New Delhi, July 15, 2025 – Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three international crew members, safely returned to Earth today, marking the successful completion of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named “Grace,” splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, at approximately 3:02 PM IST, concluding a 22.5-hour journey from the International Space Station (ISS). This historic mission, which spanned 18 days aboard the ISS, is a significant milestone for India’s space ambitions and its Gaganyaan program.
A Historic Journey
Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian astronaut in space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984, embarked on this mission on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Axiom-4 crew, led by Commander Peggy Whitson and including mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, docked with the ISS on June 26.
During his 18-day stay, Shukla completed over 310 orbits around Earth, traveling approximately 13 million kilometers. He conducted 60 scientific experiments, seven of which were specifically designed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). These experiments included sprouting moong and methi seeds, stem cell research, microalgae studies, and a zero-gravity water bubble demonstration to showcase the unique behavior of liquids in microgravity.
Challenges Overcome
The Axiom-4 mission faced challenges before its launch, including a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket’s booster detected on June 10. ISRO’s intervention ensured the issue was resolved before liftoff, highlighting the agency’s commitment to safety. ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan emphasized that the organization would have withdrawn from the mission if SpaceX had not addressed the issue, underscoring Shukla’s safety as a priority.
A Boost for India’s Space Program
Shukla’s mission is a crucial step toward India’s Gaganyaan program, the country’s first indigenous human spaceflight mission planned for 2027. The data and experience gained from the Axiom-4 mission, including 263 kg of scientific payload brought back to Earth, will provide valuable insights for ISRO’s future endeavors, including the development of the Bhartiya Antariksha Station by 2035 and lunar missions by 2040.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Shukla’s achievement, stating on X, “I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space. 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. This marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission — Gaganyaan.”
Post-Mission Procedures
Following the splashdown, Shukla and his crew underwent medical evaluations aboard SpaceX’s recovery vessel, the Shannon. They will now participate in a seven-day rehabilitation program in California to readjust to Earth’s gravity after living in microgravity for over two weeks. Shukla is expected to return to India on August 17, where he will share his experiences and insights with ISRO scientists and the nation.
A Nation Inspired
Shukla’s safe return has sparked widespread celebration across India. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, expressed immense pride, stating, “We felt amazing that Shubhanshu’s mission was successful and that he had a safe landing. We are very proud of him.” Social media platforms are abuzz with hashtags like #ShubhanshuInSpace and #IndianAstronaut trending, reflecting the excitement of the younger generation.
The mission’s live telecast was broadcast at the CSIR Auditorium in New Delhi, attended by Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, who welcomed Shukla’s return. The Axiom-4 mission not only underscores India’s growing capabilities in space exploration but also highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing scientific discovery.
Shukla’s role as the mission pilot and his hands-on experience in microgravity experiments position him as a key figure in shaping India’s future space missions. His contributions will inform astronaut training, mission management, and safety protocols for the Gaganyaan program. As India celebrates this achievement, the nation looks forward to further milestones in its journey toward becoming a global leader in human space exploration.
