Shubhanshu Shukla Return Live: India’s Pride Touches Down After Historic Space Mission
It was a moment the entire nation was waiting for. Billions of hearts beat with pride and excitement as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s space hero, finally touched back on Earth. After spending 18 incredible days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, he, along with three other astronauts, made a safe return aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, named “Grace”.
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A Journey of Dreams and Courage
Shubhanshu Shukla, a name that will now be remembered in India’s space history, made headlines as the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS. His journey began on 25th June 2025, alongside Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Slawosz Uznanski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). Together, they boarded the ISS for critical scientific experiments and international collaboration.
After an intense 22.5-hour return journey, the Dragon capsule finally splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California.
Prime Minister Modi’s Words of Pride
Upon his safe return, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his pride:
“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… It marks another milestone towards our Human Space Flight Mission – Gaganyaan.”
Key Milestones of the Return
Here’s how the historic return of Shubhanshu unfolded step-by-step:
- 🛰️ Undocking from ISS: On 15th July at 4:45 PM IST, the Dragon spacecraft detached from the ISS.
- 🔥 De-orbit Burn: As per SpaceX, the critical de-orbit burn was successfully executed to slow the spacecraft and allow it to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere.
- 🌊 Splashdown Time: Dragon made a smooth landing at around 3:00 PM IST in the Pacific Ocean, confirming the crew’s safe return.
- 🎉 Family’s Joy: In Lucknow, Shubhanshu’s family cut a cake and celebrated the joyous moment. His mother Asha Shukla, overcome with emotions, said, “My son has safely returned, I thank god… I got emotional, after all, my son has returned after many days.”
What is De-Orbit Burn?
For those curious, a de-orbit burn is the process of slowing down a spacecraft so it can exit its orbit and descend safely back to Earth. The spacecraft’s thrusters fire in a specific direction and for a set duration, allowing re-entry into the atmosphere at the correct angle.
During Shubhanshu’s mission, this maneuver occurred above the Pacific Ocean, and it was followed by the jettisoning of the trunk section of the spacecraft, preparing it for splashdown.
A Hero’s Welcome Across India
Not just family—all of India was glued to screens, watching the live landing of the Dragon capsule. The sight of Shubhanshu returning home brought tears of joy and a sense of national pride.
The live visuals were stunning as the capsule pierced Earth’s atmosphere and made a soft landing in the water. Commander Peggy Whitson expressed her emotions:
“It feels great to be back home.”
What Did They Bring Back?
The crew didn’t just bring memories. They returned with over 263 kilograms (580 pounds) of cargo, including important research data and experimental results collected during their ISS stay.
Controversy Amidst Celebration
While most were celebrating, political controversy also surfaced. Congress leader Udit Raj sparked debate by suggesting that a Dalit astronaut should have been chosen instead of Shubhanshu Shukla. The comment triggered mixed reactions online, but it did little to dampen the national spirit of celebration.
India’s Space Future Looks Brighter
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh called the mission:
“A moment of glory for India… one of our illustrious sons returns after completing a successful voyage. Bharat has truly found an enduring space in the world of Space.”
This mission is not just a personal achievement for Shubhanshu but a major step towards India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission. His success has inspired millions of students, scientists, and space enthusiasts.
Shubhanshu Shukla Return Live is not just a headline; it’s a chapter in India’s space legacy. With his bravery and dedication, Shubhanshu has made every Indian proud. As he safely returns home, he leaves behind a trail of inspiration for the next generation of space explorers.
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