New Delhi, July 15, 2025 — Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force safely returned to Earth on Tuesday after completing an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone in India’s space exploration journey. His successful participation in the Axiom-4 mission positions India for a more prominent role in global human spaceflight and strengthens the foundation for the country’s upcoming Gaganyaan programme.
The SpaceX Dragon capsule ‘Grace’, carrying Shukla and three other astronauts, splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego at 3:01 PM IST. The crew included mission commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). Shukla became the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 Soviet mission.
During the mission, Shukla conducted seven Indian-designed microgravity experiments, including studies on:
- Tardigrades and Myogenesis
- Sprouting of methi and moong seeds
- Cyanobacteria and microalgae cultivation
- Crop seed development and Voyager Display technology
These experiments are expected to yield insights into sustainable space agriculture, muscle degeneration, and biofuel generation, with implications for long-duration missions and terrestrial health research.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Shukla’s return, stating, “As India’s first astronaut to have visited the International Space Station, he has inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit. It marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission – Gaganyaan”.
Following splashdown, Shukla and the crew were transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for a 10-day quarantine and rehabilitation program. Medical evaluations will assess cardiovascular health, bone density, reflexes, and psychological well-being to aid their readjustment to Earth’s gravity.
ISRO confirmed that Shukla successfully completed all planned activities and experiments. His mission is expected to inform astronaut training protocols, telemetry systems, and life support development for India’s first indigenous crewed flight, Gaganyaan-4, scheduled for 2027.
Shukla’s return has been met with widespread celebration across India. His family in Lucknow expressed pride and relief, calling the mission a “moment of national significance.” The astronaut is expected to take on ambassadorial roles in science outreach and contribute to shaping India’s future spaceflight strategy.
With this landmark achievement, India reaffirms its commitment to advancing human space exploration and fostering international collaboration in science and technology.
