Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s trailblazing astronaut, has returned to Earth after an 18-day journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, marking India’s triumphant return to human spaceflight after 41 years. Piloting the SpaceX Dragon Grace spacecraft, Shukla made history as the first Indian to set foot on the ISS, conducting groundbreaking experiments and inspiring a nation. Here are the electrifying highlights of his stellar adventure:

• Mission Unveiled: In late 2024, ISRO and NASA announced the Axiom-4 mission, a commercial collaboration featuring Shukla, a pivotal step toward India’s Gaganyaan program.
• Launch Delays Conquered: Initially set for early 2025, the mission faced multiple delays due to a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket and a Zvezda module issue on the ISS. It finally soared on June 25, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
• Docking Success: On June 26, 2025, Shukla and crew docked with the ISS at 4:30 p.m. IST, kicking off an 18-day mission of science and outreach.
• Groundbreaking Experiments: Shukla conducted seven ISRO-designed microgravity experiments, including sprouting moong and methi seeds, studying microalgae, and exploring stem cell responses to advance space and Earth-based research.
• Zero-Gravity Showstopper: Shukla wowed audiences with a zero-gravity water bubble demonstration, showcasing microgravity’s unique physics.
• Cognitive Research: He performed cognitive load experiments to study screen interactions in space, potentially shaping future spacecraft designs.
• Connecting with India: Shukla engaged with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, students, and ISRO scientists via amateur radio and video links, sparking national pride.
• Heartfelt Farewell: On July 13, 2025, Shukla joined a farewell ceremony with the ISS Expedition 73 crew, expressing gratitude to ISRO and his team.
• Safe Return: The Dragon Grace undocked on July 14, 2025, and splashed down off California’s coast on July 15, 2025, at 3:01 p.m. IST, concluding a historic mission.

Shukla’s journey, carrying a toy swan named Joy as a zero-gravity indicator, symbolized wisdom and grace under pressure, inspiring 1.4 billion Indians and paving the way for India’s ambitious space future.

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