Axiom Mission 4 Returns: Indian Astronaut Subhanshu Shukla safely back on Earth after 18 days in space
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, July 15, 2025 – In a historic moment, four astronauts, including Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla of India, safely returned to Earth today after spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The crew made a successful splashdown landing off the coast of California at 3 PM IST, following a nearly 23-hour journey from space.The astronauts had departed from the ISS on Monday at 4:45 PM IST aboard the Dragon spacecraft, developed by SpaceX, marking the completion of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4).
The mission was launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on June 25, with the Dragon capsule carried into orbit by a Falcon-9 rocket. The team had arrived at the ISS on June 26 at 4:01 PM IST.
PM Modi welcomes Subhanshu’s return
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the return of Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla, calling it a proud moment for the entire nation.
“Along with the entire country, I welcome Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla back to Earth from his historic space journey,” PM Modi stated.
“Subhanshu has inspired billions of dreams with his dedication and courage. This is another milestone towards our own human space mission – Gaganyaan.”