Tue Jul 15 10:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text you provided:

**Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns from Historic ISS Mission, Receives National Acclaim**

**New Delhi:** Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), has safely returned to Earth, marking a momentous occasion for the nation’s space program. Shukla’s successful completion of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission has been met with widespread celebration, including high praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The Ax-4 crew, including Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Slavoz Uznanski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), splashed down near San Diego at approximately 3:01 PM IST, concluding their 18-day stay aboard the orbiting laboratory. Shukla and his crew undocked from the ISS and traveled for 22 hours aboard a dragon spacecraft to reach Earth. Their descent involved enduring intense heat and gravitational forces as the Dragon capsule pierced through Earth’s atmosphere at speeds exceeding 27,000 km/h, eventually deploying parachutes for a smooth ocean landing.

Prime Minister Modi took to social media to express his joy, stating, “I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space… he has inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit.” Modi also highlighted the mission as a significant step forward for India’s own human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed the sentiment, calling Shukla’s return a “proud moment for every Indian.” He added, “He has not just touched space, he has lifted India’s aspirations to new heights. His journey to the International Space Station and back is not just a personal achievement, but it is a big step for India’s growing space ambitions.”

Shukla’s mission represents a major milestone in India’s space exploration efforts, solidifying the nation’s growing presence in the global space community.

Read More