Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Safely Splashes Down After 18-Day Space Mission
Pensacola, July 15, 2025 – Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth today, touching down in the Gulf of Mexico near Pensacola, Florida, at 4:39 PM IST. The safe landing of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, christened “Voyager,” concluded a groundbreaking 20-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant chapter in India’s space exploration legacy.
Shukla, the second Indian astronaut to venture into space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission, embarked on a 24-hour return journey after undocking from the ISS on July 14 at 4:39 PM IST. As part of the Axiom-5 mission, alongside commander Anne McClain, Japan’s Aiko Nakamura, and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen, Shukla’s team completed 320 orbits around Earth, traveling over 8.4 million miles during their 480-hour mission.
On the ISS, Shukla spearheaded eight innovative experiments designed by Indian scientists, focusing on sustainable life-support systems, including hydroponic plant growth for oxygen and nutrition, and studies on muscle adaptation in zero-gravity environments. These efforts are poised to bolster India’s ambitious Gaganyaan program, aimed at launching the nation’s first crewed orbital mission, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The crew also brought back 600 pounds of scientific equipment and data from over 50 experiments, advancing global research in microgravity.
India’s President Droupadi Murmu hailed Shukla’s accomplishment, sharing on X: “Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s safe return from space is a proud moment for India. His mission paves the way for our Gaganyaan vision, inspiring millions.” Shukla’s sister, Priya Shukla, told ANI, “We’re overjoyed to see him back safely. His courage makes our family and nation proud.”
Post-splashdown, recovery teams performed thorough safety and medical assessments, ensuring the spacecraft’s stability. Shukla and his crew will undergo a 10-day rehabilitation program to readjust to Earth’s gravity, monitored by medical experts. The team is set to travel to Florida for additional evaluations before Shukla’s homecoming to India, where a grand reception awaits.
Shukla’s mission has ignited national enthusiasm, with X posts buzzing with admiration: “Shubhanshu Shukla’s return is a triumph for India’s space dreams!” one user exclaimed. His brother, Vikram Shukla, shared with DD News, “We’re thrilled beyond words. Seeing him back on Earth fills us with pride and relief.”
The Axiom-5 mission highlights India’s rising prominence in space exploration and fosters global partnerships. Shukla reflected during the mission, “Working together across borders is the future of space discovery.” As India gears up for Gaganyaan, Shukla’s journey stands as a testament to the nation’s growing ambitions and its 1.4 billion citizens’ aspirations for the stars.