Indian Astronaut Shubhashu Shukla Set for Historic Return from Space Mission

Shubhashu Shukla's Return to Earth

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhashu Shukla is preparing for his return to Earth after becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) in nearly four decades as part of the Axiom-4 mission. His splashdown is scheduled for July 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM IST, marking the successful conclusion of his historic space journey. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) provided an update on the Axiom-4 mission, stating, "After landing, the astronaut will undergo a rehabilitation program under the supervision of a flight surgeon for approximately seven days to adjust to Earth's gravity."

Details of the Axiom-4 Mission

Upon landing off the coast of California on July 15, Shukla will spend a week in rehabilitation. He is returning to Earth after an 18-day stay at the ISS. Shukla, along with three other astronauts—Commander Peggy Whitson, and mission specialists Slawoj Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary—arrived at the space station on June 26 as part of the Axiom-4 mission.

Departure from the ISS

NASA announced that the four astronauts will depart from the ISS on July 14 at 4:35 PM IST. According to ISRO, after separating from the space station, the Crew Dragon spacecraft will undergo several orbital maneuvers before landing off the California coast on July 15 at 3:00 PM IST.

Rehabilitation and Future Plans

ISRO explained that after returning from space, Shukla will need to adapt to Earth's gravity under a rehabilitation program supervised by a flight surgeon for about seven days. The agency has invested approximately ₹550 crores in Shukla's space journey, which will aid in planning and executing its human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, set to launch in 2027. The flight surgeon is continuously monitoring Shukla's overall health and well-being through private medical and psychological sessions. ISRO confirmed, "Gaganyatri Shubhashu is in good health and is filled with enthusiasm."

Final Preparations for Return

Shukla and the other astronauts are expected to board the Crew Dragon spacecraft at 2:25 PM IST, don their space suits, and undergo final checks before commencing their journey back to Earth. The space station orbits Earth at a speed of 28,000 kilometers per hour. The spacecraft will automatically initiate the separation process from the ISS, gradually slowing down to prepare for splashdown in California. NASA stated that the Dragon spacecraft will return with over 580 pounds of cargo, including NASA hardware and data from more than 60 experiments conducted during the mission.

A Memorable Experience

According to Commander Peggy Whitson, the Axiom-4 mission has been enjoyable, as she shared on social media, "We are enjoying our last few days at the space station with cocktails and good company." She also mentioned that Shukla brought carrot halwa and aamras with him.