The Momma Clan

On 15th July 2025, the entire nation of India beamed with pride and joy as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned safely to Earth after an extraordinary 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). His successful return marked a historic moment for India and sparked fresh hope for the country’s human spaceflight future.

Shukla, born in Lucknow and serving as a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, became the second Indian ever to travel to space, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet mission in 1984. But Shukla went a step further – he made history by becoming the first Indian to visit the ISS, spending a total of 20 days in orbit, the longest duration in space by an Indian.

He was part of the Axiom-4 mission, a private space mission launched by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX. Alongside Shukla were astronauts from Hungary and Poland, including Commander Peggy Whitson, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski –  Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The spacecraft, named Dragon Grace, lifted off from Florida on 25th June 2025 and docked at the ISS on 26th June after a 28-hour journey.

During their 18 days in orbit, the Axiom-4 crew conducted 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions, contributing to the world’s understanding of science, technology, and human health in space.

After the mission, their return to Earth was equally dramatic and thrilling. Travelling at over 28,000 km/h, the Dragon spacecraft re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, at 2:31 am Pacific Time (3:01 pm IST). The crew was then recovered by SpaceX’s ship Shannon, where Shukla stepped out smiling and waving.

The entire country celebrated his safe return. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed him with heartfelt words and said that this was another step towards India’s own Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission, which is planned for 2027. The mission had cost ISRO Rs 550 crore, and the knowledge gained from it is expected to greatly benefit India’s upcoming space ambitions.

Back home in Lucknow, emotions ran high. Shukla’s parents, Shambhu Dayal Shukla and Asha Devi, along with his sister Suchi Misra, watched the splashdown and wept tears of joy. “He has been to space and back, and we are all over the moon,” said his proud father.

As Shukla and the other astronauts now begin a short rehabilitation process to readjust to Earth’s gravity, India salutes his courage, discipline, and pioneering spirit. He has not only made history but also ignited dreams in millions of young Indians who now believe they too can reach for the stars.