Shubhanshu Shukla Comes Home After ISS Mission
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is safely back on Earth after spending 18 days on the International Space Station. His capsule came down near the California coast on July 15 2025 around 3 p.m. IST and his family could not hold back happy tears when they heard the news.
Family and Neighbours Celebrate Together
Back home in India his father said he worked so hard for this and we prayed every single day and today our prayers worked. Neighbours rushed to his house with sweets and flowers and people danced to drum beats right in the street. The area turned into a big celebration spot for the night.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent his wishes. He wrote on X that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s courage shows India’s growing power in space and that every Indian is proud of him.
Flying with Axiom Crew
Shukla flew as part of the Axiom 4 mission. This private flight was planned by Axiom Space and took off from NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 26. He flew with American astronaut Peggy Whitson who has spent over 600 days in space and Polish astronaut Slawosz Ujanski and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu.
Experiments for India’s Farmers and Tech
On the ISS Shukla tested how wheat and rice seeds grow in zero gravity. Some of these seeds will help Indian scientists find ways to grow food in dry or tough places. He also worked on new metal mixes that can help make lighter cars and planes in India. ISRO says these results will now go to Indian labs for more tests and Dr A K Sharma said on DD News that these small tests can help farmers and young engineers in big ways.
Next Step for India in Space
Shukla is India’s second astronaut to visit the ISS. Rakesh Sharma was the first back in 1984 with a Soviet flight. This new trip shows India can work with other countries and plan more human space missions. ISRO will launch its own big human mission Gaganyaan soon and experts say Shukla’s success will inspire more students to dream big. Former ISRO chief Dr K Sivan said it proves India’s astronauts can stand with the best in the world.
A Hero’s Welcome
Right after landing rescue boats pulled the crew from the sea. Shukla stepped out with a smile and shouted Bharat Mata Ki Jai and the video went viral in minutes. He will stay in the US for health checks then fly home where schools and colleges already want him to share his story with young students who want to reach for the stars.