Shubhanshu Shukla likely to arrive in India by Aug 17 after post-mission protocols
The four astronauts are expected to spend seven days in rehabilitation as they adjust back to life on Earth under the influence of gravity
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others of the commercial Axiom-4 mission made a fiery return to Earth as the Dragon 'Grace' spacecraft made a splash down off San Diego coast in southern California on Tuesday (July 15), capping a 22.5-hour journey after an 18-day stay at the International Space Station.
The spacecraft carrying Shukla, commander Peggy Whitson, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, undocked from the space station at 4:45 pm IST on Monday.
"Splashdown of Dragon confirmed - welcome back to Earth, @AstroPeggy, Shux, @astro_slawosz, and Tibi," SpaceX said in a post on X.
Speed boats of SpaceX, the transporter for the mission, were seen moving towards the spacecraft to bring it to recovery ship Shannon where the astronauts will brought out from the capsule.
The Axiom-4 crew will undergo a series of medical checks on board the ship before boarding a helicopter for a ride back to the shore.
The four astronauts are expected to spend seven days in rehabilitation as they adjust back to life on Earth under the influence of gravity, unlike the weightlessness experienced in orbit. PTI
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- 15 July 2025 4:56 PM IST
He lifted India's aspirations to new heights: Rajnath
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said Shubhanshu Shukla has not just touched space, but also "lifted India's aspirations to new heights" after the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station returned to Earth after a 20-day space sojourn.
Singh, a Lok Sabha member from Lucknow, spoke to Shukla's father on the phone to convey his greetings and told him that the country is proud of his son's achievements. "Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's successful return from the historic Axiom-4 mission is a proud moment for every Indian. He has not just touched space, he has lifted India’s aspirations to new heights. His journey to the International Space Station and back is not just a personal milestone; it is a proud stride for India's growing space ambitions. Wishing him great success in his future endeavours," Singh posted on X.
- 15 July 2025 4:55 PM IST
'Welcome Back': Adityanath, Mayawati hail Shukla's return after historic space mission
Political leaders in Uttar Pradesh congratulated Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on Tuesday on his successful return to Earth after completing the Axiom-4 mission, calling it a moment of pride for the country and an inspiration for youngsters.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the tributes, calling Shukla's achievement "a glorious symbol of courage, dedication and commitment to science".
"Welcome back to Earth! Heartfelt congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his team on the successful completion of the historic #AxiomMission4," Adityanath said in a post on X. "Every Indian, especially the people of Uttar Pradesh, is proud today. India awaits your return with great excitement," he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya echoed the sentiment, referring to Shukla's return as "Shubhanshu's auspicious homecoming".
"Having touched the heights of space, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has brought immense pride to both the state and the country. His achievement will inspire millions of youngsters and give wings to their dreams," Maurya said in a post in Hindi on X.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati also extended her congratulations, saying, "The news of India's Shubhanshu Shukla returning safely after conducting several studies in space is not only encouraging for youth but also uplifting for the entire nation."
