SpaceX Dragon, Piloted by Shubhanshu Shukla, Makes Flawless Splashdown After 18 Days — India Celebrates Global Milestone
- 1. SpaceX Dragon, Piloted by Shubhanshu Shukla, Makes Flawless Splashdown After 18 Days — India Celebrates Global Milestone A Historic Mission for India
- 2. On July 15, 2025, India marked a historic moment in its space exploration journey as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot, successfully piloted the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft "Grace" to a flawless splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California. This event, part of the Axiom- 4 (Ax-4) mission, concluded an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), cementing India's growing presence in global space exploration.
- 3. The Indo Thai News network, a prominent platform covering significant milestones in the region, extensively reported on this achievement, highlighting its importance for India and the global space community. The successful splashdown is not just a triumph for Shubhanshu Shukla but a testament to India's advancing capabilities in human spaceflight and international collaboration.
- 4. Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old decorated test pilot, became the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS and only the second Indian to travel to space since Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission in 1984. His role as the mission pilot for the Axiom-4 mission, alongside commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, showcased India's growing expertise in space exploration.
- 5. The Indo Thai News coverage emphasized how this mission marked a significant milestone for India, Poland, and Hungary, as each nation achieved its first government-sponsored human spaceflight in over 40 years.The Axiom-4 mission, supported by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NASA, and Axiom Space, was a commercial endeavor that saw the crew conduct over 60 scientific experiments and more than 20 outreach events during their 18-day stay on the ISS.
- 6. The Indo Thai News reports highlighted Shukla’s contributions to experiments in medicine, agriculture, and the effects of microgravity, including a notable study on growing methi (fenugreek) in space. These experiments are poised to benefit not only India but also the global scientific community, underscoring the mission's broader impact.
- 7. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft "Grace" undocked from the ISS’s Harmony module at 4:45 pm IST on July 14, 2025, embarking on a 22.5-hour journey back to Earth. The Indo Thai News provided live updates as the spacecraft executed a series of precise maneuvers, including an 18-minute de-orbit burn, jettisoning of the trunk (housing solar panels and radiators), and the deployment of drogue and main parachutes to slow its descent.
- 8. The flawless splashdown was a moment of pride for India, with recovery teams aboard SpaceX’s vessel "Shannon" quickly retrieving the capsule. Shukla emerged from the spacecraft smiling and waving, a moment captured in viral videos shared across platforms, including by Indo Thai News. The ground team conducted immediate medical evaluations to ensure the crew’s health after their time in microgravity, with Shukla and his crewmates now undergoing a seven-day rehabilitation program to readjust to Earth’s gravity.
- 9. The successful return of Shubhanshu Shukla sparked widespread celebrations across India. In his hometown of Lucknow, his family, including his emotional parents Shambhu Dayal Shukla and Asha Shukla, rejoiced as they watched the splashdown. Asha Shukla, in a tearful statement, expressed gratitude, saying, “My son has safely returned… I thank God, you all who have covered the event.” The Indo Thai News captured these heartfelt moments, showcasing the pride and joy of Shukla’s family and the nation.
- 10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to congratulate Shukla, stating, “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 the International Space Station, he has inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage, and pioneering spirit.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also lauded Shukla, noting that his journey “has lifted India’s aspirations to new heights.” These sentiments were echoed in reports by Indo Thai News, which highlighted the national pride surrounding this achievement.