India’s Astronaut Returns from Space: Dr. Jitendra Singh Hails Axiom-4 Mission as a Landmark in India’s Space Journey

New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Tuesday hailed the safe return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the Axiom-4 space mission as “a moment of pride for the world, a moment of glory for India,” affirming that the nation has secured its rightful place in the global space ecosystem.

Addressing scientists, media, and senior officials after watching the live splashdown, Dr. Singh said, “One of Mother India’s illustrious sons is back. India has found a lasting space in the world of space.”

Group Captain Shukla, who served as India’s representative on the four-member international Axiom-4 commercial mission, returned safely to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule “Grace”, which splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego shortly after 3 PM IST on Tuesday. The spacecraft completed a 22.5-hour descent following an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The Axiom-4 mission featured a diverse crew led by veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson as commander, and included Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, Tibor Kapu of Hungary, and Shubhanshu Shukla of India. The spacecraft had undocked from the ISS at 4:45 PM IST on Monday, beginning its return journey to Earth.

Calling the mission a scientific milestone, Dr. Singh noted that it represented India’s growing stature in the international space community. “These are experiments that have never been done before. This marks a new era for India’s scientific and technological ambitions,” he said, adding that the mission’s success would have lasting implications for global space research and collaboration.

Dr. Singh informed that the four astronauts will remain under quarantine until July 23, undergoing health checks and re-adaptation protocols. Following this, they will begin debriefings with ISRO, Axiom Space, and NASA. He also indicated that Shukla is expected to return to India by August 17, after completing post-mission formalities abroad.

Reflecting on the global significance of the mission, the Minister invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), stating that the mission was a symbol of India’s deep commitment to international scientific cooperation. He described Group Captain Shukla as a “Vishwa Bandhu” — a global citizen who carried forward India’s spirit of unity and brotherhood into space. “This is not just a scientific mission, it is a reflection of India’s role as a trusted partner in the shared journey of humanity,” Dr. Singh added.

He emphasized that the success of Axiom-4 would inspire a new generation of Indian youth to pursue careers in science, technology, and space exploration. “The call given by Prime Minister Modi to look to the skies and dream big has begun to take shape. This successful mission is just the beginning,” he said.

Group Captain Shukla’s participation in Axiom-4 marks a significant step for India as it prepares for its own human spaceflight program, including the ambitious Gaganyaan mission. His successful return reaffirms India’s position as a key player in the evolving landscape of international space collaboration.