Historic Homecoming from the ISS
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), departed the station on July 14, 2025, aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon “Grace.” The Axiom‑4 mission spacecraft is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off California on July 15 at around 3 p.m. IST, marking the end of an 18-day mission that included over 310 orbits—covering a staggering 1.3 crore km (≈33 lunar distances).
A Mission Beyond Firsts
Shukla’s journey aboard the privately organized Axiom‑4 mission represents several milestones: India’s first ISS visit via a commercial flight, the first government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades, and the first such mission for Poland and Hungary. During the mission, Shukla and his international crew completed about 60 microgravity experiments and conducted educational outreach from orbit.
National Inspiration and Family Pride
Back home in Lucknow, Shukla’s mother Asha, father Shambhu Dayal, and sister Shuchi Mishra observed rituals—including prayers and temple visits—to seek his safe return. His sister, Shuchi, described the moment as reigniting “the same emotions” felt at his launch.
Legacy with an Eye to the Future
Shukla paid tribute to Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut in space, noting that while Sharma reached space aboard a Soviet mission in 1984, Shukla’s mission is a milestone in India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, scheduled to orbit domestically by 2027.
Next Steps After Splashdown
Following the undocking, the Crew Dragon will endure a 22.5-hour return trajectory, reaching Earth’s atmosphere and touching down in the Pacific around 3 p.m. IST on July 15. Shukla and his crewmates will undergo a 7-day rehabilitation period to readjust to gravity before heading home.
Final Outlook
Shubanshu Shukla’s seamless return capstones India’s emergence as a commercial spaceflight partner and sets the stage for self-reliant crewed missions under Gaganyaan. His legacy—etched in orbits, data, and hearts—paves the way for a new era in India’s cosmic journey.
