New Delhi, July 16, 2025 – Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, famously known as “Shux” to his crewmates, has safely returned to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego on Tuesday afternoon IST. His successful return aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, named “Grace,” brings the nearly three-week Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to a triumphant close, marking a significant milestone for India’s burgeoning presence in commercial spaceflight and paving the way for future human space missions.
Shukla, serving as the pilot for the Axiom-4 mission, undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) at 4:45 PM IST on Monday, along with his three international crewmates: mission commander Peggy Whitson, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Their 22.5-hour journey back to Earth culminated in a precise splashdown around 3:02 PM IST on Tuesday.
The intricate return sequence saw the Dragon capsule undergo a de-orbit burn at 2:07 PM IST, lasting approximately 18 minutes. This critical maneuver slowed the spacecraft enough to begin its descent into Earth’s atmosphere. By 2:27 PM, the trunk section, containing solar panels and radiators, was jettisoned, followed by the closing of the nose cone at 2:33 PM. The final stage of descent involved the deployment of drogue parachutes at 2:59 PM, followed a minute later by the unfurling of four main parachutes, dramatically slowing the capsule for its gentle splashdown.
Recovery teams from SpaceX and Axiom Space were swiftly on site. They performed immediate safety checks before lifting the “Grace” capsule onto the recovery vessel “Shannon” using a hydraulic cradle. Crew egress began shortly after, with Commander Peggy Whitson exiting first, followed by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla at 3:52 PM IST, who emerged smiling and waving, a moment of immense pride for India. The astronauts were then flown by helicopter back to land for comprehensive medical evaluations, debriefs, and crucial recovery procedures as their bodies readjust to Earth’s gravity after an 18-day sojourn in microgravity.
A Mission of Scientific Discovery and National Pride
During their 18-day tenure aboard the ISS, the Ax-4 crew conducted an impressive array of over 60 experiments from 31 countries, showcasing the collaborative spirit of international space exploration. Crucially for India, seven of these experiments were spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Group Captain Shukla, a distinguished test pilot with the Indian Air Force and a ‘Gaganyatri’ (astronaut trainee) for ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, played a pivotal role in these scientific endeavors. His contributions included:
- Sprouts Project: Focusing on seed germination in microgravity, aiming to unlock sustainable space agriculture solutions vital for long-duration missions.
- Microalgae Research: Investigating the use of microalgae for producing oxygen, food, and biofuels in space.
- Health Monitoring Tools: Conducting trials using glucose monitors in zero gravity, a step towards enabling individuals with medical conditions to safely travel in space.
- Cognitive Load and Stem Cell Research: Exploring the effects of microgravity on mental performance and healing processes, potentially improving astronaut recovery protocols.
Shukla’s mission is particularly significant as he is the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station, and only the second Indian to travel to space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission in 1984. His efforts have provided invaluable data and insights that will directly contribute to India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, slated to send Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit.
Before undocking, NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers shared heartwarming photos of giving haircuts to the Ax-4 crew, including Shukla, a glimpse into the unique camaraderie and daily life aboard the orbital outpost. At a farewell ceremony, Shukla delivered a heartfelt message, thanking ISRO, his international crewmates, and the Indian public, echoing Rakesh Sharma’s iconic words by stating, “India is still saare jahan se accha (better than the whole world)” from space.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Shubhanshu Shukla’s return, stating, “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.”
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s safe return to Earth is not just a personal triumph but a testament to India’s growing capabilities in the global space arena. His mission has not only advanced scientific understanding but also inspired a new generation, reaffirming India’s place among the leading spacefaring nations. He is expected to undergo a seven-day rehabilitation program before his anticipated return to India by August 17, where a grand welcome awaits.