Lucknow erupted in celebration on Monday as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, returned to his hometown. Marking the occasion, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a new scholarship programme for students in space technology, named after the Air Force officer.

Lauding Shukla’s achievement, Adityanath called it a landmark moment for India’s youth and space ambitions. “This is not just Shubhanshu’s personal accomplishment but an inspiration for an entire generation. His expertise will help Uttar Pradesh and the country embrace future challenges in space science,” the CM said.

He further revealed that the State Science and Technology Department has been instructed to integrate Shukla’s knowledge into academic programmes. “Just a few years ago, space technology wasn’t part of any curriculum in Uttar Pradesh. Today, more than a dozen institutions run dedicated courses, a reflection of the state’s role in India’s progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047,” he added.

Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force pilot from Lucknow, spent 18 days aboard the ISS, conducting over 60 scientific experiments, including seven designed by Indian researchers. His studies explored topics ranging from muscle regeneration and microbial growth to agriculture in space and cognitive function in microgravity.

Launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, the mission was a collaboration between NASA, ISRO, ESA, and global partners. Shukla’s return has been hailed as a proud milestone in India’s expanding space journey.

The astronaut will soon return to training for India’s Gaganyaan programme, which is set for its first uncrewed mission in December this year, followed by the country’s first crewed launch in 2028.