Shubhanshu Shukla Extracted Safe, Undergoing Medical Review
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force, who recently returned from the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission, has been safely extracted from the Crew Dragon capsule following splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego. Medical teams confirmed he was in stable condition and displayed no complications upon exit.
Seven-Day Health Assessment Underway
Shukla is now undergoing a standard seven-day post-mission medical evaluation supervised by ISRO and international flight surgeons. This health monitoring phase includes checks on his cardiovascular system, bone density, immune response, muscular condition, and mental well-being. The findings will help India prepare for long-duration space missions and future astronaut health protocols.
18 Days in Space, 288 Orbits Completed
During his 18-day stay on the International Space Station, Shukla completed 288 orbits around Earth and carried out over 60 scientific experiments. Seven of these experiments were developed in partnership with ISRO, focusing on critical areas such as plant growth in microgravity, skeletal muscle retention, and space-induced changes in cellular function.
Boost for Gaganyaan Programme
ISRO officials have described Shukla’s mission as a milestone for India’s Gaganyaan programme, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space aboard an indigenous launch vehicle by 2028. The mission provided ISRO with practical experience in crew operations, mission control integration, biomedical response, and contingency management in coordination with international partners.
Looking Ahead
Over the coming week, Shukla will remain under observation, and the data collected from his health metrics will contribute to the growing knowledge base needed for India’s human spaceflight capabilities. His successful mission is being viewed as a critical step in India’s journey toward becoming a sustained participant in crewed space missions.
