Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned safely to Earth on July 15, 2025, completing an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of SpaceX’s Axiom-4 commercial flight.
The SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying Shukla and three other international crew members splashed down off the coast of San Diego, California. Shukla, the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984, conducted seven scientific experiments assigned by ISRO across fields such as human physiology, plant biology, and material science.
Indian authorities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcomed his homecoming, highlighting the mission’s role as a vital precursor to India’s ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme slated for 2027. The mission significantly enhances India’s stature in global space exploration.
Historic Mission Marks India’s Return to Space after Four Decades
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launched aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule on June 27, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During his 18-day stay on the ISS, spanning over 310 orbits and approximately 1.3 crore kilometres, he performed a series of seven ISRO-backed microgravity experiments designed to yield insights into muscle regeneration, seed germination, algae growth, and radiation effects.
The experiments aim to improve understanding of human health and agriculture under space conditions and contribute to future long-duration missions. According to ISRO’s Space Applications Centre Director Nilesh M. Desai, “Shukla’s hands-on experience will be invaluable for the upcoming Gaganyaan missions, providing practical knowledge and boosting India’s technological capabilities.”
The splashdown occurred at 3 pm IST on July 15 in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, with recovery teams safely retrieving the capsule and crew. Shukla’s return was watched closely by officials, scientists, and the public in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Welcome back Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. Your courage and dedication inspire millions across our nation.” ISRO’s Chairman S. Somnath also congratulated the astronaut, stressing the mission’s importance as a stepping stone towards India’s independent human spaceflight capability.
Background: Building India’s Capacity for Human Spaceflight
India’s human spaceflight aspirations were sparked by Rakesh Sharma’s landmark spaceflight in 1984, an event that remains a significant milestone. After decades of growth in satellite launches and planetary missions, ISRO intensified efforts to send its own astronauts to space with the Gaganyaan programme. Launched in recent years, Gaganyaan aims to send Indian crewed missions into low Earth orbit by 2027.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission was organised in partnership with NASA, SpaceX, and the private spaceflight company Axiom Space as part of the commercial Ax-4 flight. Supported by rigorous training in the United States, Shukla prepared for months in simulated environments to operate in microgravity and handle emergency protocols.
The mission’s duration was extended beyond the typical 14 days to 18, allowing additional experiments to be performed. India invested approximately Rs 600 crore for training and mission costs, highlighting the strategic priority it places on developing human spaceflight capabilities.
The mission also serves important diplomatic and collaborative roles, strengthening India’s ties with international space agencies and private spaceflight companies, positioning India as a growing player in the global space economy.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we celebrate Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful mission and safe return as emblematic of human curiosity, resilience, and international collaboration.
His journey is a powerful reminder of how science and exploration transcend borders, inspiring vast populations and fostering a spirit of peaceful coexistence.
This mission not only advances scientific understanding but also highlights India’s rapid progress in the field of space exploration, reflecting national ambition balanced with global partnership.
