It was the fourth private astronaut mission funded by Houston-based Axiom Space and the second commanded by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson.

In 1975, a meet-up between American and Soviet spacefarers in orbit showed that the superpowers could work together. Its positive effects led to the International Space Station.

The Cabinet joins the nation in celebrating the return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Earth, following the successful completion of his historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station.

The four private visitors to the International Space Station of the Axiom Space Ax-4 mission are set to head back to Earth riding home on the newest SpaceX Crew Dragon making its first return home.

During his time aboard the International Space Station, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carried out seven India-specific microgravity experiments, highlighting the country's advancing expertise in space science and technology.

Shukla’s mission began with a launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on July 1, as part of the privately operated Axiom Space Mission-4. His arrival at the ISS marked a national milestone — the second Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission, and the very first to reach the orbiting laboratory.

An alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will command a SpaceX flight at the end of this month NASA said.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate will be a commander for a SpaceX mission to the International Space Station.

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday extended a warm welcome to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla upon his return to Earth following the successful completion of Axiom-4, describing the achievement as a significant milestone for India's growing presence in space exploration and international scientific cooperation.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his crew return to Earth after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station.