Kolkata, 15 July (H.S.) –

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday extended her heartfelt congratulations to Indian astronaut Subhanshu Shukla following his successful return to Earth after an 18-day space mission. Expressing her pride, Banerjee wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Proud of the son of India. Subhanshu, welcome home!”

Banerjee described the moment as a historic and proud occasion not only for the scientific community but for the entire nation. “This achievement highlights the relentless dedication of our space scientists and once again brings glory to India,” she said.

Subhanshu Shukla, a part of an international space crew, spent 18 days in space before safely returning to Earth. The spacecraft, a Dragon capsule, executed a precise splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Officials from the U.S. space agency confirmed that the mission was “entirely successful.”

Images released after the capsule's return showed Shukla emerging with a smile, a moment that quickly went viral and was widely celebrated in India.

Shukla is among the few Indian astronauts to have participated in a major space mission conducted by the United States. His journey aboard the Dragon capsule took him into Earth’s orbit as part of a high-profile mission that drew global attention.

Following his return, discussions have intensified about his potential role in India’s ambitious human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan. Sources suggest that his experience and performance may earn him a significant place in upcoming national missions.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh