Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s Return: Scripting History In Space

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla scripted history soon after returning to Earth safely. On July 14 at 4.45pm IST, the Axiom-4 crew began their journey to Earth after the Dragon spacecraft autonomously undocked from the space-facing port on the Harmony module of ISS after spending approximately 433 hours, 18 days, and 288 orbits around Earth covering nearly 7.6 million miles. Shukla became the second Indian astronaut in space since 1984 after Rakesh Sharma, and the first in the country on ISS. Alongside Shukla, the Ax-4 mission marked the return to human spaceflight programme for India, Poland and Hungary in over four decades.

It was tense when twenty minutes before splashdown, there was around a six-minute communication blackout as the capsule, on entering Earth’s atmosphere, got heated due to the plasma build-up pushing the temperature to 1926.6 degrees Celsius. But at 2.54pm, Axiom Space live streamed the first visuals of the capsule. As the two drogue parachutes were released at around 5.5km to stabilise descent, the seats inside the capsule underwent a rotation that caused the crew to sit upright in preparation for the final descent and splashdown. About 1.8km away, main parachutes were deployed to further slow-down the capsule to a safe splashdown speed from 350 miles per hour to 15 miles per hour.

According to the protocol, the crew underwent the first medical examination in SpaceX’s recovery vessels. They will undergo about a week’s rehabilitation programme under the supervision of flight surgeons to enable them to adapt back to Earth’s gravity. For India, Shukla completed seven indigenously developed microgravity experiments and undertook five scientific experiments as part of an ISRO-NASA collaboration.

Shukla was all smiles while being assisted out of the capsule onto the recovery vessel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X said, “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.”

Congratulating Shukla, President Droupadi Murmu said on X, “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.”

Representing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Shukla’s return with all the learnings and experience from the Ax-4 mission is an important step for the Gaganyaan mission and setting up the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station). Union minister for science and technology Jitendra Singh also congratulated the Ax-4 team. He said on X, “Congratulations Team #Axiom4! A moment of pride for the world as “Dragon” successfully splashes down, off the California coast near San Diego. 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!”

The Department of Space has termed Shukla’s mission as one of strategic importance and India’s resolve to emerge as a serious contender in human space exploration. Former ISRO chairperson S Somanath said, “Super excited to witness the successful return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and fellow astronauts to Earth just moments ago! The insights and experience gained by Shux during this mission will add immense value to Team Gaganyaan as we prepare for India’s first human spaceflight.”

While watching her son’s return anxiously, Asha Shukla could not hold back her tears while praying constantly till the splashdown. She said, “I don’t have words to express my happiness…PM Modi also congratulated him…Excitement is endless and we are very proud. We were afraid at first… The upcoming generation should take inspiration and move ahead as well…”.

Shukla’s father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, too, expressed his urge to meet his son as soon as possible. “Now we want to meet him as soon as possible…We were praying for his safe return to earth…”.

Undoubtedly a big moment not only for parents but for the whole nation to see India gradually moving in the league of super powers and making it’s presence felt to!