Shubhanshu Shukla’s Back from Space—And Earth Feels Weird Now
So Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla—India’s first astronaut on the ISS—is coming home Tuesday after 18 days in space. The guy’s been floating around doing science experiments while the whole country watched. But here’s the thing: coming back? That’s the hard part. SpaceX’s Dragon capsule will splash down near California, and then Shukla’s body has to remember what gravity feels like. Trust me, it won’t be pretty.
Why This Mission Matters
Let me put it this way—Shukla didn’t just take a joyride to space. The Axiom-4 mission, which launched May 21, was India’s big “we’re here” moment in global space exploration. And Shukla, an IAF officer, was right in the middle of it. Over 60 experiments in microgravity, working with NASA and ESA teams. Not bad for a first trip, huh?
The Science Stuff (Simplified)
Okay, so what were they actually doing up there? Everything from medical research—like how proteins behave in zero-G—to testing water filters that might help villages back home. The kind of work that sounds boring until you realize it could save lives someday. And honestly, that’s what makes these missions worth it.
Coming Home Is the Scary Part
Picture this: you’ve spent weeks floating effortlessly. Then suddenly—boom—you’re crashing through Earth’s atmosphere at insane speeds, your capsule’s heat shield glowing red-hot. Survive that, and your body still has to remember how to be human again. Muscles weakened, bones thinner, blood circulation all messed up. Former astronauts say standing up feels like wearing a lead suit. Fun times.
What Shukla’s Facing Right Now
First steps back on Earth? More like first stumbles. His legs might give out. He could black out just from standing too fast—gravity’s pulling blood downward now, and his heart’s forgotten how to pump against it properly. NASA docs will be all over him, probably making him do baby steps for weeks. And the weirdest part? After the silence of space, Earth’s noise and crowds might actually overwhelm him. Talk about sensory overload.
Why India’s Celebrating
This isn’t just about one guy in space. Shukla’s mission proves India can play with the big boys—NASA, ESA, everyone. Schoolkids are dreaming of astronauts now. ISRO’s next project, Gaganyaan, suddenly feels real. And Shukla? He might train future astronauts or even go back up himself. The man’s basically a walking space textbook now.
The Bigger Picture
Here’s what gets me: space changes people. Not just physically—though yeah, that’s brutal—but mentally. Astronauts talk about seeing Earth from up there and feeling… different. Smaller, maybe. Or more connected. Shukla’s probably processing all that while relearning how to walk. Meanwhile, India’s space program just leveled up. Not bad for 18 days’ work.
What’s Next?
More missions. More Indian astronauts. Maybe even an Indian space station someday—who knows? One thing’s certain: Shukla’s trip just opened a door. And a whole lot of kids are about to walk through it.
So welcome back, Captain. Now try not to drop anything—gravity’s a jerk like that.
Source: Times of India – Main
