Wed Jun 25 13:19:28 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the given text:

**Headline: India Returns to Space After 41 Years: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Arrives at International Space Station**

**New Delhi, June 25, 2025** – India has officially re-entered the space race with the successful launch and arrival of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla at the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, a 39-year-old fighter pilot turned astronaut, joins three other crew members on a 14-day commercial mission led by Axiom Space aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft “Grace.”

The launch from NASA’s spaceport in Florida marks India’s return to human spaceflight after a 41-year gap since Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission in 1984. Speaking from orbit in Hindi, Shukla expressed his pride and urged all Indians to join him on this journey. “This is not just the beginning of my journey to the ISS, but the beginning of India’s human space program,” he stated, emphasizing the significance of this moment for the nation.

The Dragon spacecraft is expected to dock at the ISS at 4:30 PM IST on Thursday, June 26th. This mission also marks the return to human spaceflight for Poland and Hungary.

Shukla, a veteran of the Indian Air Force with over 2,000 hours of flying experience, was selected for the Gaganyaan mission in 2019. He underwent extensive training in Russia and India in preparation for this mission. Known by his call sign ‘Shux’, Shukla also took some Indian sweets with him to the International Space Station to share them with his co-passengers.

Back in Lucknow, Shukla’s hometown, celebrations are underway. His sister, Suchi Shukla, recalled his childhood fascination with aircrafts and expressed immense pride in his achievement. His old school CMS also organised a “public watch party” to celebrate his spaceflight.

During his time on the ISS, Group Captain Shukla will conduct experiments developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA, including studies on food and nutrition in microgravity. He is also expected to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, students, and industry leaders back on Earth.

Shukla’s journey, made possible through the combined efforts of ISRO, NASA, and Axiom Space, is seen as a major step forward for India’s burgeoning space program and has captured the imagination of a nation.

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