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

**Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to Earth After Successful ISS Mission**

**California Coast, USA – July 15, 2025** – Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth today after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). The successful landing marks a significant milestone for India’s space program and is being hailed as a moment of national pride.

Shukla, who launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on June 25, 2025, and docked with the ISS on June 26, splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean near the California coast at 3:00 PM today, aboard the SpaceX Grace spacecraft.

During his time on the ISS, Shukla conducted over 60 scientific experiments. Key areas of research included muscle loss in space, mental health effects of space travel, and the feasibility of growing crops in a space environment. The data collected during these experiments is expected to contribute significantly to the understanding of human life and science in space.

The Grace spacecraft undocked from the ISS on July 14th at 4:45 PM Indian Standard Time. The descent to Earth was marked by a sonic boom as the capsule re-entered the atmosphere. A brief communication blackout occurred due to plasma interference. However, recovery teams quickly mobilized, retrieving Shukla and the rest of the Ax-4 crew, including Commander Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).

The Grace capsule also carried approximately 580 pounds of cargo back to Earth. This included NASA hardware, experimental data, and discarded ISS materials. Shukla also brought back an Indian flag and his son’s favorite toy.

Following the landing, Shukla and his crewmates were transported for medical evaluations. They will undergo a 10-day quarantine period to readjust to Earth’s gravity and allow medical professionals to monitor their health.

“This mission is a milestone for India,” stated a spokesperson for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). “It will inspire the Gaganyaan mission and future space endeavors.”

Upon his return, Shukla expressed his pride in representing India in space, stating, “It was a matter of pride to wave the Indian flag in space. Now is the time to prepare for a new beginning.”

This successful mission is expected to provide valuable data and experience that will contribute to the future of India’s space program.

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