New Delhi, July 2025 โ In a moment that has stirred national pride and emotion, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth after an inspiring 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission.
The mission, a collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, and international space agencies including ISRO, aimed at advancing microgravity research, space-based technology experiments, and future commercial spaceflight training.
Shuklaโs return was marked by a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, where recovery teams quickly retrieved the capsule. The astronaut was seen smiling and waving as he was helped out of the spacecraft and later reunited with his family in an emotional moment that was broadcast live.
Hailing from Indiaโs space research hub in Bengaluru, Shukla became a national icon as one of the first Indians to board the ISS as part of a private commercial spaceflight mission. He conducted multiple experiments during his time in orbit, including studies on space agriculture, radiation impact on human cells, and zero-gravity engineering trials.
The Government of India and ISRO officials welcomed his return, calling it a “milestone moment for Indiaโs space ambitions.”
“Shubhanshuโs mission represents the next step in Indiaโs human spaceflight journey. He has made the nation proud,” said an ISRO spokesperson.
With India gearing up for its own Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, Shuklaโs experience is expected to play a pivotal role in training future astronauts and advancing India’s commercial space initiatives.
As celebrations continue, Shubhanshu Shuklaโs homecoming reminds the world that India is not just reaching for the starsโit’s touching them.
