Shubhanshu Shukla begins Earth return after historic ISS mission.

Shubhanshu Shukla begins Earth return after historic ISS mission.

In a heartfelt farewell message from space, Shubhanshu Shukla reflected on his extraordinary journey aboard the International Space Station, calling it “an incredible journey.” Expressing deep gratitude, he thanked ISRO, Shukla highlighted the importance of international collaboration in pushing the boundaries of space exploration and acknowledged the dedicated teams who made the mission possible. He concluded with hope for future endeavors and continued scientific progress.

New Delhi – In a moment of pride and history for India, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the nation’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), is preparing to return home after an awe-inspiring 18-day journey that has captured the imagination of millions.

His mission, conducted under the Axiom-4 (AX-4) private spaceflight program, was not only a personal achievement but also a giant leap forward for India’s ambitions in space exploration. As the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft prepares to undock from the ISS at 4:30 PM IST on Monday, emotions are running high both in mission control rooms and across the country. The capsule, carrying Shukla and his three international crewmates, is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near the coast of California around 3:00 PM IST on Tuesday, July 15.

For India, Shukla’s return is more than a homecoming—it is a symbolic moment that cements the country’s place among the global leaders in human spaceflight.

A Journey Etched in History

Group Captain Shukla, a distinguished officer of the Indian Air Force, embarked on this journey alongside three exceptional astronauts: the legendary Peggy Whitson of the United States, who served as mission commander; European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland; and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu. Together, this diverse team of explorers represented the spirit of international collaboration in space science and exploration.

Their departure from Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule marked the fourth private spaceflight mission orchestrated by Axiom Space, working closely with NASA and SpaceX. For India, it marked a historic debut—one that has inspired pride, curiosity, and celebration across generations.

Science, Outreach, and a Message to the Future

During his time aboard the ISS, Shukla took on a rigorous schedule packed with scientific experiments and educational outreach activities. His work ranged from testing the behavior of materials in microgravity to assisting with biological and physical sciences research. Every action he performed contributed to over 60 scientific investigations conducted during the mission, helping push the boundaries of knowledge in medicine, biology, and material science.

One of the most impactful parts of his mission was his deep engagement with students and young scientists back home in India. Through live Q\&A sessions, video messages, and interactive modules shared from space, he brought space science closer to classrooms and kindled a spark in the minds of thousands of aspiring engineers and researchers.

Among the 580 pounds of cargo returning with Shukla and the team are invaluable research samples, devices, and instruments used in these experiments—proof of how even short missions in orbit can deliver a wealth of knowledge for life on Earth.

A Heartfelt Message from the Stars

As the mission neared its conclusion, Shukla sent an emotional farewell message from space—one that resonated deeply with every Indian. “This has been an incredible journey,” he said, gazing out at the blue-and-white swirl of Earth below. “I’m grateful to ISRO, Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX for their unwavering support and vision. This moment is not just about me. It is about the dreams of a billion Indians who dare to look up at the night sky and see possibilities.”

He made special mention of the Indian students, scientists, and engineers who contributed to the mission’s objectives. “You were with me up here,” he said, his voice heavy with gratitude. “Your minds, your questions, your courage—they fueled this mission every single day.”

But perhaps the most powerful words came when he spoke of his homeland from orbit. As he looked down at Earth, the astronaut paused, his voice reflective:

And because of all these, I can say once again—today’s India still looks better than the whole world.”

These words, spoken in zero gravity, now echo with the force of inspiration back on Earth.

Shukla’s mission was not an isolated achievement—it was the result of decades of dedication by Indian space scientists, engineers, policy-makers, and institutions. His journey was made possible by the collaboration between ISRO and international partners like NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX—showing how the future of space is both national and global.

This mission also underscores India’s evolving role in the growing arena of commercial spaceflight and private space missions. As the country prepares for its first human spaceflight under ISRO’s Gaganyaan program, Shukla’s success becomes both a beacon and a bridge.

The Journey Home

His journey may have started in the stratosphere, but its real impact lies in the dreams it has ignited on Earth.

From the skies above to hearts below—welcome home, Captain Shukla.