A Milestone for Indian Space Exploration
In a moment of pride for India, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian astronaut to venture into space, has embarked on his journey back to Earth after an extended 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, a collaborative effort between Axiom Space, SpaceX, and NASA, successfully undocked from the ISS on July 14, 2025, at approximately 4:45 PM IST, marking the beginning of the crew’s return. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named Grace, carrying Shukla and his fellow astronauts—Commander Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Tibor Kapu—is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on July 15, 2025, at around 3:00 PM IST.
A Journey Beyond the Stars
The Axiom-4 mission, launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, was initially planned as a 14-day scientific expedition. However, due to unfavorable weather conditions, the mission was extended by nearly four days, allowing the crew to conduct additional research. Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force officer and the mission’s pilot, became the first Indian to visit the ISS, following in the footsteps of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who traveled to space in 1984.
During their time on the ISS, the Ax-4 crew conducted over 60 scientific experiments, ranging from biomedical research to agricultural studies. Shukla’s contributions included groundbreaking experiments on plant growth in microgravity, capturing images of sprouting moong and methi seeds to study their germination in space. These seeds will be further analyzed on Earth to explore genetic changes and their potential for sustainable farming in space. Additionally, Shukla’s research on skeletal muscle degradation and cerebral hemodynamics has provided valuable insights into human health in microgravity, with potential applications for elderly care and long-term space exploration.
The Return Journey: A Meticulous Process
The return of the Ax-4 crew began with a heartfelt farewell ceremony on the ISS, where Shukla expressed his awe at the view of Earth from space, echoing Rakesh Sharma’s iconic words: “Even today, Bharat looks saare jahan se achcha from above.” The Grace spacecraft undocked from the ISS’s Harmony module after a 10-minute delay, completing a series of departure burns to safely distance itself from the station. The 22.5-hour journey back to Earth involves precise navigation and multiple checks to ensure a safe re-entry into the atmosphere.
NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space ground teams are closely monitoring weather conditions and spacecraft readiness to ensure a smooth splashdown. Live coverage of the undocking process began at 2:00 PM IST on July 14, with NASA+ and Axiom Space’s official website providing real-time updates. The splashdown, scheduled for 3:00 PM IST on July 15, will be broadcast live, allowing space enthusiasts worldwide to witness this historic moment.
A Nation Awaits with Pride
Shukla’s journey has captured the imagination of millions in India and beyond. His family in Lucknow expressed their pride and excitement, with his father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, thanking the nation for their support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh also lauded Shukla’s achievements, emphasizing the mission’s significance for India’s ambitious space program, which aims to land an Indian on the Moon by 2040 under Mission Akash Ganga.
The Axiom-4 mission marks a new era of international collaboration in space exploration, with India, Poland, and Hungary returning to human spaceflight after decades. Shukla’s experiments and outreach efforts, including interactions with students and ISRO scientists via ham radio, have inspired a new generation of scientists and dreamers.
Looking Ahead
As Shukla and his crew prepare for splashdown, the scientific community eagerly awaits the results of their experiments, which could pave the way for advancements in space travel, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture. The European Space Agency (ESA) will support the crew’s recovery with a dedicated program to help them readapt to Earth’s gravity.
India celebrates Shukla’s historic achievement as a testament to its growing prowess in space exploration. As he said before leaving the ISS, “Jaldi hi dharti pe mulaqat karte hain” (We will meet on Earth soon). The nation awaits his safe return, ready to welcome a hero who carried India’s aspirations among the stars.
Sources: Information compiled from recent news updates and official statements from Axiom Space, NASA, and ISRO.
