Key Points

While interacting with the media, Captain Shubhanshu Shukla expressed his excitement. He said, "It felt really good coming back home, and I am really overwhelmed by the unexpected love and enthusiasm shown by the people. The people are particularly thrilled by the recent space mission and feel confident about future missions."

He also added, "I am really happy to see the curiosity and interest shown by children, who asked insightful questions, indicating a promising future for space exploration. I believe this is the right time to pursue and explore space, encouraged by the positive response and support received."

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday hailed the achievement of Lucknow-born astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as a matter of pride for the state and the entire nation, calling his journey an inspiration for the youth.

After four decades, an Indian once again travelled to space, and this historic opportunity came to Lucknow-born astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who was felicitated in a civic reception at Lok Bhavan on Monday, a release said.

During the event, CM Yogi honoured Shukla with a shawl and memento, while Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak and Mayor Sushma Kharkwal extended felicitations to his family. A short film about Shukla's space mission, during which he orbited the Earth 320 times in 18 days aboard the ISS, was also screened.

Shukla was part of NASA's Axiom-4 Space Mission, which took off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US, on June 25. He returned to Earth on July 15, splashing down off the coast of California. He became the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space.

- ANI