🛰️ Union Cabinet Applauds Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Space Odyssey
New Delhi, July 16, 2025 — In a landmark moment for India’s space ambitions, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, passed a resolution today celebrating the triumphant return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from his 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla, the first Indian to reach the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, safely landed back on Earth aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft “Grace” on July 15, alongside astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary.
🚀 A New Chapter in India’s Space Programme
The Cabinet hailed the mission as a “golden glimpse into India’s future space programmed”, reaffirming its commitment to the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station. The resolution emphasized that Shukla’s journey represents the “infinite aspirations of India”, inspiring youth to pursue careers in science and innovation.
🔬 Scientific Breakthroughs in Microgravity
During his time aboard the ISS, Shukla conducted pioneering experiments on:
- Muscle regeneration
- Algal and microbial growth
- Crop viability and survivability
- Cognitive performance in space
- Behavior of cyanobacteria
These studies are expected to provide critical insights for future space missions and deepen global understanding of microgravity science.
🌍 National Pride and Global Recognition
The Cabinet commended ISRO and the broader scientific community for their relentless efforts, noting that the mission significantly elevates India’s global standing in space exploration. It also highlighted the emergence of over 300 space-tech startups, fueling innovation and job creation across the country.
🇮🇳 Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
Echoing the Prime Minister’s vision, the Cabinet stated that Shukla’s success will energize the national resolve to build a developed India by 2047, marking this achievement as a beacon of progress and possibility.
