WATCH: Video Of Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Post-Flight Rehab Surfaces Online As He Undergoes Microgravity Recovery Training

Houston: A new video of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla undergoing post-spaceflight rehabilitation has surfaced on social media, featuring him performing a series of recovery exercises following his return from a historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The footage, now shared widely on social media, shows the Gaganyatri walking on a specially enclosed treadmill and practising balance drills with his arms folded across his chest, part of a carefully designed programme to help his body readjust to Earth’s gravity.

Have a look at the video here:

#Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla is undergoing post-flight rehab after 20+ days in space.
His body is readjusting to Earth’s gravity- rebuilding strength, balance & coordination. A vital step for every astronaut after every spaceflight.#ShubhanshuShukla #Ax4 #Gaganyaan pic.twitter.com/qYQ66bXhro

— The Space Pirate‍☠️ (@TheSpacePirateX) July 21, 2025

Shukla, who made history as the first Indian to travel to the ISS, returned to Earth on July 15 after the successful Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), alongside Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). Their SpaceX Dragon capsule splashed down off the coast of San Diego.

Week-Long Rehab in Houston Underway, Says ISRO

In a statement released on Thursday, July 17, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed that Group Captain Shukla is currently undergoing a week-long rehabilitation programme in Houston. The initiative, jointly overseen by Axiom’s and ISRO’s flight surgeons, is aimed at countering the physiological effects of microgravity experienced during space missions.

“This includes a series of medical checks especially cardiovascular assessments, musculoskeletal tests, and psychological debrief,” ISRO noted. The space agency emphasised that Shukla is being closely monitored for both physical and mental health as he transitions back to normal Earth-bound activity.

AXIOM-4 Returns!

At 3:01 PM IST on July 15, 2025, the AXIOM-4 crew successfully splashed down off the coast of California, concluding their mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This marked the completion of “realising the return” to human spaceflight for India,… pic.twitter.com/wW5Xy8awzN

— Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI (@PrinSciAdvOff) July 15, 2025

Following his extraction by SpaceX recovery teams on July 15, initial health assessments found Shukla in a stable condition. He was promptly airlifted for detailed medical evaluations and later reunited with his family in Houston.

Axiom-4 Mission

During their 18-day stay aboard the ISS, the Axiom-4 crew conducted more than 60 research activities and 23 outreach events. Shukla, the mission’s pilot, played a crucial role in these operations, further cementing India’s growing presence in the international space community.

news