Axiom-4 crew return LIVE: Shubhanshu Shukla-piloted SpaceX Dragon makes successful splashdown - The Hindu

Axiom-4 crew return highlights: Shubhanshu Shukla-piloted SpaceX Dragon makes successful splashdown The Ax-4 crew, comprising Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of ISRO, European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and HUNOR astronaut Tibor Kapu, had been actively engaged in research and outreach activities aboard the ISS as part of the mission during the past 18-days Updated - July 15, 2025 07:30 pm IST THE HINDU BUREAU In this image made from video provided by SpaceX, one of the four astronauts, India's Shubhanshu Shukla, waves as he comes out of a SpaceX capsule loaded at the recovery ship after parachuting into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Photo: SpaceX via AP Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla successfully piloted his Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew members back to Earth as they splashed down off the coast of San Diego at 3.01 p.m. IST (2:31 a.m. P.T). The crew had departed from the orbiting laboratory on Tuesday (July 14, 2025) onboard the SpaceX Dragon. Also Read | Shubhanshu Shukla, crew members head back to Earth after 18-day stay “Splashdown of Dragon confirmed – welcome back to Earth, @AstroPeggy, Shux, @astro_slawosz, and Tibi!,” SpaceX posted. Also Read | Shubhanshu Shukla makes most of his final days on orbit After spending 18 days at the International Space Station (ISS), Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Ax-4 crew members departed from the orbiting laboratory on July 14, 2025. The journey back to Earth would take about 22.5 hours. Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will undergo a seven-day rehabilitation programme after his splashdown off the California coast on July 15 as he returns to the Earth from an 18-day sojourn at the International Space Station (ISS). Follow for the latest updates Key Updates WATCH | What happens when astronauts return from space? Watch: Visuals of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla emerging from the spaceship Ax-4 crew returns to Earth, splashes down off the coast of San Diego WATCH | What happens when astronauts return from space? ​ ​ Watch live: Ax-4 Mission | Return JULY 15, 2025 17:34 ‘New milestone for India’s space exploration’: President Murmu welcomes Group Captain Shukla JULY 15, 2025 16:52 ‘Welcome Back’: Adityanath, Mayawati hail Shukla’s return after historic space mission Political leaders in Uttar Pradesh congratulated Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on on his successful return to Earth after completing the Axiom-4 mission, calling it a moment of pride for the country and an inspiration for youngsters. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the tributes, calling Shukla’s achievement “a glorious symbol of courage, dedication and commitment to science”. “Welcome back to Earth! Heartfelt congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his team on the successful completion of the historic #AxiomMission4,” Mr. Adityanath said in a post on X. “Every Indian, especially the people of Uttar Pradesh, is proud today. India awaits your return with great excitement,” he added. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati also extended her congratulations, saying, “The news of India’s Shubhanshu Shukla returning safely after conducting several studies in space is not only encouraging for youth but also uplifting for the entire nation. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Shukla, originally from Lucknow, his family, and all space scientists and institutions behind this success. Such experiences will certainly benefit crores of people in the country.”  - PTI JULY 15, 2025 16:29 Watch: Visuals of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla emerging from the spaceship JULY 15, 2025 16:19 Felt amazing that Shubhanshu’s mission was successful and that he had a safe landing: Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's father JULY 15, 2025 16:08 Axiom-4 mission is a proud moment for every Indian: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh JULY 15, 2025 16:02 Ax-4 crew to undergo medial checks onboard recovery vessel The crew will then undergo their first medical checks onboard the recovery vessel before flying on a helicopter back to land. From there, the crew will be flown to Houston where they will be reunited with their respective teams. JULY 15, 2025 15:55 Ax-4 crew egress from Dragon spaceship The Ax-4 mission crew egress from the Dragon, Ax-4 mission Commander Peggy Whitson of the U.S first to emerge followed by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla the pilot for the Ax-4 mission and Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary emerge out of Dragon.  - Hemanth C.S. JULY 15, 2025 15:41 Hatch of the Dragon opened, ground crew makes first contact with the Ax-4 crew JULY 15, 2025 15:37 This achievement is a stepping stone for India’s future crewed space journeys: Director General, Indian Space Association Director General of the Indian Space Association congratulated Axiom and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla over the successful return of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.  “We congratulate Axiom and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on completing a successful mission. This achievement is a stepping stone for India’s future crewed space journeys, including the Gaganyaan mission and our ambitious goal of landing an Indian on the Moon by 2040 in an Indian spacecraft. It will not only support ISRO but also give impetus to both global and Indian private space industries. This success marks a significant stride towards realizing India’s vision for outer space exploration,” Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association said. JULY 15, 2025 15:32 Dragon spacecraft onboard recovery vessel The Dragon spacecraft has been lifted from water and placed onboard the recovery vessel Shannon. Next, the derigging will be carried out by recovery crew along with leak checks before opening the Dragons hatch. - Hemanth C.S. JULY 15, 2025 15:31 I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth: PM Modi JULY 15, 2025 15:26 Axiom-4 mission: SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, crew members return to earth Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his Axiom-4 mission 4 (Ax-4) crew members returned to earth on Tuesday (July 15, 2025) as their SpaceX Dragon spacecraft splashed down at 3.02 p.m.  The splash down occurred off the coast of San Diego 22.5 hours after the Dragon departed from the International Space Station (ISS) on July 14.  The four astronauts flew to the space station on the Dragon after it was launched by the Falcon 9 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida June 25, 2025.  Read more on this here... JULY 15, 2025 15:19 Recovery crew members inspecting the Dragon spacecraft Recovery crew members are currently inspecting the Dragon spacecraft, while the crew members still remain inside. Communications will be cut off for a few minutes as planned. JULY 15, 2025 15:02 Ax-4 crew returns to Earth, splashes down off the coast of San Diego Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla successfully piloted the SpaceX Dragon spaceship bringing back his fellow Axiom-4 crew members back home to Earth. The crew spent 18 days aboard the International Space Station, conducting experiments and outreach events.  After the splashdown, ground crews will be dispatched for retrieval of the spaceship, and they will be pulled aboard Shannon -- SpaceX Dragon recovery vessel. JULY 15, 2025 14:59 Drogue and main parachutes deployed The drogue and main parachutes, of the SpaceX Dragon spaceship have been deployed, as the vessel heads for splashdown.  JULY 15, 2025 14:53 Visuals from within the spaceship -- piloted by Shubhanshu Shukla JULY 15, 2025 14:42 Weather conditions are great off the coast of San Diego for splashdown: Axiom Space Weather conditions are reported to be great off the coast of San Diego for splashdown, said Axiom Space.  Less than 20 mins left for splashdown JULY 15, 2025 14:36 Nosecone fully closed, ready for re-entry The nosecone of the spaceship has been fully closed now, and secured for the vessel’s re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere. Less than 25 minutes left for splashdown. JULY 15, 2025 14:33 What happens post-splashdown As the Ax-4 crew splashes down in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Southern California, ground crews will be dispatched for retrieval of the spaceship, and they will be pulled aboard Shannon -- SpaceX Dragon recovery vessel  JULY 15, 2025 14:27 Deorbit burn, trunk separation completed The deorbit burn phase of the splashdown sequence has been completed.  The trunk separation phase was also subsequently completed.  JULY 15, 2025 14:26 Second human spaceflight mission to splash down off California coast This is Dragon’s second human spaceflight mission to splash down off the coast of California after Fram2 returned Dragon recovery operations to the West Coast this past April - SpaceX JULY 15, 2025 14:21 Live view from within the SpaceX Dragon spaceship Live view from within the SpaceX Dragon spaceship, piloted by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, on its way back to earth. Photo: YouTube/ Axiom Space Live view from within the SpaceX Dragon spaceship, piloted by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, on its way back to earth. Photo: YouTube/ Axiom Space JULY 15, 2025 14:09 Deorbit burn commences The deorbit burn phase of the splashdown process has commenced as the SpaceX Dragon spaceship prepares to splashdown off the coast of of San Diego in less than an hour.  This process will last just under 18 minutes.  JULY 15, 2025 13:54 ISRO says astronaut Subhanshu Shukla’s space mission will boost India’s Gaganyaan project Indian astronaut Subhanshu Shukla’s 15-day mission in space will play a crucial role in India’s first manned spaceflight under the Gaganyaan programme, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Monday. Shukla became the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space wher he undertook scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS). “This has been an unforgettable experience for him (Subhanshu Shukla). He carried out multiple experiments aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. After experiencing space and microgravity, he conducted several scientific tests. This mission has been a major learning opportunity for us. ISRO took up this mission to gather experience that will help us in our Gaganyaan programme,” said Nilesh M Desai, Director, Space Applications Centre, ISRO. He added that the Gaganyaan mission will begin with an unmanned flight later this