Tue Jul 15 09:53:17 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, formatted for a general audience, along with a summary:

**Summary:**

An Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with his Ax-4 crew members, safely returned to Earth after spending 18 days on the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft splashed down off the coast of San Diego. During his time on the ISS, Shukla conducted several microgravity experiments assigned by ISRO, including studies on Tardigrades, Myogenesis, and sprouting of seeds. The Axiom-4 mission itself involved about 60 scientific studies and activities with participants from 31 countries. Shukla will now undergo a week-long rehabilitation program.

**News Article:**

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

**San Diego, CA – July 15, 2025** – Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot, has successfully returned to Earth after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying Shukla and his Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew splashed down safely off the coast of San Diego at 3:02 p.m. today.

The Dragon spacecraft separated from the ISS on July 14th, marking the end of a significant research period for the crew. Joining Shukla on the mission were Commander Peggy Whitson (U.S.), Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland), and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary).

Group Captain Shukla’s mission marks a pivotal moment for India’s space program, representing the first Indian astronaut to visit space in 41 years. During his time on the ISS, Shukla conducted seven microgravity experiments assigned by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). These experiments included studies on Indian strains of Tardigrades (water bears), Myogenesis, sprouting of methi and moong seeds, Cyanobacteria, Microalgae, Crop seeds and Voyager Display. The success of these experiments could have implications for future space exploration and agricultural research.

The Axiom-4 mission was a collaborative effort, encompassing approximately 60 scientific studies and activities with participants from 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, and the UAE. These experiments span a diverse range of fields, highlighting the global collaboration inherent in space exploration.

Following the splashdown, the crew was recovered by SpaceX’s recovery vessel, Shannon. Initial medical checks were conducted onboard before the crew was transported to Houston for reunion with their families and teams. Group Captain Shukla will undergo a week-long rehabilitation program under the supervision of ISRO to readjust to Earth’s gravity.

The Axiom-4 mission and Shukla’s participation signify a growing international interest in space-based research and a strengthening role for India in the global space community. The data and findings from the mission are expected to contribute significantly to our understanding of microgravity’s effects on various biological and physical processes.

Read More