New Delhi, India – July 16, 2025 – Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully returned to Earth after an eventful 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. His safe splashdown off the coast of California on July 15th marks a monumental achievement for India, positioning him as the second Indian to venture into space since 1984 and, notably, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.
The seasoned Indian Air Force pilot, who served as the mission pilot for Ax-4, embarked on his historic journey on June 25, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft launched by a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. During his tenure on the orbital outpost, Group Captain Shukla diligently conducted seven pioneering scientific experiments, contributing significantly to microgravity research and setting a precedent for India’s burgeoning space ambitions.
These experiments spanned diverse fields, including studies on muscle regeneration, algal and microbial growth, crop viability, microbial survivability, cognitive performance in space, and the behavior of cyanobacteria. The insights gained from these studies are expected to deepen global understanding of human spaceflight and microgravity science, providing crucial inputs for India’s future indigenous human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan.
Group Captain Shukla’s mission is a vital stepping stone for India, bridging a nearly four-decade gap since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984 as part of the Soviet Intercosmos program. While Sharma’s mission was primarily a diplomatic gesture, Shukla’s presence on the ISS, funded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), represents a more direct and collaborative engagement in international space exploration and scientific endeavors.
ISRO reportedly invested approximately ₹550 crore (around $65 million) for Shukla’s seat on the Axiom-4 mission, an investment seen as strategic for gaining invaluable hands-on experience in astronaut training, spacecraft operations, and ISS protocols, all critical for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
Upon his return, Group Captain Shukla will undergo a structured rehabilitation program, including medical and psychological evaluations, to aid his re-acclimation to Earth’s gravity. His successful mission not only elevates India’s global standing in space exploration but also serves as a powerful inspiration for a new generation of Indian scientists and engineers, igniting curiosity and fostering a scientific temper across the nation.
The Axiom-4 mission, executed in partnership with NASA and SpaceX, underscores India’s growing role in global commercial and scientific space efforts, signaling a new chapter in the nation’s journey towards independent crewed space missions and the eventual establishment of its own Bharatiya Antariksha Station.
