Rajnath Singh praises Shubhanshu Shukla along with Gaganyaan mission astronauts

Following the Axiom 4 mission, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is back in India. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called Shukla and three other Gaganyatris 'gems to the country,' stating the Gaganyaan mission symbolizes a new chapter for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. The project, announced in 2018, is set to send a three-member crew into a 400-kilometre orbit for a three-day mission in 2027. Shukla described carrying out seven Indian experiments during his 18 days in space and the difficulties involved. "It was really challenging to do this in space, because everything changes, the space around you changes, your body changes," the astronaut said. The report also highlights India's message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and the Prime Minister's sentiment that this is the beginning of India's long journey in the space sector.