15 July 2025 Himalini International Desk.In a landmark moment for India and its 1.4 billion citizens, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhangshu Shukla has returned to Earth after completing a successful and historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). His return marked the first time an Indian citizen waved the national flag aboard the ISS, elevating national pride to new celestial heights.
Shukla, who was part of the private spaceflight Axiom-4 Mission, landed safely along with his three fellow astronauts on 15 July at 3:01 PM IST (Indian Standard Time) in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft took 22 hours to return from the ISS to Earth after undocking at approximately 4:45 PM IST on 14 July.
After splashdown, the recovery team conducted safety procedures and opened the capsule. Moments later, all four astronauts emerged—Shubhangshu Shukla beaming with joy as he stepped out, greeted as a national hero.
Initially, the return was scheduled for 11 July, but due to mission adjustments, it was postponed by three days. Throughout the 18-day stay on the ISS, Shukla and his teammates conducted scientific research, engaged in outreach activities, and completed a total of 288 orbits around Earth, covering 7.6 million miles in space.
Joining Shukla on the Axiom-4 mission were:
Peggy Whitson (Mission Commander, USA)
Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland)
Tibor Kapu (Hungary)
This mission not only showcased India’s growing presence in global space exploration but also marked another step forward for international collaboration in space science.
As Shubhangshu Shukla returns safely, millions across India and the globe celebrate this remarkable feat—where patriotism, science, and the human spirit reached for the stars and returned home triumphant.
