Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to Earth After 18-Day Space Mission
New Delhi / San Diego: At 3:00 PM IST on July 15, 2025, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla successfully concluded his historic space journey. He returned safely to Earth aboard the Dragon spacecraft, which landed in San Diego, California. Shubhanshu flew to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the AX-4 mission, organized by Axiom Space (USA). He has now become the first Indian to reach the ISS. Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission marks a milestone in India’s space history, offering a scientific and psychological foundation for future human space missions. With this achievement, India continues to reach new heights in space exploration.
Mission Extended from 14 to 18 Days
Originally scheduled for 14 days, the mission was extended to 18 days due to technical adjustments. During this period, Shubhanshu and three other astronauts conducted over 60 scientific experiments, seven of which were developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Key Scientific Experiments and Research:
Microalgae Research: Shubhanshu worked on biological samples that may serve as sources of food, oxygen, and biofuel for future space missions.
Psychological and Behavioral Studies: One study focused on how astronauts mentally adapt to the zero-gravity environment of space.
Cerebral Blood Flow Analysis: Another experiment examined blood circulation in the brain—useful for the health of both astronauts and patients on Earth.
Returned with 263 Kg of Scientific Data
Shubhanshu returned with 263 kilograms of scientific materials and data. The Dragon spacecraft landed with over 580 pounds (approx. 263 kg) of cargo, including research samples and equipment, along with the four-member crew.
Why This Mission Matters for ISRO
This mission holds significant importance for India as it gears up for its first human space mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for launch in 2027. The experience and data gathered by Shubhanshu will provide valuable insights for ISRO’s future endeavors. The total cost of the mission is estimated to be around ₹550 crore.
10-Day Isolation and Rehab on Earth
After returning to Earth, Shubhanshu will undergo 7 days of isolation followed by a special rehabilitation program under the supervision of flight surgeons. He will go through various medical, physical, and psychological evaluations before returning to India.