Indian astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to an emotional reunion with his family on Wednesday, following the successful completion of an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). His historic journey as part of the private Axiom-4 mission marks a major milestone in India’s space exploration story.
Shukla, who served as the mission pilot, became the first Indian to travel to the ISS. He lifted off on June 25, 2025, as part of a four-member crew aboard a SpaceX spacecraft launched by Texas-based Axiom Space. The team spent a total of 20 days in space, 18 of which were aboard the ISS, conducting advanced scientific research.
During the mission, Shukla carried out groundbreaking microgravity experiments in areas such as muscle regeneration, algal and microbial growth, crop viability, cognitive performance, and the behaviour of cyanobacteria in space. These experiments were part of international collaborative efforts to advance space biology and deep-space exploration technologies.
His wife, Kamna, who has been in the US since his training began, welcomed him back after the successful landing. “Now that Shubhanshu has safely returned, our immediate focus will be on his rehabilitation and ensuring he smoothly readjusts to life on Earth. For us, simply being reunited after this incredible journey is a celebration in itself,” she told reporters earlier.
The mission has drawn praise from across India. On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, passed a resolution congratulating Shukla, calling his achievement a “moment of pride, glory, and joy” that reflects India’s rising global status in space science and innovation.
“The Cabinet joins the nation in celebrating the return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Earth, following the successful completion of his historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station,” said Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw while reading out the Cabinet’s statement.
Shukla’s achievement also received accolades from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who credited the youth of the state for contributing to India’s growing legacy in space research and innovation.
The Axiom-4 mission, carried out in collaboration with SpaceX, is the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS and a key part of Axiom Space’s broader plan to build the world’s first commercial space station. Shukla’s participation has placed India firmly on the global map of spacefaring nations.
With this mission, India has taken a definitive step forward in human spaceflight, as ISRO prepares for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission that aims to send Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit using an entirely indigenous platform.
