Why Shubhanshu Shukla’s SpaceX Dragon Capsule Landed in Water, Not on Land

India’s first astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), Shubhanshu Shukla, returned to Earth today. His journey back ended with a splashdown — the Dragon spacecraft landed safely in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California. While many expect a spacecraft to land on land like an airplane, water landings are still a common and reliable method in space missions. So why is splashdown still the preferred way to return from space? Let’s break it down.

Touchdown vs. Splashdown: What’s the Difference?

Touchdown happens when a spacecraft lands on solid ground, like a desert or airstrip. It requires special systems to slow down the capsule and absorb the shock from impact. These landings need to be extremely precise and use strong gear to protect astronauts.

Why SpaceX and NASA Still Choose Water Landings

NASA has used splashdowns since the early Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. Even today, astronauts like Sunita Williams have returned home using this method.

There are 3 key reasons space agencies prefer splashdowns:

Safety: Water reduces the risk of injury by softening the landing.
Simplicity: Without landing gear, the spacecraft is lighter and cheaper to build.
Fewer Mechanical Risks: There’s less chance of equipment failure during landing, making recovery smoother.

A Trusted Way to Return from Space

Even as space travel becomes more advanced, splashdowns remain one of the safest and most reliable ways to bring astronauts back. For Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic mission, landing in water wasn’t just tradition — it was the smart and secure choice.