A moment of history unfolded on July 15, 2025, when Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force successfully returned to Earth after completing an 18-day space mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). His achievement marked a proud milestone for India’s growing presence in global space exploration. Under this he was a part of Axiom 4 mission which include astronauts from India, United State, Poland and Hungary. The spacecraft, named “Grace,” made a smooth splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near the coast of California at 3:01 PM IST. Recovery teams promptly reached the site to welcome the crew back to Earth.
The journey back to Earth took around 22.5 hours
The Dragon capsule undocked from the ISS on July 14, re-entered Earth’s atmosphere with a brief sonic boom that signaled its arrival, deployed parachutes, and gently landed in the ocean. Recovery teams have quickly reached to the site and helped the crew to get out of the space craft.
Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to visit the ISS through a private spaceflight
His mission marks a major step forward for India’s space program, especially as the country prepares for its own crewed mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2027. During the Axiom-4 mission, the crew have conducted over 60 scientific experiments. These experiments includes studies on human health, space farming, mental well-being, and materials used in the space suits.
Axiom Space organized the Axiom-4 mission
A company working to build a commercial space station. This mission was also marked by the 18th crewed flight by SpaceX since 2020. Commander Peggy Whitson who is a former NASA astronaut had led the team. Alongside with Shukla there were Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. For these countries, it was a return to human spaceflight after many years.
Back in India
Shukla’s family and supporters have celebrated for his safe return. His father have expressed pride and joy, saying the entire nation was waiting for this epic moment. Shukla will now undergo through a short rehabilitation program to help his body to adjust to the Earth’s gravity again.
This mission is not just a personal achievement for Shubhanshu Shukla but also a proud moment for India
It shows the country is growing it’s role in the global space exploration and also its ability to work with the international partners. The success of Axiom-4 proves that space travel is becoming more accessible and that India is now ready to take a bigger steps in the future.
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