Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to return to Earth after completing an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 private space mission.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft “Grace,” carrying Shukla and his fellow crew members, undocked from the ISS on July 14 at 4:35 PM IST. It is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast around 3:00 PM IST on July 15, weather permitting.
During his time aboard the ISS, Shukla completed 433 hours in space and 288 orbits of the Earth. He conducted over 60 scientific experiments, including seven led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
These studies focused on areas such as muscle loss, crop growth, and microalgae, contributing valuable data for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
The mission, supported by ISRO at a cost of approximately ₹550 crore, is seen as a major milestone in India’s human spaceflight ambitions.
The spacecraft’s return involves a precise sequence of operations, including multiple engine burns, parachute deployment, and a controlled splashdown.
After recovery, the crew will undergo medical evaluations and a week-long rehabilitation period. Shukla expressed pride in representing India in space and credited his inspiration to Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut.
He emphasized that modern India is “ambitious, fearless, and full of pride,” reflecting the nation’s growing stature in global space exploration.
The successful execution of the Axiom-4 mission is considered a significant achievement for international cooperation in space and a major step forward for India’s crewed spaceflight capabilities.
