New Delhi, July 15, 2025 - Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has safely returned to Earth today after completing a historic space mission. He was part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, which included four astronauts. Their space capsule landed safely in the Atlantic Ocean around 3:01 pm IST.

The team had left the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday at 4:45 pm IST. On Tuesday, their journey back to Earth began with a planned maneuver called de-orbit burn at 2:07 pm. This slowed down the capsule and helped it re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. The parachutes opened on time, and the spacecraft gently splashed down into the ocean. Rescue teams were ready and quickly brought all four astronauts to safety.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Shukla warmly and praised his achievement. “Shubhanshu Shukla has inspired a billion dreams. His space mission is a big step forward for India. His bravery and dedication will inspire future generations,” PM Modi said.

Shukla is now the second Indian to go to space, after Rakesh Sharma. But he is the first Indian to do it through a commercial international mission, working with NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space. During the mission, he helped carry out many important scientific experiments in space.

He is also a test pilot in the Indian Air Force and went through months of tough training in the United States before the mission. His work in space focused on how the human body reacts to space conditions and how materials behave in zero gravity.

People all across India celebrated his safe return. Many schools and colleges watched the landing live. Students waved posters and cheered for Shukla, proud to see an Indian hero in space. ISRO also congratulated him and said this mission would help India’s future space projects, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.

This mission is a big step for India’s place in the world of space science. With Shukla’s success, India has shown that it is ready to work with other countries and take bold steps in space.

Shukla will now rest, undergo medical checks, and later speak to the media about his space journey. The whole country is waiting to hear his story.

Today, July 15, 2025, will be remembered as a proud day for India, when a brave Indian went to space, made history, and came home safely.