THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, July 15: Indian Air Force officer and astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned to Earth after completing an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
This marked his first spaceflight, and he was part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). According to reports, Shukla made his return via SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft ‘Grace’.
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Shukla safely landed in the Pacific Ocean near the California coast at 3 PM on July 15. His journey has been hailed as a proud moment for India’s space program.
Shukla was launched aboard the Falcon 9 rocket on June 25, 2025, and docked with the ISS on June 26. During his mission, he conducted over 60 scientific experiments, including studies on muscle loss, mental health, and growing crops in space.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed the return of Shukla from the International Space Station (ISS), praising his dedication for inspiring millions across the country. He described the feat as a major milestone on India’s journey toward its own Human Spaceflight Mission.
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PM Modi shared a message on X, 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 the International Space Station (ISS), 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.”
