When will India’s Subhanshu Shukla return from the ISS? What happens to astronauts after they come back to earth?

India has once again made history as Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has become the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS). He reached the ISS after a 28-hour journey around Earth in SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. While orbiting the Earth before docking with the ISS, Shukla shared his first experiences. He said he was learning how to live in microgravity like a child, and described the feeling of floating in space as amazing.

When he arrived at the ISS, Shukla and the three other astronauts were welcomed with warm hugs and handshakes. During a small welcome ceremony inside the space station, Shukla said: “With all your love and blessings, I’ve reached the International Space Station. Standing here feels easy, but my head feels a little heavy, just a small discomfort, nothing big.”

He added, “I’m astronaut number 634. It’s a great honour for me to be here.”

When will Shukla return to earth?

Shubhangshu Shukla is the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma. He reached the ISS on Thursday along with three other astronauts as part of the Axiom-4 mission.

He will stay on the ISS for 14 days, during which he will take part in a series of scientific experiments. Shukla is expected to return to Earth on July 10, exactly two weeks after reaching the space station.

Astronaut No. 634: Subhanshu Shukla’s first message from the ISS

After reaching ISS, Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla sent his first message and it was full of pride and gratitude. He began by thanking mission commander Peggy Whitson, saying he felt deeply honoured to be there.

“Thank you, Peggy. I am astronaut number 634. It’s a matter of great pride for me. But honestly, I feel even more honoured to be among those few people who have had the chance to see Earth from this incredible place,” he said.

Shukla went on to say that his journey to space was something he had long looked forward to: “This has been an amazing journey. I was excited to come to space, it’s something worth waiting for. But the moment I entered the ISS, this crew (referring to the existing Expedition-73 team) made me feel so welcome. You truly opened your home to us. That was wonderful. I feel even better now.”

Shukla also shared that when he first arrived at the ISS, his head felt heavy,  a common effect in microgravity,  but he kept his spirits high. The Indian flag on his shoulder, he said, reminded him that the entire nation was with him.

It was a proud and emotional moment not just for Shukla, but for every Indian watching from Earth.

What will happen after Shubhangshu Shukla returns from space?

When Group Captain Shubhangshu Shukla comes back to Earth after his space mission, he will be  welcomed by both the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Air Force. But before jumping back into routine life, he will go through a few weeks of medical checks and recovery.

During this time, doctors and space health experts will monitor him closely to make sure his body adjusts well to Earth’s gravity again. Once he is fully recovered, Shukla will work with scientists and space professionals to share what he learned in space including his experiences, research findings, and technical knowledge.

He may also take part in educational and public events to inspire students and young minds across the country. His journey will not just be a personal achievement, but a source of motivation for the next generation of Indians.

PM Modi’s conversation with Shukla from the ISS

During a live interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ISS, Shukla spoke about one of his key experiments i.e. studying how microalgae grow in microgravity. These algae are very nutritious and could play a role in future space food.

He also shared that he was researching whether specific supplements can help prevent muscle loss in space. If successful, this study could help develop medicines to reduce muscle degeneration in elderly people on Earth.

In response, PM Modi praised Shukla’s work and said: “India must move ahead with Mission Gaganyaan, build its own space station, and aim to land an Indian astronaut on the Moon.”

Shukla’s message to the youth

In his heartfelt message to young Indians, Shukla said: “The sky has never been the limit  not for me, not for you, and not for India.”

He urged young people to believe in themselves and dream big.

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