Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian astronaut who made history by spending more time in space than any other Indian before him. He broke a 41-year-old record set by Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut. Shubhanshu Shukla spent 18 eventful days aboard the International Space Station (“ISS”). He was the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian to go to space after Rakesh Sharma.
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As of July 15, 2025, Shubhanshu Shukla was reported to be returning to Earth. His journey back from the ISS began on July 14. Shubhanshu Shukla was the mission pilot for the Axiom Mission 4, a special spaceflight organized by NASA, SpaceX, and India’s space agency ISRO. During his stay, he conducted important scientific experiments, focusing especially on understanding muscle weakness in space and how to prevent it. He also collaborated with astronauts from other countries, demonstrating how space exploration brings nations together.
In his farewell address from the ISS, Shubhanshu Shukla spoke about India’s growing journey in space exploration: “It has been an incredible journey. Even though it is coming to an end, for you and me there is a long way to go. The journey of our human space mission is long and difficult. But if we are determined, even the stars are attainable“. He also referenced India’s first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, famously quoting the 1924 Urdu song “Saare jahan se achcha”, saying, “India looked better than the rest of the world”.
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Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla created history by becoming the 634th astronaut to reach space.
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