Indian Air Force Group Captain and ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla successfully piloted the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the Ax-4 crew back to Earth. The capsule made a safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, at 3:01 p.m. IST on July 15, 2025.
International Team Completes ISS Mission
The Ax-4 crew included Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, European Space Agency astronaut Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and HUNOR astronaut Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The team spent 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), conducting research and engaging in educational outreach.
SpaceX Confirms Splashdown
SpaceX confirmed the successful return with a post stating, “Splashdown of Dragon confirmed – welcome back to Earth, @AstroPeggy, Shux, @astro_slawosz, and Tibi!”
Return Journey Details
The crew left the ISS on July 14, 2025, with their return journey taking around 22.5 hours. Shukla played a key role in piloting the mission during reentry and splashdown.
Post-Mission Rehabilitation
Following his return, Shubhanshu Shukla will undergo a week-long rehabilitation programme to help him readjust to Earth’s gravity after nearly three weeks in microgravity aboard the ISS.
A Proud Moment for India
Shukla’s role in the Ax-4 mission marked a significant milestone for India’s presence in international space exploration efforts. His successful piloting and return is being celebrated as a proud moment for ISRO and the natio
