Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from his mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) marks a historic moment in India’s space exploration efforts. After an 18-day stay in space, Shukla, along with three other astronauts, made a safe return to Earth, but his journey home to India will take an additional month due to necessary post-mission procedures. The mission has proven to be a significant step forward not only for India’s space capabilities but also for global space research, particularly in areas like microgravity, cyanobacteria, and stem cell research. Let’s dive into the details of his mission, the experiments he conducted, and what this means for the future of space exploration.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Return: What’s Next?

After completing his mission in space, Shubhanshu Shukla has returned to Earth. However, his journey back to India is still some time away. According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, after the completion of various formalities related to his mission, Shukla will return to India by 17th August 2025. These processes include acclimatization to Earth’s gravity, multiple debriefing sessions, and consultations with the ISRO team. Shukla’s successful return to Earth is a significant milestone in the preparation for India’s Gaganyaan Mission, which aims to send humans into space in the near future.

Shubhanshu’s Groundbreaking Experiments in Space

During his 18 days on the ISS, Shubhanshu Shukla conducted several innovative experiments that could have long-term implications for both India and the global space community. A total of seven experiments were conducted, covering various fields including microgravity, cyanobacteria, and stem cell research. One of the main highlights of the mission was the research on microalgae and its potential applications in space-based habitats. The studies on stem cell differentiation could also have significant medical benefits, particularly in the treatment of diseases like cancer.

NASA has pointed out that experiments related to how the human body reacts in space, biological cell processes, and automated health monitoring systems could lay the foundation for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and even long-term space explorations. This research is crucial for developing sustainable life support systems in space, as it focuses on maintaining human health and well-being during extended missions in deep space.

Shubhanshu Shukla: The Second Indian in Space

Shubhanshu Shukla has now etched his name in India’s space history as the second Indian to travel to space. The first was Rakesh Sharma, who flew into space in 1984 as part of the Soviet space mission. Shukla, however, made his own record by becoming the first Indian to stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended period. Additionally, he spent 20 days in space, setting a new record for the longest time a single Indian astronaut has stayed in Earth’s orbit.

This achievement is remarkable, especially since Hungarian and Polish astronauts were also sent to space after a 40-year gap. Shubhanshu’s participation in the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) marks a critical milestone for India as it prepares for future space missions, including the Gaganyaan Mission.

Landing in the Pacific Ocean: Shubhanshu’s Return to Earth

On the 16th of July, Shubhanshu Shukla and his fellow astronauts aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft safely landed in the Pacific Ocean, near California’s San Diego coast. Traveling at speeds exceeding 28,000 km/h, the Dragon spacecraft endured intense heat during its re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. The spacecraft’s advanced heat protection systems successfully mitigated the extreme conditions, allowing it to decelerate gradually before landing safely in the Pacific.

Shortly after landing, the recovery ship, Shannon, arrived to retrieve the Dragon spacecraft, and the astronauts were seen smiling and waving to the cameras as they emerged from the capsule. This moment marked the end of their space mission and the beginning of their reintegration into Earth’s environment after spending nearly three weeks in microgravity conditions.

Medical Checks and Post-Mission Procedures

Before the crew was transported from the spacecraft to the recovery ship, they underwent thorough medical checks on board. The astronauts were then flown by helicopter to a secure facility, where they will undergo a seven-day isolation period as part of Earth re-acclimatization. This period is necessary for the astronauts to adjust to Earth’s gravity after spending an extended period in space. During this time, they will receive specialized medical attention to ensure their bodies adapt to the changes.

The Axiom Mission 4: Key Highlights

The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), conducted by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX, was the fourth such mission to the ISS. Launched on 25th June 2025 from Florida, the Dragon spacecraft spent a total of 28 hours in transit before reaching the ISS on 26th June 2025. During their 18 days aboard the ISS, Shubhanshu, along with Commander Peggy Whitson, Mission Specialist Slawomir Wisniewski from Poland, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu from Hungary, participated in 60 experiments and conducted 20 outreach sessions with students and researchers around the world.

India’s investment in the Axiom-4 mission was substantial, amounting to approximately 550 crore rupees. This investment reflects India’s growing interest in space exploration and its strategic vision for the future. The experience gained through missions like Ax-4 will be vital for future human spaceflight missions, particularly in the context of India’s Gaganyaan Mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space by 2027.

SpaceX’s Role in the Mission

SpaceX, the private aerospace company led by Elon Musk, played a crucial role in making the Ax-4 mission a success. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft has become a key component in transporting astronauts and supplies to the ISS. This collaboration between Axiom Space and SpaceX has proven to be essential in achieving India’s space ambitions.

This mission also highlights the increasing role of private companies in the space industry, which has traditionally been dominated by government agencies. SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology has drastically reduced the cost of space travel, making space more accessible to countries like India and private enterprises.

The Gaganyaan Mission: India’s Aspiration

Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful mission is not just a personal achievement but also a significant step toward realizing India’s ambitious Gaganyaan Mission. Scheduled for 2027, this mission will mark India’s first crewed spaceflight, with Indian astronauts venturing into space aboard an Indian spacecraft. The insights gained from missions like Ax-4, along with the experience of astronauts like Shubhanshu Shukla, will be crucial for the success of the Gaganyaan mission.

India’s space program, managed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has made remarkable progress in recent years. The Gaganyaan mission represents the next logical step in India’s space exploration journey, positioning India as a key player in the global space community. The knowledge gathered from the Ax-4 mission and Shubhanshu’s groundbreaking experiments will significantly contribute to the planning and execution of India’s future space missions.

The Future of Space Research

The research conducted by Shubhanshu Shukla during his stay at the ISS opens up new avenues for space biology and human health in space. His work on cyanobacteria could pave the way for developing bio-based systems for oxygen production and food generation in space habitats. Similarly, his stem cell research could have far-reaching implications for treating diseases like cancer, both on Earth and in space.

These experiments also serve as a foundation for long-duration space missions, particularly those targeting destinations like the Moon and Mars. The ability to understand and manipulate biological systems in space will be crucial for maintaining astronaut health and ensuring the success of missions that could last for years.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission marks a historic chapter in India’s space exploration history. Not only has he made significant contributions to space science through his experiments, but he has also set a precedent for future Indian astronauts. The successful return of Shubhanshu and the Axiom-4 mission herald a new era of international space cooperation, with India playing an increasingly prominent role in global space research.

As Shubhanshu prepares for his final journey back to India, his mission’s impact will continue to resonate in the scientific community. The advancements made during this mission will lay the groundwork for India’s Gaganyaan Mission and contribute to future space missions that aim to explore the furthest reaches of our universe. India’s space aspirations are now more tangible than ever, with Shubhanshu Shukla standing as a proud representative of the nation’s growing capabilities in space exploration.