Dragon Grace Returns: SpaceX Crew With India’s Shukla Splashes Down After ISS Mission

Image Source : 24newshd

SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft Grace safely splashed down off the coast of San Diego, California, on July 15, 2025, marking the successful conclusion of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). The capsule carried NASA veteran Peggy Whitson and three international astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary after an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station.

Mission Highlights And Crew Details

- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS in over four decades
- The crew included Commander Peggy Whitson, Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu
- The capsule undocked from the ISS Harmony module on July 14 at 4:45 PM IST and completed a 22.5-hour return journey
- A brief sonic boom signaled the capsule’s re-entry before splashdown at 3:01 PM IST

Scientific And Outreach Impact

- The crew conducted over 60 experiments spanning biology, health, and material science
- More than 20 public outreach events were held, including interactions with schoolchildren and national leaders
- Dragon returned with 580 pounds of cargo, including research samples and hardware

Symbolic And Strategic Significance

- Shukla’s parting message echoed Rakesh Sharma’s legacy: “Aaj ka Bharat abhi bhi saare jahaan se achha dikhta hai”
- The mission strengthens global collaboration in space and highlights the growing role of private astronaut programs
- Axiom Space’s fourth ISS mission underscores the viability of commercial spaceflight and international participation

Sources: Moneycontrol, Deccan Herald, MSN News, CBS8, NBC Los Angeles.