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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.
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...More
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.
"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.
“Welcome back, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla! Your historic journey to the International Space Station as the first Indian astronaut with Axiom-4 is a proud milestone for human potential, innovation, and global collaboration. Your mission has inspired countless young minds to dream big and reach for the stars. Wishing you and the entire crew a safe recovery and continued success in all your future endeavors,” posts Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu.
President Droupadi Murmu stated, "A hearty welcome to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he comes back on Earth after his space journey. His role in piloting of Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station has created a new milestone for India’s space exploration as well as for international collaboration in science and technology. My congratulations to everyone involved in this mission"
"Very happy to see his big smile after he exited the Dragon spacecraft," says Shubhanshu Shukla's sister, Suchi Mishra, on his return as part of the Axiom-4 mission crew from the International Space Station (ISS).
"A new golden chapter for India in space! Heartiest congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla ji and his fellow astronauts on the historic success and safe return of the Axiom-4 mission. As the first Indian to reach the International Space Station, Shubhanshu ji has made India proud with his courage, dedication, and scientific vision. This mission is not only a remarkable achievement for India but also for the entire world. This historic accomplishment will serve as a strong foundation and inspiration for India’s space future, the Gaganyaan mission, and the journey beyond," Om Birla wrote on his X handle.
"History has been made, and the future of Indian space exploration shines brighter than ever. Heartfelt congratulations to Group Captain Shubhranshu Shukla and the entire Axiom-4 crew on their safe return to Earth. Shubhranshu Shukla’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for the entire nation. His space journey will forever stand as a golden chapter in India’s space odyssey. This feat is a big step toward India’s own human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. I wish him continued success in all his future endeavours," posts Union Minister JP Nadda.
Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati writes on X, "The news of Shubhanshu Shukla's safe return to Earth today after various studies in space is particularly inspiring for the youth and exciting for the nation. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Shukla, originally from Lucknow, his family, and all the space scientists and their institutions for this success. It is hoped that such experiences will surely benefit the millions of people in the country."
On the safe return of the Axiom-4 crew to Earth, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, said: “We felt amazing that Shubhanshu’s mission was successful and that he had a safe landing. We are very proud of him. I thank God for this.”
Following Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's return to Earth, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke with his father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla. He expressed happiness on Shukla's return and told his father that the entire country is proud of him.
Poland's Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Hungary's Tibor Kapu also exit Dragon spacecraft.
Shubhanshu Shukla's sister, Shuchi Mishra, told ANI, "I am so happy that PM Modi congratulated him. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla deserves all the praise...We are very relaxed and happy as he has returned to earth safely."
The spacecraft of the Axiom 4 crew, which safely returned after an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has been opened at the designated dock site. IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is to come out shortly.
First Glimpse Of Axiom Crew On Earth
Preparations are underway to open the spacecraft carrying IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and the entire crew, which safely returned after a 22.5-hour journey from the International Space Station, at the designated dock site
IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla on the safe return of his son to Earth after an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) told IANS, "This is a matter of great pride for me and my family that my son traveled to space, and it was only possible due to the blessings of all my fellow countrymen. We are especially grateful to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, under whose efforts this became possible..."
"The experiments conducted by Shubhanshu are going to be of relevance for the whole world. India has already proven its capabilities, and we are going one step ahead. We are in a stage where we can also tell the world that look here we can take upon ourselves the responsibilities of performing maiden experiments which are not ventured by anyone else," Union MoS (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Space, Jitendra Singh, told ANI.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh credited Shukla with lifting India’s aspirations to new heights as he said, "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."
On Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla piloted Axiom 4 returns to Earth, his mother Asha Shukla tells ANI, "Excitement is endless and we are very proud. We were afraid at first... The upcoming generation should take inspiration and move ahead as well..."
"It is indeed a moment of pride for the world and a moment of glory for India because one of her sons is coming back with a successful voyage..." says Union MoS (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Space, Jitendra Singh as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla piloted Axiom 4 returns to Earth (ANI)
PM Narendra Modi welcome Shukla saying, "I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space. As India’s first astronaut to have visited International Space Station, he has inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit. It marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission - Gaganyaan.
Here's the first reaction of the mother of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Asha Shukla, who was in tears, as Axiom-4 mission crew has safely returned to earth from International Space Station. She says, "My son has safely returned; I thank God and you all who have covered the event. I got emotional; after all, my son has returned after many days."
The Dragon spacecraft has been successfully retrieved and is now being rigged for transfer to the recovery ship Shannon. Once secured, the four Axiom-4 astronauts, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, will be assisted out of the capsule shortly.
Union MoS Science, Jitendra Singh posts on X, "Congratulations Team Axiom 4! A moment of pride for the world as “Dragon” successfully splashes down, off the California coast near San Diago. A moment of glory for India as one of her illustrious sons returns from a successful voyage… having conducted for the posterity, life-bearing experiments in microgravity, never done before. Bharat today finds an enduring Space in the world of Space!"
ASplashdown of Dragon spacecraft carrying Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and other crew members confirmed – "Welcome back to Earth. Shubhanshu Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Slawosz “Suave” and Tibor Kapu", posts SpaceX.
