Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s proud representative in space, is set to return to Earth on July 14, 2025, after successfully completing the prestigious Axiom-4 mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This return marks a major milestone not only for Shubhanshu Shukla personally but also for India’s growing role in global space exploration.
Originally planned for July 10, the mission was extended by four days to allow additional research activities. The new return date was officially confirmed by NASA on July 11.
Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla is a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, selected for the Axiom-4 mission under a collaborative agreement between NASA and ISRO. He is the first Indian astronaut in 41 years to visit space after Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984.
This mission is an essential precursor to India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into Low Earth Orbit using indigenous technology.
Launch Timeline and ISS Arrival
The Axiom-4 mission was launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. After traveling for nearly 28 hours, the spacecraft docked with the ISS on June 26.
The mission was initially scheduled for 14 days, but the return was delayed to maximize scientific output and perform additional experiments critical to future spaceflights.
Experiments Conducted by Shubhanshu Shukla in Space
Shubhanshu Shukla wasn’t just a space traveler—he was also a space scientist. During his stay, he conducted:
- 7 scientific experiments from Indian education and research institutions
- 5 collaborative experiments with NASA
Most of these focused on biological studies in microgravity, materials science, and the long-term effects of space travel on human physiology. The data collected will directly contribute to improving India’s human spaceflight program, especially Gaganyaan.
Viral Moment: A Call with Prime Minister Modi
A defining highlight of the mission was when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a video call with Shubhanshu Shukla on June 28. During their conversation, Shukla said:
“From space, you see no borders. Earth looks united.”
He also shared a light-hearted moment, revealing that he had brought gajar ka halwa to the ISS and shared it with international crewmates. This story not only brought smiles but also became a symbol of Indian culture reaching space.
Incredible Views from the Cupola Module
On July 6, stunning photos of Shubhanshu Shukla inside the Cupola Module of the ISS were released. The Cupola is a dome-shaped observatory with seven panoramic windows, offering breathtaking views of Earth. In the photos, Shukla is seen observing the Earth, reminding us how small yet beautiful our planet appears from space.
India’s Investment in the Axiom-4 Mission
India reportedly paid ₹548 crore for one seat on the Axiom-4 spacecraft, showing how seriously the country is investing in space diplomacy and research. This seat has given India:
- International recognition in human spaceflight
- Real-life training data for Gaganyaan
- Stronger ties with NASA and SpaceX
This mission is more than symbolic—it is strategic.
Why Shubhanshu Shukla’s Mission Matters
The return of Shubhanshu Shukla from the ISS is not just the end of a mission—it is the beginning of a new chapter in India’s space journey.
His mission contributes:
- Critical data for astronaut health and safety
- Operational experience in microgravity
- Psychological insights from extended space travel
- Educational inspiration for millions of young Indians
With the Gaganyaan mission scheduled for 2027, India now has a firsthand understanding of what it takes to prepare and support human missions in space.
What Is the International Space Station (ISS)?
The ISS is a massive, habitable satellite that orbits Earth every 90 minutes at a speed of 28,000 km/h. Built by a coalition of NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA, it has been continuously inhabited since 2000. It is the world’s premier microgravity research lab and a testing ground for missions to the Moon and Mars.
Conclusion: A Proud Moment for India
Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey aboard the Axiom-4 mission has marked a giant leap forward for India’s space dreams. From scientific breakthroughs to cultural pride, his return will be watched closely by millions around the globe.
As India prepares for Gaganyaan, the legacy of Shukla’s mission will echo in the labs, classrooms, and hearts of the nation.