Overview
ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has returned from the 20-day Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone for India's space program. Official reports detail the mission cost and outline Shukla's post-mission rehabilitation and its connection to India's Gaganyaan project.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 Mission
- Shubhanshu Shukla, an IAF group captain and ISRO astronaut, participated in the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS.
- The mission lasted 20 days, concluding with a scheduled splashdown off the coast of San Diego.
- Shukla was joined on the mission by commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists from Poland and Hungary.
- Upon return, Shukla is set to undergo a seven-day rehabilitation to readapt to Earth's gravity, supervised by a Flight Surgeon.
Mission Cost and Funding
- ISRO reportedly paid around ₹550 crore for the Axiom-4 mission.
- BBC sources state ISRO paid about ₹500 crore ($59 million/£43 million) for Shukla's seat and training.
Significance for India’s Space Program
- Shukla is the first Indian to visit space in 40 years, following Rakesh Sharma.
- He is the first Indian astronaut to work at the International Space Station.
- ISRO highlights this mission as a stepping stone toward the Gaganyaan human spaceflight, set for 2027.
- Shukla is among four Indian Air Force officers shortlisted for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
Post-Mission Procedures
- After splashdown, Shukla will enter a seven-day rehabilitation program to adjust physically after space travel.
Key Dates / Deadlines
- Shubhanshu Shukla's return and splashdown scheduled for Tuesday at 3 pm IST.
- Seven-day rehabilitation program to commence immediately post-return.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- What further training or assignments will Shukla and the Gaganyaan team undertake before the 2027 mission?
- Are additional details on the rehabilitation protocols and astronaut selection available?