Happy to be back, says Axiom-4 commander Peggy Whitson as Dragon spacecraft splashes down
UP: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's family rejoices and celebrates as he and the entire crew return to the earth after an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS)
Axiom 4 Dragon spacecraft splashes down back on Earth.
Main Parachutes Of The Axiom-4 Dragon Deployed.
As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to splash down in the Pacific Ocean today, spiritual leaders in India are offering prayers for his safe return.
Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, said, “We all are very excited today... We have offered prayers for the safe return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Earth.”
The SpaceX team has confirmed that the Dragon spacecraft carrying Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is in good health and fully cleared for re-entry. The capsule is now just 200 kilometers above Earth and will soon begin its fiery descent through the atmosphere.
First Images From The Axiom-4 Before The Touchdown
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s 15-day space mission has laid critical groundwork for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan programme, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Monday. Shukla became the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space, where he carried out a series of scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
"This has been an unforgettable experience for him," said Nilesh M Desai, Director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre. “He conducted multiple experiments aboard the Space Shuttle and the ISS. His work in microgravity provided valuable insights through scientific testing.”
Desai emphasized that the mission wasn’t just symbolic—it served as a vital learning platform. “ISRO took up this mission to gain real-world experience that will directly support our manned spaceflight efforts under the Gaganyaan programme,” he added.
As the Dragon spacecraft carrying Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla nears its splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, emotions are running high back home. Speaking to ANI, Shukla’s mother, Asha Shukla, shared the family's pride and anticipation.
"We are very excited... When we saw the undocking, we knew he was on his way now... We are waiting for our son. He will reach by evening. We prayed for his well-being. We went to the temple and took Hanumanji's darshan. We did a Sundarkand recitation..."
Visibly emotional, she added, “We are proud that our son wrote his name in history. We will give him a grand welcome.”
Shubanshu Shukla, part of the Axiom-4 mission, is set to return after spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station.
The return journey of SpaceX’s Dragon capsule from the International Space Station (ISS) follows a meticulously planned seven-step sequence to ensure a safe splashdown:
- Departure Burns:
Dragon autonomously undocks from the ISS and performs a series of small thruster burns to move away from the station’s “Keep Out Sphere.” - Phasing Burns:
It then executes orbit-lowering maneuvers to align its ground track with the targeted landing zone in the Pacific Ocean. - Deorbit Burn:
Dragon fires its engines in a long burn, lasting up to 24 minutes, to initiate descent toward Earth. - Trunk Jettison:
After the deorbit burn, the spacecraft’s trunk is jettisoned, clearing the way for reentry. - Re-entry:
The capsule reenters Earth’s atmosphere, experiencing intense heat and drag. This slows its velocity enough for safe parachute deployment. - Parachutes Deploy:
Two drogue parachutes deploy at about 5.5 km altitude, followed by four main parachutes at approximately 2 km above the ocean. - Splashdown:
Dragon safely lands in the Pacific Ocean at roughly 27 km/h, then autonomously releases its parachutes, marking mission completion.
During a live interaction from the International Space Station, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla shared a playful and awe-inspiring moment from his space journey. “I have become a water bender here in space,” Shukla said with a smile, before demonstrating a mesmerizing zero-gravity trick—floating a shimmering orb of water for the camera.
Reflecting on his time aboard the ISS, Shukla added, “It has been very exciting. We’ve been extremely busy with all the experiments and activities. The fantastic thing is, whenever I get some downtime, I go to the window and take a lot of pictures.”
The GIF shows the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and the Axiom-4 crew the path of splashdown.
As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returns from his groundbreaking mission aboard the International Space Station, a lighthearted moment from space has captured attention online.
NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers shared a photo of Shukla’s zero-gravity haircut, calling it a memorable part of their time together in orbit. “We said goodbye to our #Ax4 friends today. I was just reminiscing on the haircuts from last weekend! After a long quarantine, I think it was nice for them,” she posted on X, along with a smiling emoji.
In a playful tone, Ayers added, “We joked about how I might have a future in the haircutting business when I get back on Earth, but the reviews are still out.”
As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and the Axiom-4 crew prepare to return to Earth today, Congress leader Udit Raj has stirred controversy with his comments on social representation in space missions.
Speaking about Shukla’s journey, Raj said, “When Rakesh Sharma was sent earlier, the SC, ST, OBC people were not that educated. This time, I think it was the turn to send a Dalit... It’s not like NASA held an exam and selected someone. Any Dalit or OBC could have been sent in place of Shukla ji.”
Elon Musk’s SpaceX confirmed on X that the Dragon capsule carrying the Axiom-4 crew is on track to reenter Earth’s atmosphere and splash down off the coast of San Diego at approximately 2:31 a.m. PT (around 3 PM IST) tomorrow.
The post also noted that the capsule will signal its arrival with a brief sonic boom before landing in the Pacific Ocean. The successful splashdown will mark the end of the crew’s 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station.
Shubhanshu Shukla Return LIVE News Updates: A Crew Dragon capsule carrying the Axiom-4 crew undocked from the International Space Station at 7:15 a.m. EDT (1115 GMT), concluding their 18-day mission organized by Axiom Space in partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Live footage showed the astronauts, including Shubhanshu Shukla, suited up in white-and-black flight gear and strapped into the capsule as it separated from the ISS, which was orbiting about 260 miles (418 km) above India’s east coast.