Updated Jul 15, 2025, 17:32 IST Shubhanshu Shukla, smiling and waving, exited the Dragon spacecraft after a historic ISS mission. The Axiom-4 crew splashed down safely, ending their 18-day journey. Shubhanshu Shukla smiles and waves after exiting the Dragon spacecraft (Image: SpaceX) follow us With a bright smile and a cheerful wave, Shubhanshu Shukla stepped out of the Dragon spacecraft, visibly moved as he was warmly greeted by the recovery team. The Indian astronaut’s gesture captured the emotion of the moment, the end of a groundbreaking journey and the pride of representing India in space. The SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying Shukla and three other Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew members safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast at 3:01 PM IST on Tuesday, concluding their 18-day research mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). SpaceX confirmed that the spacecraft, piloted by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), safely re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and completed a successful splashdown. Recovery boats were promptly deployed to retrieve the crew, and medical teams carried out health evaluations. The astronauts will now begin a re-acclimatisation process over the next few days. Shubhanshu Shukla smiled and waved at the camera as he stepped out of the Dragon spacecraft, warmly welcomed by the ground crew. After 18 days in space, he was assisted while standing up, adjusting to Earth’s gravity once again. The moment marked a historic milestone. Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS). Notably, Shukla will undergo a week-long rehabilitation programme now. The rehabilitation, which will take place under the supervision of flight surgeons, is aimed at helping Shukla re-adapt to Earth’s gravity after nearly three weeks in microgravity. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said the post-mission recovery plan is standard protocol for astronauts to regain physical balance and muscle strength following extended spaceflight. Milestone towards Gaganyaan mission: PM Modi Taking to X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a welcome message saying, "I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space. As India’s first astronaut to have visited International Space Station, he has inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit. It marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission — Gaganyaan.” During his 18-day scientific mission aboard the ISS (launched on June 25, 2025), he and his crewmates conducted more than 60 experiments across various fields including human health, space agriculture, mental well-being, and space suit materials. Latest News