**India Celebrates Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic ISS Mission**
India is celebrating a significant milestone in its space exploration journey as Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla for his groundbreaking mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Speaking from the Red Fort on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, Modi emphasized that India is on track to establish its own space station.
“The achievements of the space sector are making the entire nation proud. Our Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned from the space station and will be arriving in India in the coming days,” Modi stated, highlighting the importance of this achievement for the nation.
Reiterating the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, the Prime Minister underscored the remarkable progress made across various sectors, with the space program taking a prominent role. “India is actively working on the Gaganyaan mission and is also planning its own space station. We must come together to change the destiny of our country. I appeal to the youth: step forward and contribute to this mission of national transformation,” he urged.
In June 2023, Shukla made history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS and only the second Indian to travel to space. During his 18-day mission aboard the ISS, he conducted seven vital microgravity experiments that are expected to enhance India’s space ambitions. He undocked from the station on July 14 and successfully splashed down off the California coast the following day as part of the Axiom-4 mission.
As India looks to the future, the achievements of its space program not only inspire national pride but also pave the way for further advancements in space exploration.
**FAQ**
*What was Shubhanshu Shukla’s contribution during his ISS mission?*
Shubhanshu Shukla conducted seven crucial microgravity experiments during his 18-day mission, which are expected to significantly boost India’s space ambitions.