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Indian astronaut Subhanshu Shukla meets family after returning from historic ISS trip

  
  
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  Indian astronaut Subhanshu Shukla was reunited with his family on Wednesday after his historic 18-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, was part of the private Axiom-4 mission along with three other astronauts. The crew returned to Earth on Tuesday, July 15, after spending a total of 20 days in space, 18 of which were on the ISS. Launched on June 25, the Axiom-4 mission saw Shukhanshu Shukla serve as the mission pilot, becoming the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). During his stay, he collaborated smoothly with the Axiom-4 crew and Expedition 73, reflecting India’s growing role in global space cooperation. While aboard the ISS, Shukla conducted groundbreaking microgravity experiments focused on muscle regeneration, algal and microbial growth, crop viability, microbial survival, cognitive function in space, and cyanobacterial behavior. Earlier, speaking to news agency PTI, his wife Kamana said, "Now that Shubhanshu has returned safely, our immediate focus will be on his rehabilitation and ensuring that he adapts smoothly to life on Earth. For us, reuniting after this incredible journey is a celebration in itself." Kamana is in the US after Shubhanshu began preparations for his SpaceX launch from Florida on June 25. The return flight marks the conclusion of the fourth ISS mission organized by Texas-based startup Axiom Space, in partnership with SpaceX, the private aerospace company founded by Elon Musk and headquartered near Los Angeles.
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