Shubhanshu Shukla, First Indian Astronaut to visit ISS, Returns to Earth

Months of training have culminated with the return of the Axiom-4 Mission. A plethora of experiments were conducted. This journey has been exciting for India. Shubhanshu Shukla etched his name into history. He became the first Indian to go to the International Space Station (ISS). Now, he has returned to Earth. The Axiom-4 Mission that arrived at the ISS on 26th June, undocked from the orbiting laboratory on Monday. On Tuesday, July 15, the four-member crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. This occurred off the coast of San Diego, California at 15:01 IST.

The Journey Back Home

On July 14, at 4.45pm IST, the Ax-4 crew began their journey to Earth. Grace, the Dragon spacecraft carrying the crew, undocked from the space-facing port on the Harmony module of ISS. They started on their return journey. They had spent approximately 433 hours and 18 days in space and completed 288 orbits around Earth covering nearly 7.6 million miles.

Early on Tuesday, SpaceX announced that the Dragon was on track to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere. It was set to splash down off the coast of San Diego as per schedule. At around 2:09 p.m., the deorbit burn phase of the splashdown commenced, lasting for about 18 minutes.

The deorbit burn was completed. The truck was jettisoned. The Dragon’s nose cone was closed and secured for entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. A few minutes later, the Dragon’s two drogue parachutes deployed above the Pacific Ocean. Then the four main parachutes deployed. The Dragon had a safe splashdown into the ocean.

At 3.40pm, the side hatch of the partially burnt Grace was opened. The crew slid out of the capsule. They had spent 18 days floating in microgravity. They were assisted to take their first few steps in gravity. First came out mission commander Peggy Whitson at 3.49 pm. She was followed by a smiling Shubhanshu Shukla, at 3.52 pm.

India’s Growing Ambitions for space

Before Shubhanshu Shukla was born, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to go to space. He did so aboard a Soviet spacecraft in April 1984. Forty-one years later, Shubhanshu Shukla became the 2nd Indian astronaut to visit space. The development comes at a time when India is also working on its own spaceflight. Shubhanshu Shukla, in his last speech from space, acknowledged this ambitious plan. “As this journey completes… India’s human spaceflight journey is both long and challenging. But I assure you, if we decide, even the stars are attainable.”

The Prime Minister welcomed Shukla back. He also acknowledged India’s Gaganyaan mission. This mission aims to send a crew of three into low Earth orbit (LEO). He opined that Shukla has become an inspiration for billions.

PM Narendra Modi in a post on X said, “I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space. As India’s first astronaut to have visited the International Space Station, he has inspired a billion dreams. His dedication, courage, and pioneering spirit are truly commendable. It marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission – Gaganyaan.”

For India, Shukla completed seven indigenously developed microgravity experiments and undertook five scientific experiments as part of an  Isro-NASA collaboration.

Officials Offer Felicitations

President Droupadi Murmu said on X, “A hearty welcome to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He comes back on Earth after his space journey. His role in piloting of Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station is significant. It has created a new milestone for India’s space exploration. It has also marked a new era for international collaboration in science and technology.”

Union minister for science and technology Jitendra Singh also congratulated the Ax-4 team. “Congratulations Team #Axiom4! A moment of pride for the world as “Dragon” successfully splashes down, off the California coast near San Diego. A moment of glory for India as one of her illustrious sons returns from a successful voyage. He conducted life-bearing experiments in microgravity for posterity. These experiments were never done before. Bharat today finds an enduring Space in the world of Space!” he said on X.

ISRO Releases Statement

Isro, in a statement late Tuesday, said the successful completion of Ax-4 mission is a proud moment for ISRO. Shukla’s return also marks a proud moment for India.

“Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla is now undergoing a structured post-mission medical evaluation. A recovery protocol is being conducted under the supervision of Axiom Space and ISRO flight surgeons. The statement read that the program spans seven days. It includes cardiovascular assessments, musculoskeletal tests, and psychological debriefs. These are aimed at ensuring full physiological recovery and data capture for future missions.”

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