Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his Axiom-4 mission crew have safely returned to Earth, marking a triumphant end to their 18-day space mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft made a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego, California, this afternoon.
First Indian on ISS, Second Indian in Space
With this mission, Shukla becomes the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, and the second Indian in space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew in 1984. His journey to the orbiting laboratory began on June 25, when Falcon-9 launched the Dragon capsule from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Seven India-Specific Experiments Conducted
During his time on board the ISS, Group Captain Shukla conducted seven microgravity experiments, specially designed for India’s long-term space goals. These included critical studies on space biology, fluid dynamics, material science, and human adaptation in zero gravity. The experiments aim to pave the way for India’s future deep-space and planetary missions.
Akash Ganga Mission – A Global Collaboration
The mission, aptly named Akash Ganga, is a collaborative venture between Axiom Space, NASA, and ISRO. It represents a major milestone in India’s growing presence in global space exploration and is expected to enhance bilateral space cooperation between India and the United States.
Rehabilitation and Earth Reacclimation
Now back on Earth, the Axiom-4 crew, including Shukla, will undergo a seven-day rehabilitation programme under the supervision of flight surgeons and medical specialists. This is essential for helping the astronauts re-adapt to Earth’s gravitational conditions after prolonged exposure to microgravity.
In a farewell ceremony aboard the ISS, Shukla described his experience as “truly incredible” and emotionally remarked that “India looks fearless, ambitious, and proud from space. It still appears ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha.’” The quote echoed the historic words of Rakesh Sharma, making this mission all the more symbolic for India.
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