Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya echoed similar sentiments, referring to Shukla’s return as “Shubhanshu’s auspicious homecoming.”“Having touched the heights of space, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has brought immense pride to both the state and the country. His achievement will inspire millions of youngsters and give wings to their dreams,” Maurya said in a post in Hindi on X.Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati also congratulated Shukla, saying, “The news of India’s Shubhanshu Shukla returning safely after conducting several studies in space is not only encouraging for youth but also uplifting for the entire nation. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Shukla, originally from Lucknow, his family, and all space scientists and institutions behind this success. Such experiences will certainly benefit crores of people in the country.”Shukla and the other astronauts aboard the Dragon “Grace” capsule completed a 22.5-hour return journey from the ISS, concluding their mission with a safe splashdown off the coast of San Diego.Launched on 25 June aboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket, the crew docked with the ISS the following day. During his 18-day stay in orbit, Shukla completed over 310 orbits and travelled approximately 13 million kilometres.He conducted seven microgravity experiments assigned by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), ranging from muscle regeneration and radiation effects to studies on algae, crop resilience and human physiology, all considered vital research for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.A native of Lucknow, Shukla’s success has stirred a wave of pride across the nation, especially in Uttar Pradesh and its capital, with his family, friends, and the public hailing the mission as a landmark moment in India’s space programme.
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