Shubhanshu Shukla's Homecoming: First Photos Of Indian Astronaut After Returning To Earth Released | See Pics

Shubhanshu Shukla's Homecoming: The first photos of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla after his return to Earth have been officially released, capturing the emotional and historic moments following his 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The images show Shukla stepping out of the recovery capsule, visibly moved and greeted with warmth and admiration. 

Shukla’s family, watching from India through live coverage, witnessed the moment he stepped out of the Dragon spacecraft. The visual of him smiling and waving stirred hearts across the country.

Successful Splashdown in the Pacific Ocean

Group Captain Shukla splashed down on Tuesday in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, aboard the Dragon ‘Grace’ spacecraft, completing a 22.5-hour journey back to Earth. He returned with Commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Tibor Kapu of Hungary and Slawomir Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, concluding their historic Axiom-4 mission.

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The Dragon capsule undocked from the ISS at 4:45 PM IST on Monday, July 14, before descending through Earth’s atmosphere and landing safely in the ocean. Following the splashdown, the capsule was retrieved by a specially equipped recovery ship.

Medical Checks Begin Immediately After Landing

Once onboard the recovery vessel, the astronauts were helped out of the spacecraft and immediately taken for preliminary medical examinations. These checks are essential to assess their condition after living in a microgravity environment for more than two weeks. Prolonged exposure to zero gravity can affect muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular function. 

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After initial medical evaluations, Shukla and the crew will be airlifted by helicopter to shore. There, they will begin a seven-day rehabilitation program, which is a standard part of post-spaceflight recovery. This program helps astronauts readjust to Earth’s gravity and restore balance, muscle coordination, and internal body functions altered by their time in orbit.