All about Axiom-4 mission
Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to Earth After Historic Axiom 4 Mission
On July 15, 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla safely splashed down near San Diego, concluding an extraordinary 18-day journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Space’s Axiom 4 (Ax-4) mission. Launched on June 25, 2025, via SpaceX’s powerful Falcon 9 rocket, this mission marked the first-ever trip to the ISS by an Indian astronaut, making Shukla only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma.
Aboard the ISS, Shukla conducted crucial microgravity experiments—from muscle regeneration to crop viability and cognitive performance—setting a new benchmark for global space science and strengthening India’s place in international space cooperation. Together with commander Peggy Whitson (USA), and fellow mission specialists from Poland and Hungary, Shukla’s presence aboard the Ax-4 team represented unity, diversity, and shared scientific goals across continents.
This milestone not only showcases Shukla’s courage and dedication, but also highlights the efforts of ISRO, India’s scientific community, and the international partnerships that made this moment possible. The safe return of Shubhanshu Shukla inspires a new generation of dreamers and marks the beginning of an exciting new era for India in space exploration.
