First glimpse of smiling Shubhanshu Shukla as he exits SpaceX Dragon capsule after touchdown

Shubhanshu Shukla's first glimpse after emerging from SpaceX Dragon capsule (Image: Axiom Space)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), has safely returned to Earth. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft 'Grace' made a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast on Tuesday, marking the end of the 18-day Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4).

Shukla, along with Commander Peggy Whitson, ESA astronaut Slawosz Uznanski, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, stepped out of the capsule to cheers and celebration from the recovery crew. This moment marked the culmination of nearly 20 days in space and a significant milestone in India’s space journey.

(Image: Axiom Space)

Images of Shukla emerging from the Dragon capsule were shared shortly after splashdown, capturing his calm and collected demeanour after a historic voyage. The spacecraft’s re-entry was carefully timed and executed following a series of departure manoeuvres, a deorbit burn, and a fiery descent through Earth's atmosphere, protected by its advanced heat shield.

Watch Shukla’s First Glimpse After Stepping Out of Dragon Capsule:

• 20 days, 3 hours in space
• 322 orbits completed
• 1,39,10,400 kilometres travelled
• 1st ever Indian on ISS

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Welcome back to Earth Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla 🌏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/8nPH0tLjl8

— ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) July 15, 2025

During the mission, Shukla played a key role as pilot, conducting scientific experiments, educational outreach, and space-based research alongside his international teammates. Their capsule returned with over 580 pounds of cargo, including critical data from more than 60 science experiments.

Launched on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Centre, the Ax-4 crew docked with the ISS a day later. Their return not only reflects the growing strength of Indo-US space collaboration but also paves the way for India’s future ambitions in human spaceflight.

With his successful return, Shubhanshu Shukla has earned his place in Indian space history—a symbol of India’s expanding presence beyond Earth.