Tue Jul 15 10:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has returned to Earth after an 18-day mission on the International Space Station (ISS). He landed safely in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California in a SpaceX Dragon capsule. The ISRO-funded mission, costing approximately ₹550 crore, aimed to contribute to India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. Shukla conducted experiments on the ISS, including those related to muscle loss, brain-computer interfaces, and seed germination in space. His return has been met with national enthusiasm and is seen as a significant milestone for India’s space ambitions. He is the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.

**News Article:**

**Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to Earth, Paving the Way for Gaganyaan Mission**

**California/New Delhi -** Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla made a successful return to Earth after spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying Shukla and his crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California at 3 PM IST on Tuesday.

Funded by ISRO at a cost of ₹550 crore, Shukla’s mission is a major boost for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. The 18-day stint on the ISS allowed Shukla to conduct crucial experiments aimed at understanding the effects of space travel on the human body and developing technologies for long-duration space missions. Key experiments included studies on muscle loss, the development of brain-computer interfaces, and the germination of seeds in a space environment.

“I want to inspire the children of our country through this mission,” said Shukla, highlighting his mission’s purpose. “If I can inspire even one child, I will consider my mission a success.”

Shukla’s return marks a historic moment for India, making him only the second Indian to venture into space, following Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the return as a “milestone” for the Gaganyaan mission, acknowledging Shukla’s dedication and courage.

Scientists and educators across India are celebrating Shukla’s successful return, viewing it as a stepping stone towards India’s goal of sending humans into space independently. Shukla will now undergo a period of rehabilitation to readjust to Earth’s gravity, and the data collected during his mission will be invaluable in shaping the future of India’s space program.

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