Tue Jul 15 10:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here are the summary and rewritten news article:

**Summary:**

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has returned to Earth after spending 18 days on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. His experience is considered crucial for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, the country’s first human spaceflight program. During his time on the ISS, Shukla conducted several scientific experiments and gained valuable insights into space travel and microgravity. This mission is considered a learning experience for ISRO to support the Gaganyaan mission, which will start with an unmanned flight later this year.

**News Article:**

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

**New Delhi:** Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has safely returned to Earth after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Axiom-4 mission concluded with the Dragon “Grace” spacecraft splashing down off the coast of California on Tuesday. Shukla’s experience is considered invaluable for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, the nation’s first human spaceflight program.

Selected as one of the astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission, Shukla became the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian in space, following Rakesh Sharma’s historic 1984 flight. During his time on the ISS, the 39-year-old astronaut conducted numerous scientific experiments and research in microgravity.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) emphasized the significance of Shukla’s mission for the Gaganyaan program. “The experience gained by Shubhanshu Shukla during his time at the International Space Station will be extremely important for the Gaganyaan mission planned in the next two years,” said Nilesh M. Desai, Director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre.

ISRO plans to launch an unmanned test flight later this year, followed by two more unmanned missions before sending an Indian astronaut into space for a mission lasting two to seven days. Shukla’s journey has ignited national pride and marks a significant step forward in India’s space exploration endeavors. His mission underscores India’s commitment to developing indigenous capabilities in human spaceflight, with the Gaganyaan mission poised to solidify the nation’s position as a major player in the global space arena.

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