Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has officially started his return journey to Earth along with the rest of the Axiom-4 mission crew after spending 18 transformative days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft undocked at around 4:50 PM IST on Monday, July 14, marking the beginning of a 22.5-hour journey back home. According to NASA's official broadcast, the splashdown is scheduled for around 3 PM IST on Tuesday, July 15, off the coast of California.
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla and Why This Mission is Historic for India
Shubhanshu Shukla, representing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), made history as the second Indian astronaut to go to space, after Rakesh Sharma’s famous mission in 1984.Shubhanshu Shukla was the pilot on the Axiom-4 mission, which launched on June 25 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and docked with the International Space Station (ISS) the next day. His live conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 28 highlighted India’s growing role in global space exploration.
What’s Onboard Dragon? Over 250 KG of Space Cargo
NASA confirmed that the Dragon spacecraft is carrying more than 250 kilograms of cargo, including scientific samples and equipment. These materials support experiments in medicine, agriculture, and space biology.
What Did the Axiom-4 Crew Do on the ISS?
The Axiom-4 crew included: Shubhanshu Shukla (India, ISRO), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (European Space Agency, ESA), Tibor Kapu (Hungary’s HUNOR programme), Peggy Whitson (Axiom Space, former NASA astronaut)
Together, they worked on advanced research such as:
Studying bone and muscle loss in microgravity (led by Shukla)
Growing microalgae as a sustainable food source
Research on cancer, plant biology, microgreens, and blood circulation
A mental health study to improve astronauts’ well-being
When Did the Axiom-4 Mission Begin?
The mission launched on June 25, just after noon IST, aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. It marked another successful partnership between SpaceX, NASA, and international space agencies.
What Happens Next?
The world is now waiting for the Axiom-4 crew’s safe return, expected to splash down off the coast of California on Tuesday, July 15, around 3 PM IST. After landing, the astronauts will go through routine medical checks and debriefings.
Why This Matters: India’s Rising Star in Space
Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful mission highlights India’s growing ambitions in space science and exploration. As India expands its research and international partnerships, missions like Axiom-4 show that Indian scientists are moving beyond launching satellites to living and working in space.