Tue Jul 15 10:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to Earth After Historic Mission, Earns Nickname ‘Shux’ in Space**
**CAPE CANAVERAL, FL** – Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned to Earth aboard the Dragon “Grace” capsule after completing an 18-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, 39, made history as the first Indian to set foot on the ISS and only the second Indian ever to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 journey.
Launched on June 25th from Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the NASA-ISRO collaborative Axiom-4 mission, Shukla not only conducted crucial scientific experiments but also won over his international crewmates with his calm demeanor and technical expertise.
During his time on the ISS, Shukla earned the affectionate nickname “Shux,” a shortened version of his first name that his crewmates found easier to pronounce. The crew included Commander Peggy Whitson of the United States, Slawosz Uznanski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
“Captain Shukla’s professional attitude, technical skills, and gentle personality made a lasting impression on the entire team,” said a NASA spokesperson. “The ‘Shux’ nickname emerged organically as a way to foster easier communication and camaraderie.”
Shukla brought a taste of India to the ISS, sharing traditional sweets like Gajar ka Halwa and Moong Dal ka Halwa with his crew. He also expressed his excitement immediately after launch, exclaiming in Hindi, “Kamaal ki ride thi!” (“What an amazing ride!”).
Shukla’s successful mission marks a significant milestone in international space collaboration and further solidifies India’s growing presence in space exploration.
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