Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has returned safely to Earth after completing the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). The crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, on July 15, 2025, aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule named Grace.
This is a proud moment for India as Shukla becomes the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) through a private space mission.
What Was the Axiom 4 Mission?
The Axiom 4 mission was launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew included astronauts from India, the United States, Poland, and Hungary. The mission was operated by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA and SpaceX.
The team spent 18 days aboard the ISS, carrying out more than 60 experiments, including seven from Indian institutions supported by ISRO and IN-SPACe. The mission helped test space technology, biology research, and health studies in microgravity.
Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla is a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force and a trained flight test engineer. He was selected by Axiom Space as a payload specialist for this international mission.
His journey to the ISS makes him the first Indian to fly under a NASA-approved private space mission, highlighting a new path for Indian astronauts outside of traditional government programs.
Why This Mission Matters for India
- Marks India’s presence in global private space missions
- Provides experience that will support ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, planned for 2025–2026
- Strengthens collaboration between India and international space agencies
- Opens new opportunities for Indian astronauts in commercial spaceflight
Shukla’s mission adds to India’s growing space achievements and shows the country’s potential in future human space programs.