Shubhanshu Shukla Return LIVE: India Celebrates Group Captain Shux’s Successful Space Voyage
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and Axiom-4 crew return to Earth today after an 18-day mission aboard the ISS. Watch the live splashdown and key highlights of the re-entry.
LIVE
Background
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has undocked from the International Space Station (ISS), wrapping up an 18-day mission that has captured global attention and marked a major milestone for India’s space ambitions.
Shukla, aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft ‘Grace,’ began his return journey on Monday, July 14, alongside his Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crewmates—Commander Peggy Whitson and Mission Specialists Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu. The crew is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego, California, at 3:01 pm IST on Tuesday (2:31 am PT).
This mission makes Shukla the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma’s iconic flight in 1984. More than a personal achievement, his journey reflects India’s growing presence in the global space community.
The spacecraft undocked at 4:45 pm IST on Monday, beginning a 22.5-hour return path. The critical de-orbit burn is set for 2:07 pm IST, followed by trunk separation at 2:26 pm IST. The capsule will endure re-entry temperatures nearing 1,600°C before parachutes ensure a safe landing.
Watch the Splashdown Live
Viewers can watch the splashdown live via NASA TV, SpaceX’s YouTube channel, and Axiom Space’s social media.
During the mission, Shukla completed seven scientific experiments, including studies on Tardigrades, Myogenesis, sprouting of seeds, and microbial growth in microgravity—advancing research in space biology and sustainability.
His return marks a proud moment for India and a step forward for global space collaboration.
Shubhanshu Shukla Return LIVE: Astronaut's Family Celebrate Outside Lucknow Residence
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's mother, Asha Shukla, his father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, and relatives danced outside their residence and celebrated as he returned to Earth after an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
#WATCH | Axiom-4 Mission | Lucknow, UP: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's mother, Asha Shukla, father Shambhu Dayal Shukla and relatives dance outside their residence and celebrate as Shubhanshu Shukla and the entire crew return to Earth after an 18-day stay aboard the… pic.twitter.com/lz87a4aqYU
— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2025
Shubhanshu Shukla Return LIVE: Amit Shah says group captain 'scripted an episode of triumph'
"My heartiest congratulations to Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla on his successful return to Earth after a journey to the International Space Station. Driven by the sheer quest for greatness of Bharat, he has scripted an episode of triumph that has not only enhanced our pride but also renewed the confidence among Indian astronauts and scientists about their genius and grit. The knowledge and experience acquired in this journey will be crucial for Bharat in the future space missions," Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated.
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