year. - ANI JULY 15, 2025 13:31 The entire country is very proud that he has completed the mission successfully: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s father JULY 15, 2025 13:13 Here's the timeline of sequence of events planned for today prior to splashdown The Dragon spacecraft carrying the Ax-4 crew members will conduct multiple orbit-lowering manoeuvres, jettison the trunk, and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere for splashdown off the coast of California at approximately 3.01 p.m. IST (2.31 a.m. PT) on Tuesday, July 15. Source: SpaceX JULY 15, 2025 12:36 “Proud that our son wrote his name in history,” says Shubanshu Shukla’s mother Ahead of the splashdown of the Dragon spacecraft led by Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla, his mother Asha Shukla stated that she was extremely proud of her son, whose name had now been written in history.  While speaking to ANI, she said, “We are very excited... When we saw the undocking, we knew he was on his way now... We are waiting for our son. He will reach by evening. We prayed for his well-being. We went to the temple and took Hanumaji’s Darshan. We did a Sundarkand recitation... We are proud that our son wrote his name in history... We will give him a grand welcome...” - ANI JULY 15, 2025 12:09 Excited that our son is returning and landing on Earth: Shubhanshu Shukla’s father Ahead of the splashdown of the Dragon spacecraft, Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla’s father Shambhu Dayal Shukla expressed his happiness on his son’s return.  Speaking to ANI, Shambhu Dayal Shukla said that the splashdown would be noted down in history. “We are very excited that our son is returning from the mission and landing on Earth. He had made us so proud. It will be noted down in history... We are waiting for his safe landing. It is a day of joy for the entire nation. I thank the entire nation for their prayers... He is our son, but he belongs to the entire nation... We prayed and remembered God...” the father said, speaking to ANI. - ANI JULY 15, 2025 11:35 India still looks ‘saare jahan se accha’: Shubhanshu Shukla On Sunday (July 13), Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla recalled the time when his icon Rakesh Sharma had travelled to space 41 years ago and described how India looked from there. “We all are still curious to know how India looks today from above. Aaj ka Bharat mahatvakanshi dikhta hai. Aaj ka Bharat nidar dikhta hai, Aaj ka Bharat confident dikhta hai. Aaj ka Bharat garv se purn dikhta hai. (Today’s India looks full of ambition, fearless, confident and full of pride),” Mr. Shukla said. “It is because of all these reasons, I can say it once again that today’s India still looks ‘saare jahan se accha’,” he said. “I didn’t imagine all of this when I started on the Falcon-9 on June 25. I think it has been incredible because of the people involved. People standing behind me (the Expedition 73 crew) have made it really special for us. It was an incredible joy to be here and work alongside professionals like you,” Mr. Shukla said. - PTI JULY 15, 2025 10:49 Axiom research complement includes 60 scientific studies from 31 countries The Ax-4 research complement includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe. The Dragon spacecraft is now returning with more than 580 pounds of cargo, including NASA hardware and data from over 60 experiments conducted during the mission. - Hemant C.S. JULY 15, 2025 10:24 Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Group Captain Shukla and crew on track to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and splashdown today: SpaceX Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew members who departed from the orbiting laboratory on Tuesday (July 14, 2025) onboard the SpaceX Dragon are on track to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere and splashdown off the coast of San Diego at 3.01 p.m. IST (2:31 a.m. P.T). SpaceX said that the Dragon will also announce its arrival with a brief sonic boom prior to splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. “Dragon and the @Axiom_Space Ax-4 crew are on track to reenter Earth’s atmosphere and splash down off the coast of San Diego at ~2:31 a.m. PT tomorrow. Dragon will also announce its arrival with a brief sonic boom prior to splashing down in the Pacific Ocean,” SpaceX posted. Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on track to re enter Earth’s atmosphere and splash down today: SpaceX Axiom Mission 4 crew led by Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla to splash down off San Diego on Tuesday. Published - July 15, 2025 10:23 am IST READ COMMENTS PRINT Related Topics Live news / space programme / space programme / India in Space In Case You Missed It Watch: Tulips return to Srinagar: asia’s largest garden blooms again We want to preserve the culture and nature of Ladakh: Sonam Wangchuk Watch: Israel ramps up campaign against Iran’s top leadership, kills Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib Watch: US-China summit delayed: Trump cites War, Hormuz tensions Watch: UN: 45 million could face hunger amid Iran conflict Man held for manufacturing adulterated ginger-garlic paste under unhygienic conditions in Hyderabad’s Karwan Watch: Opposition MPs reinstated after protest row over Rahul Gandhi issue Watch: Ali Larijani killed in Israeli strike? 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