The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed on Thursday that astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is in stable condition after returning from the International Space Station (ISS) earlier this week. The agency said it is working with Axiom Space on a rehabilitation programme to monitor his physical and mental health.
ISRO noted that preliminary health checks revealed ‘no immediate concerns’.
Shukla, an IAF Group Captain, became the first Indian to reach the orbiting lab on 26 June. He returned to Earth on Tuesday aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft ‘Grace’, alongside astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary.
Initial checks were conducted on the recovery ship, and Shukla was later airlifted to the mainland for further evaluations and debriefing. He has now been flown to Houston for a week-long rehabilitation programme aimed at mitigating the effects of microgravity.
ISRO further stated that the rehabilitation plan for the Gaganyatri focuses on cardiovascular assessments, musculoskeletal tests, and psychological debriefings. The process is overseen by Axiom’s flight surgeon in coordination with ISRO’s medical team.
Family Reunion After 18-Day Mission
On Wednesday, Shukla reunited with his wife, Kamna Shukla, and their six-year-old son after his 18-day mission.
“Coming back to Earth and holding my family in my arms felt like home. Human spaceflight missions are magical, but they are made magical by the humans,” he said.
Reflecting on two months in quarantine before the mission, Shukla shared the emotional challenges of staying apart from his child.
“Every time he would visit, he asked, ‘Can I wash my hands?’ It was challenging,” Shukla added.
ISRO reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the astronaut’s smooth transition back to normal life, continuing to closely monitor Shubhanshu Shukla’s health throughout the rehabilitation phase.
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