Outlook Business Desk
The SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying ISRO’s Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański, and Tibor Kapu has successfully landed in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, around 3 PM IST today, marking a safe return from the International Space Station (ISS).
While in space, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla successfully completed all seven microgravity experiments and planned tasks aboard the International Space Station (ISS), marking a key milestone in the Axiom-4 mission. The crew is scheduled to return today after spending 18 days in space.
Among the experiments Shukla did in space, he conducted studies on Indian Tardigrades, Myogenesis, sprouting of methi and moong seeds, Cyanobacteria, Microalgae, crop seeds, and the Voyager Display, ISRO said on July 14.
On July 13, 2025, Expedition 73 crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) joined the Axiom-4 team — including ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla — for a farewell ceremony held at the space station ahead of the Axiom-4 crew’s departure.
"Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla, while speaking at the farewell ceremony, thanked Expedition 73 crew members for their support along with team ISRO for developing a scientific research portfolio, associated protocols as well as designing student outreach activities with national participation," ISRO said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla after his successful return to Earth, having piloted the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew safely back from the International Space Station.
"I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic space mission. As India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), he has inspired a billion dreams with his dedication, courage, and pioneering spirit. This achievement marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards our own human spaceflight mission — Gaganyaan," PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Axiom-4 mission marks a major step for India’s Gaganyaan programme, with ISRO investing around ₹550 crore to gain vital spaceflight experience ahead of its first crewed mission in 2027. NASA live-streamed the Dragon capsule’s undocking and return, giving a global audience a front-row seat to the mission’s final phase.