New Delhi:
After spending over two weeks aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on his way back to Earth. The astronaut is part of the Axiom-4 private space mission and is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on Monday at approximately 3:01 PM IST.
Shukla, who served as the pilot on the mission, is the second Indian to fly to space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984, and the first Indian to visit the ISS. His return aboard SpaceX’s Dragon ‘Grace’ marks a major moment for India’s human spaceflight program.
#WATCH | In a historic moment, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and the Axiom-4 crew aboard Dragon spacecraft splashes down in the Pacific Ocean after an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS)
(Video Source: Axiom Space/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/qLAq2tyW5S
— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2025
Axiom-4 Mission Nears Safe Conclusion:
The Axiom-4 crew comprising commander Peggy Whitson (USA), pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), and mission specialists Sławosz Uznanski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary) undocked from the ISS on Sunday at 4:45 PM IST, initiating a roughly 22.5-hour journey back to Earth.
Their return is being facilitated by SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, which began its de-orbit burn at 2:20 PM IST. Shortly after, the spacecraft jettisoned its trunk and prepared for re-entry. During this phase, communication temporarily dropped as the vehicle passed through Earth’s upper atmosphere, generating intense heat and friction.
Splashdown is scheduled near the western coast of the United States, where SpaceX’s recovery vessel Shannon and a Coast Guard team are stationed to retrieve the astronauts and provide initial medical support.
India Celebrates a Proud Milestone:
Back home, Shukla’s family, friends, and countless well-wishers are eagerly awaiting his return. In Lucknow, his parents offered prayers at a local temple, while his sister spoke of the immense pride felt by the entire community. Across the nation, space enthusiasts and schoolchildren have been following the mission closely.
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Shukla’s mission aboard the ISS included critical scientific experiments, such as studies on muscle loss in microgravity, the impact of long-duration spaceflight on mental health, and biological payload testing. He also participated in public outreach activities, interacting with students and researchers via video calls.
Key Moment for Gaganyaan and Indian Spaceflight:
The Axiom-4 mission is expected to provide invaluable insights for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, ISRO’s first crewed spaceflight, scheduled for 2027. Shukla’s hands-on experience aboard the ISS from spacecraft docking operations to life in microgravity will directly inform mission planning and astronaut training in India.
After splashdown, the crew will undergo routine medical checks and post-flight recovery procedures. Shukla will remain in the United States for debriefings before returning to India later this month.
This mission was not only a breakthrough for private spaceflight under Axiom Space and SpaceX but also a symbol of growing international cooperation in space exploration. With astronauts from four nations flying together, the mission has showcased the future of multi-agency human spaceflight.
India’s space agency and the government have lauded the mission, calling it a historic milestone that strengthens India’s position in the global space ecosystem.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful return from space is not only a proud moment for India but also a crucial leap forward for the country’s future space ambitions. As Dragon ‘Grace’ nears splashdown, a new chapter in Indian human spaceflight is being written one powered by global partnerships, scientific curiosity, and national pride.
