New Delhi, July 14, 2025 — In a moment of national pride, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is returning to Earth after completing an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He is the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, paving the way for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission scheduled for 2027.
Shukla and the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew posed for a symbolic group photo in their flight suits, smiling alongside astronauts from the US, Japan, Hungary, and Poland. The moment was captured on a wall-mounted time-lapse camera, representing the power of international collaboration in space.
“We rarely wear our flight suits, but this felt like the perfect way to mark our final day together,” said NASA astronaut Jonny Kim. “Shukla was a pleasure to work with, and he brought India’s energy and ambition to this mission.”
Return Journey Begins
The Dragon spacecraft carrying Shukla is set to undock at 4:35 PM IST on Monday. It will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and splash down off California’s coast by 3:01 PM IST on Tuesday. The entire descent, controlled by automation, will last approximately 22.5 hours.
At the farewell ceremony aboard the ISS, Shukla was visibly emotional. “This mission has changed me. When I boarded the Falcon-9 on June 25, I didn’t know this journey would be so deeply personal and professionally fulfilling,” he shared.
Honoring Rakesh Sharma’s Legacy
In his parting speech, Shukla invoked the name of India’s first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard a Soviet mission in 1984. “Aaj ka Bharat mahatvakanshi dikhta hai, nidar dikhta hai, confident dikhta hai,” Shukla declared, echoing national pride. “Aaj ka Bharat garv se purn dikhta hai. Today’s India still looks ‘saare jahan se accha’.”
Mission Significance for India
This historic journey is much more than a photo op. The mission, funded by ISRO at around ₹550 crore, serves as a critical stepping stone for the Gaganyaan program. Scheduled for launch in 2027, Gaganyaan aims to send Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit aboard an indigenously developed spacecraft.
Shukla’s experience will be invaluable in training future crews and refining mission protocols. His success also reinforces India’s global space presence, alongside agencies like NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos.
Space Research and Diplomacy
During his stay on the ISS, Shukla participated in multinational research experiments in fields like microgravity medicine, life sciences, and Earth observation. He also served as a space diplomat, representing India in one of the most collaborative human endeavors of our time.
His crew interactions, captured and shared by Axiom Space, underscore the spirit of unity among nations in exploring the final frontier.
Global Applause and National Celebration
Social media platforms in India have exploded with pride and emotion. From ISRO scientists to school children, millions are celebrating Shukla’s achievement as a milestone in India’s space journey.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shukla in a statement: “Your mission has made every Indian proud. You are the face of a confident, capable, and ambitious Bharat.”
The Road Ahead
While this mission concludes on Earth, its legacy will carry forward. Shukla is expected to play a major role in Gaganyaan training and public outreach. ISRO has announced plans to debrief him and share key findings with academic and research institutions nationwide.
India’s space odyssey is entering a new chapter, and Shukla’s journey is its inspiring prologue.