New Delhi, July 15. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), safely returned to Earth on Tuesday, marking a historic milestone for the country’s space journey. His return aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule Grace concluded an 18-day mission as part of the Axiom-4 crew, which splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego shortly after 3 pm IST.
“I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to space,” Prime Minister posted on X. “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.”
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed the moment as “a moment of pride for the world, a moment of glory for India”, stating that Shukla’s return symbolised India’s arrival as a formidable player in the global space ecosystem.
“One of Mother India’s illustrious sons is back. India has found a lasting space in the world of space,” Dr. Singh declared while addressing scientists, media personnel, and officials after witnessing the live splashdown.
The Axiom-4 mission, which included American astronaut Peggy Whitson as mission commander, and Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, Hungary’s Tibor Kapu as mission specialists, and India’s Shukla as mission pilot, undocked from the ISS at 4:45 pm IST on Monday and took 22.5 hours to descend.
Describing the mission as a significant leap in India’s scientific trajectory, Dr. Singh emphasised that it marked the beginning of a new era in India’s technological ambitions.
“These are experiments that have never been done before. This mission’s success will have long-term implications for humankind,” he said.
All four astronauts will now undergo mandatory quarantine until July 23, followed by medical evaluations and debriefings with NASA, Axiom Space, and later with ISRO. Shukla is expected to return to India around August 17.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world as one family – Dr. Singh said the mission underscored India’s commitment to international scientific collaboration. He described Shukla as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’, or global citizen, who carried forward the spirit of universal brotherhood into space.
“This is not just a scientific mission,” he said, “it is a reflection of India’s role as a trusted partner in the shared journey of humanity.”
Highlighting India’s growing role in human spaceflight programmes, including the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, the Minister said Shukla’s flight signified more than just a successful mission – it was a confident stride into the future of international space collaboration.
“The Prime Minister’s call to look to the skies and dream big is taking shape,” Dr. Singh said. “This is just the beginning. It will inspire a new generation of Indians to explore careers in space and science.”
Group Captain Shukla’s successful mission to the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 crew marks a watershed moment in India’s space journey. As the first Indian to live and work aboard the ISS, Shukla’s mission is not only a personal triumph but also a national achievement with wide-ranging implications for India’s growing presence in the global space ecosystem.
Until now, only a handful of countries – primarily the US, Russia, the European Union, Canada, and Japan – have had citizens aboard the ISS. By sending Group Captain Shukla as part of a commercial spaceflight conducted by the US-based Axiom Space in partnership with NASA and SpaceX, India has officially entered this elite club. His 18-day stay aboard the orbital laboratory represents India’s integration into collaborative international space missions that go beyond symbolic participation.
Group Captain Shukla carried out seven experiments developed by ISRO and leading Indian research institutions, all focused on understanding biological and technological challenges in microgravity – the results of which will directly feed into the Gaganyaan mission and India’s future space ambitions.
Space microalgae
This was conducted in partnership with International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology(ICGEB) and National Institute of Plant Genome Research(NIPGR). He deployed sample bags and monitored the growth, metabolism, and genetic changes in three microalgae strains. Aimed at developing sustainable, space-based food and oxygen production systems.
Sprouting salad seeds
This was a collaboration between the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, and IIT Dharwad. He sprouted green gram (moong) and fenugreek (methi) seeds, storing them for post-flight generational studies to track genetic, microbial, and nutritional shifts.
Voyager tardigrade
With IISc Bengaluru, Group Cptain Shukla carried Bengaluru‑strain tardigrades (Paramacrobiotus) to study their survival, revival, reproduction, and gene expression in space. This offers insight into cellular resilience and potential biotech applications.
Myogenesis (muscle regeneration)
Conducted inside the ISS’s Life Sciences Glovebox, this study by the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine(InStem) investigated metabolic pathways behind muscle atrophy and potential supplement-based countermeasures – key for astronaut health and treating muscle degeneration on Earth.
Effect of metabolic supplements on muscle regeneration
Also under InStem and a part of the Myogenesis framework, this experiment focused on how certain supplements influenced muscle repair in microgravity.
Voyager displays (human‑computer interaction)
Designed by IISc Bengaluru, this psychophysical study measured gaze patterns, pointing tasks, ocular movement, stress, and cognitive load during screen interaction in microgravity – critical for future spacecraft UI design.
Cyanobacteria growth (Proteomics)
This was another ICGEB experiment comparing growth under urea versus nitrate nutrient conditions, using proteomic analysis to inform life support and bio-manufacturing strategies.
Food crop seeds
This was conducted by IIST & Kerala Agricultural University and involved growing various crop seeds to monitor impacts on yield and development – essential for long-term space agriculture.
Group Captain Shukla’s mission wasn’t just symbolic – it was a rigorous scientific campaign advancing both Indian and global knowledge. His hands-on execution of these experiments cements India’s capability in conducting meaningful microgravity research, opening doors for advanced human spaceflight and deep space missions.
