scientific mission, but also a source of inspiration for teaching the new generation to think about space.