Bengaluru / July 25,2025 : ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, one of India’s four Gaganyatris from the recent Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), has taken the internet by storm, not with scenes from space, but with breathtaking images of the night sky, clicked from his own rooftop in Bengaluru.

The photos, shared on Shukla’s newly created X (formerly Twitter) account, offer an up-close view of the Orion Nebula, one of the most iconic regions in deep space. Among the stellar details, the Horsehead Nebula can be seen prominently in the center of the frame. What's more impressive is that all the images were taken using amateur astrophotography gear, under the urban skies of Bengaluru - a feat that has won admiration from space and photography enthusiasts alike.

In his post, Shukla humbly captioned his work: “Over time we got better.” The photos, however, tell a story of remarkable patience, dedication, and a clear passion for the stars, even after returning from a literal trip beyond Earth.

Shukla revealed that his interest in astrophotography developed during his recovery period after returning from training in Star City, Russia, and his time aboard the ISS. On the space station, he often spent moments in the Cupola module. the panoramic observation deck capturing mesmerizing views of Earth and space. That experience, he says, inspired him to continue photographing the cosmos from the ground once back home.

The astronaut is currently undergoing routine post-mission health evaluations and recovery procedures. Despite that, he has promised to share more images and even videos captured aboard the ISS, some of which include footage of scientific experiments conducted in microgravity. These visuals, according to ISRO, will soon be used for educational outreach and public engagement initiatives to boost interest in science and space research among students.

The Axiom 4 mission marked a crucial step forward for ISRO’s Gaganyaan program, which aims to establish India as a key player in human spaceflight. The mission involved international collaboration and offered valuable experience that will inform ISRO’s future procedures and crew training protocols.

ISRO officials have confirmed that preparations are underway for Gaganyaan’s first uncrewed mission, scheduled by the end of 2025, with the first crewed flight expected in 2027.

Shukla’s return and his continued public engagement reflect a growing culture of astronaut-scientists who inspire both by their missions and their down-to-earth stories. His rooftop astrophotography, captured under city lights, acts as a reminder that space exploration doesn’t always begin in orbit, sometimes, it starts with a telescope, a clear night, and a curious mind.