Axiom 4 Misison: Shubhanshu Shukla to Return To Delhi on August 17

New Delhi: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who created history as India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), has safely returned to Earth. The Dragon spacecraft carrying him and his fellow crew members splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off California on Saturday, marking the successful completion of the Axiom-4 mission.

Welcoming the achievement, Union Science Minister Jitendra Singh said, “India has found an enduring space in the world of space.”

Singh organised a special live screening of the touchdown at Anusandhan Bhavan in Delhi. He praised Shukla for embodying the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam by performing rare experiments that will benefit humanity for years to come.

PM Modi Hails “Pioneering Spirit”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded the mission, posting on X. “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 the 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.”

Quarantine and Debriefing Before Homecoming

After landing, Shukla will undergo mandatory quarantine until July 23 to help his body readjust to gravity.

“From July 24, there will be team discussions with ISRO experts over four days, followed by a detailed debriefing with Axiom Space, SpaceX, and NASA representatives until August 13,” Singh explained.

Following this rehabilitation and evaluation, Shukla is expected to return to Delhi by August 17.

On Saturday night, the crew was scheduled to fly from San Diego to Houston for initial post-flight checks and recovery.