Proud Moment for India: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Back from Space

Proud Moment for India: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Back from Space

July 15, 2025 – San Diego / India
In a moment of national pride and scientific significance, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, pilot of the historic Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), safely returned to Earth today after completing an 18-day journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceX Dragon capsule “Grace”, carrying Shukla and his international crewmates, made a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego at 3:01 PM IST.

This mission marks Shukla as the first Indian to live and work on the ISS and only the second Indian astronaut to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma in 1984.

A Mission that Inspired a Nation

Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey into space is more than a personal achievement — it is a milestone for India’s growing role in global space exploration. Representing the Indian Air Force (IAF) and supported by ISRO, Shukla’s mission was part of Axiom Space’s fourth commercial spaceflight, conducted in partnership with NASA and SpaceX.

As mission pilot, Shukla played a critical role in maneuvering the spacecraft and overseeing in-orbit operations alongside crew members from Poland, Hungary, and the United States.

Science, Innovation, and Indian Research in Orbit

During the mission, the Ax-4 team conducted over 60 scientific experiments, including seven India-specific projects focusing on microgravity effects on plant growth, cell development, materials behavior, and robotics.

The data collected is expected to contribute significantly to India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, offering vital insights into astronaut health and mission design.

Warm Welcome from a Grateful Nation

Shukla’s safe return triggered celebrations across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and ISRO Chairman S. Somanath extended their heartfelt congratulations, calling his achievement a symbol of India’s scientific ambition and global collaboration.

His family in Lucknow—including his emotional parents Asha and Shambhu Dayal Shukla—watched the splashdown live. His mother recited Sundarkand as prayers for his safe return, telling reporters, “He is not just our son, he belongs to the whole nation.”

Road Ahead: From ISS to Gaganyaan

With the Dragon crew now safely back, Shukla will undergo 7 days of rehabilitation to readjust to Earth’s gravity after nearly three weeks in space. Meanwhile, ISRO is expected to begin reviewing mission data to prepare for Gaganyaan, India’s first fully indigenous human spaceflight mission set to launch by 2027.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful space mission is not just a scientific accomplishment — it’s a symbol of India’s potential and progress. His courage, skill, and spirit have written a new chapter in the nation's space journey, inspiring millions and opening the doors to the stars.