Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three fellow crew members of the Axiom-4 mission safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego at 3:01 pm IST on Tuesday. Their SpaceX Dragon capsule completed its return journey after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The spacecraft had undocked from the Harmony module of the ISS at approximately 7:05 am EDT (4:35 pm IST) on July 14, beginning its journey back to Earth. Shukla’s participation in the mission marks a major milestone for India, as he becomes the first Indian in over four decades to travel to space and the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) officials described the mission as a vital preparatory step for India’s first manned space mission under the Gaganyaan programme, scheduled for launch in 2027.
“This has been an unforgettable experience for him (Shubhanshu Shukla). He carried out multiple experiments aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. After experiencing space and microgravity, he conducted several scientific tests. This mission has been a major learning opportunity for us. ISRO took up this mission to gather experience that will help us in our Gaganyaan programme,” said Nilesh M Desai, Director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre.
ISRO reportedly paid Rs 550 crore for Shukla’s journey to the ISS as part of the commercial Axiom-4 mission, which also included commander Peggy Whitson, mission specialist Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
During his time on the ISS, Shukla carried out a number of scientific experiments, including a moment of levity when he created a floating water bubble. “I’ve become a water bender here in the station,” he joked.
Back on Earth, Shukla’s historic return evoked pride and emotion across the nation. His mother, Asha Shukla, expressed overwhelming relief: “My son has safely returned, I thank god, you all who have covered the event. I got emotional, after all, my son has returned after many days.”
The mission has resonated deeply in India, marking a significant advancement in the country’s human spaceflight ambitions and building on the legacy of Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space in 1984.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Shukla on the successful completion of the mission. “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 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.”
As India continues its journey toward independent human spaceflight, Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission is expected to serve as both a learning experience and a source of national inspiration.
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