Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s trailblazing astronaut and the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), safely returned to Earth today, concluding an eventful 18-day mission as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew. 

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying Shukla and his three fellow crew members, executed a precise splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, at approximately 3:01 PM IST (9:31 GMT).

The mission, commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, undocked from the ISS on July 14, 2025, marking the beginning of the crew’s journey home.

A Mission of Scientific Discovery and National Pride

During his historic stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, Group Captain Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force pilot, conducted over 60 scientific experiments. His research spanned critical areas, including:

• Studies on muscle loss in microgravity.
• Investigations into digestion in the space environment.
• Monitoring of mental well-being during long-duration spaceflight.
• Groundbreaking research on microalgae for potential use in space as a source of food, oxygen, and even biofuel.

“What a ride! It’s been an amazing feeling to be just floating in space,” Shukla had remarked during his first 24 hours in orbit. He also noted the mission’s zero-gravity indicator, a toy swan named Joy, which he said, “symbolizes wisdom and ability to discern what is important and what is not, which is so important in this age of distractions.”

Readjusting to Earth: The Road Ahead

Upon their return, Group Captain Shukla and the crew immediately began a rigorous seven-day rehabilitation program designed to help them readjust to Earth’s gravity. This includes comprehensive medical checks and continuous monitoring to ensure their well-being after nearly three weeks in a microgravity environment.

A Nation Celebrates: PM Modi, ISRO, and Family React

The successful return of Group Captain Shukla has been met with an outpouring of pride and congratulations across India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Shukla’s return as a “momentous occasion for India.” In a post on X, he stated, “Shubhanshu’s journey to the ISS and safe return is a testament to India’s growing space prowess and our commitment to human space exploration. His mission has paved the way for Gaganyaan and inspired millions of young Indians to dream big.” The Prime Minister also lauded Shukla’s significant contributions to the scientific experiments conducted during the mission.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath echoed the sentiment, calling Shukla’s mission a “milestone for India’s space program.” In an official statement, ISRO highlighted that “Group Captain Shukla’s successful Axiom-4 mission marks a significant step toward our Gaganyaan program. His experiments on the ISS will provide critical data for future human spaceflight missions.” The agency underscored that Shukla’s extensive training and exceptional performance have significantly bolstered confidence in India’s preparations for its first manned mission, Gaganyaan, which is currently scheduled for 2026.

In Lucknow, Shukla’s parents expressed immense pride and palpable relief. His father, a retired professor, shared, “We were anxious but overjoyed watching him land safely. His dedication has made not just our family but the entire nation proud.” His mother added, “Seeing him back on Earth is the greatest gift. We prayed for his safety every day.” The family celebrated his homecoming with close relatives and eagerly awaits his return to Delhi.

Shukla’s Inspiring Words from Orbit

Throughout his mission, Group Captain Shukla shared profound reflections that resonated deeply with the Indian public:

• Upon Entering Orbit (June 25, 2025): “Namaskar, my dear countrymen. What a ride! After 40 years, we have once again reached space, and it was an amazing ride. The Tiranga (Tricolour) on my shoulders tells me that I am not alone and that you are all with me. This is not just the start of my journey to the International Space Station, but the start of India’s human space programme. I want my countrymen to become part of this journey. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”
• Videoconference with PM Modi (June 28, 2025): “Bharat appears massive from space, much larger than what we see on maps,” he remarked, evoking the iconic words of India’s first cosmonaut, Rakesh Sharma.
• Reflecting on Earth’s View (July 5, 2025): Echoing Rakesh Sharma’s famous sentiment, Shukla shared on X, “India still looks ‘saare jahan se achcha’ from space,” highlighting the breathtaking view of his homeland.
• On Space Experience (July 4, 2025): “There’s no such thing as a floor or ceiling for sleeping in space,” he posted on X, conveying the surreal nature of microgravity.
• Inspiring the Next Generation: Speaking to students, Shukla encouraged future generations, stating, “Many of you can become astronauts, walk on the Moon.”

Group Captain Shukla is expected to return to Delhi on August 17, 2025, where further celebrations and a hero’s welcome await him. His pioneering mission has undoubtedly etched a new chapter in India’s burgeoning space journey, inspiring millions to look up and dream of the stars.

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