India’s First Astronaut to the ISS, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Set to Return to Earth Today

New Delhi, July 14: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history as India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), is scheduled to undock from the orbital laboratory today at 4:30 PM IST. His return journey aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft will conclude with a planned splashdown off the coast of California on July 15 at approximately 3:00 PM IST.

Shukla participated in the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) alongside Commander Peggy Whitson and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu. The 18-day mission marks a milestone in India’s expanding role in international space exploration and scientific collaboration.

Scientific Contributions and Milestones

During their stay aboard the ISS, the Ax-4 crew conducted more than 60 experiments spanning diverse fields such as biology, artificial intelligence, material sciences, and space medicine.

Among Group Captain Shukla’s most notable contributions was the Sprouts Project, which studied the effects of microgravity on seed germination and early plant growth — critical research aimed at enabling sustainable agriculture in long-duration space missions.

He also led experiments involving microalgae, exploring their potential to produce food, oxygen, and biofuels in space conditions. The team tested non-invasive glucose monitoring systems designed for astronauts, and also conducted studies on mental health and advanced spacesuit materials for future deep space missions.

Leadership and Diplomacy in Orbit

During the mission, Shukla held a video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a telephonic conversation with ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, discussing the scientific progress achieved on the ISS and the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight initiative.

At a farewell ceremony aboard the ISS on July 13, Shukla expressed heartfelt gratitude to ISRO, his fellow crew members, and the people of India.

“This mission is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to what humanity can achieve together. I hope our work inspires young minds in India and across the globe to dream beyond boundaries,” he said.

Reflecting on India's rise in the space domain, he added:

“From up here, India looks ambitious, fearless, confident, and proud. India is still saare jahan se accha.”

Return and Rehabilitation

Following undocking, the crew will spend approximately 21 hours in transit back to Earth. Upon splashdown, Group Captain Shukla will begin a week-long rehabilitation protocol to help his body readjust to Earth’s gravity after nearly three weeks in microgravity.

Preparations are underway for a grand welcome as Shukla returns home, having etched his name in the annals of Indian space history.

The success of the Ax-4 mission is being hailed as a pivotal step toward India’s Gaganyaan program and a significant leap forward in the country’s aspirations for a sustained human presence in space.