After an extraordinary 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned to Earth, marking a momentous occasion for India and his family. The SpaceX Dragon capsule, named Grace, carrying Shukla and his crewmates, splashed down safely off the coast of California near San Diego at approximately 3:01 PM IST on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

The nation has been eagerly awaiting the return of its Gaganyatri, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu extending their congratulations. Modi acknowledged Shukla's pioneering spirit and the inspiration he has provided to a billion dreams, while Murmu recognized his role in advancing India's space exploration and international collaboration in science and technology.

Shukla's family in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, was overcome with emotion, pride, and excitement as they awaited his return. His mother, Asha Shukla, expressed her boundless happiness and gratitude for everyone's support. His sister, Shuchi Mishra, admitted to sleeplessness fueled by anticipation, while his father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, conveyed his deep thankfulness for his son's safe return from a place with "little chance of coming back". He expressed his eagerness to meet his son as soon as possible.

Celebrations erupted at the Shukla residence as the news of the successful splashdown reached them. The family had been fervently praying for his safe return and had decorated their home and prepared his favorite dishes to welcome him back.

Group Captain Shukla's journey is more than just a personal achievement; it's a significant milestone for India's space program. He is only the second Indian to travel to space, after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984, and the first to visit the International Space Station. His participation in the Axiom-4 mission is a result of the strategic partnership between NASA and ISRO, providing invaluable experience for India's upcoming Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send its first crewed mission to space by 2027.

During his 18 days on the ISS, Shukla played a crucial role in conducting over 60 scientific experiments spanning various fields, including plant biology, materials science, and artificial intelligence. His leadership in the Sprouts Project, focused on plant growth in microgravity, has garnered significant scientific interest for its potential applications in long-duration space travel and sustainable agriculture on Earth.

Upon emerging from the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, Shukla appeared cheerful and composed, experiencing gravity for the first time in nearly three weeks. The crew will now undergo a period of medical examination and rehabilitation to readjust to Earth's gravity. Shukla is expected to return to Delhi on August 17.

The successful return of Shubhanshu Shukla marks the end of a high-impact mission and opens the door to new frontiers in space-based research, inspiring a nation and paving the way for India's ambitious Gaganyaan program.