Tue Jul 15 04:53:07 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew are returning to Earth after spending 18 days at the International Space Station (ISS). Their SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to splashdown off the coast of San Diego on July 15, 2025, at 3:01 p.m. IST. Upon his return, Group Captain Shukla will undergo a rehabilitation program. His parents have expressed their pride and excitement for his safe return. Before his departure from the ISS, Group Captain Shukla reflected on India’s progress and expressed his pride in representing the nation in space. The Ax-4 mission included around 60 scientific studies involving 31 countries and the Dragon spacecraft is bringing back valuable research data.

**News Article:**

**Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Return to Earth After Successful ISS Mission**

**San Diego, CA – July 15, 2025** – Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew are on track to splashdown off the coast of San Diego today, July 15th, at approximately 3:01 p.m. IST (2:31 a.m. PT). Their return marks the end of an 18-day mission at the International Space Station (ISS).

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying the Ax-4 crew, is conducting its final maneuvers for re-entry. SpaceX has announced that the Dragon will create a brief sonic boom as it enters the Earth’s atmosphere prior to splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.

Group Captain Shukla’s mission has been hailed as a significant achievement for India in space exploration. His parents expressed immense pride and excitement for his safe return. His mother, Asha Shukla, said, “We are proud that our son wrote his name in history,” while his father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, noted, “It is a day of joy for the entire nation.”

While at the ISS, Group Captain Shukla reflected on the inspiration he draws from Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, and highlighted India’s ambition, fearlessness, confidence, and pride.

The Ax-4 mission was a collaborative effort, involving around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries. The Dragon spacecraft will return with over 580 pounds of cargo, including NASA hardware and data from these experiments.

Following his return, Group Captain Shukla will undergo a seven-day rehabilitation program to readjust to Earth’s gravity. The nation eagerly awaits his arrival and celebrates India’s continued progress in space exploration.

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