On 15th July 2025 at 3 PM IST, Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla set foot on Earth after completing his 18-day long International Space Station (ISS) journey. It was his first spacewalk as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). Shubhanshu sat in SpaceX’s Grace (Grace) spacecraft and landed safely in the Pacific Ocean near the California coast. This landing will prove to be a golden chapter in India’s space history.
Shubhanshu’s journey and mission in space
Shubhanshu Shukla left for space on June 25, 2025 by Falcon 9 rocket. He joined the ISS the next day and spent about 18 days there. During this time, he conducted more than 60 scientific experiments, including important topics such as muscle weakness, the effects of space on mental health, and growing crops in space. These experiments will help in better understanding of human life and for future long space missions.
Preparing for Grace Yan’s return
On July 14 at 4:45 pm (Indian time), the spacecraft separated from the ISS and headed for Earth. In order to return, the craft underwent a de-orbit burn procedure, i.e. burning its engines and slowing down to exit orbit. This procedure was necessary so that the craft could land safely in the right place. The craft entered the atmosphere at a speed of 27,000 kilometers per hour. During this time, its heat shield prevented the temperature from reaching 1600 degrees Celsius. The friction caused a hot layer of plasma to form around the craft, temporarily disrupting communications. This process is a common and necessary part of every space mission.
Exciting sea landing
As soon as it came out of the atmosphere, the parachute opened and its speed slowed down. At 3 PM IST on July 15, the spacecraft landed safely in the Pacific Ocean. A loud sonic boom was heard during the landing which was proof of its high speed. Immediately the recovery team arrived with boats and helicopters and the entire Ax-4 crew including Shubhanshu was safely evacuated. Commanders Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu were also included in the crew.
Special items came with him while returning
Grace returned with about 263 kg of cargo. It contained NASA hardware, data from scientific experiments and some debris from the ISS. Shubhanshu also kept the tricolor of India with him and brought along his son’s favorite toy swan “Joy”, which is a special memory of his trip.
10 days of isolation and health care
After landing in the sea, Shubhanshu and his team will have to stay in isolation for about 10 days. During this time he will undergo medical tests and will have time to adjust to the effects of Earth’s gravity. This step is extremely important for health and safety after space travel.