The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission carrying Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three other astronauts, splash down around 3:01 pm IST on July 15.
Shukla, along with three other Ax-4 astronauts, had undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) at 4.45pm on Monday. The capsule’s de-orbit burn began at 2.07pm Tuesday, after which it descended towards Earth, deploying drogue and main parachutes before splashdown.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, said on the safe return of the Axiom-4 crew to Earth: “We felt amazing that Shubhanshu’s mission was successful and that he had a safe landing. We are very proud of him. I thank God for this.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shubhanshu Shukla and said, "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 through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit. It marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission - Gaganyaan."
