Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has officially begun his journey back to Earth after an 18-day historic mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The return marks a significant milestone as Shukla becomes the first Indian to visit the ISS, further solidifying India’s growing presence in human space exploration.
Shukla undocked from the ISS at 4:35 pm IST along with his fellow Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crewmates aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, initiating a 22-hour return journey to Earth.
Before departure, the ISS crew held a heartfelt farewell ceremony. Reflecting on his mission, Shukla shared, “Today’s India looks ambitious from space, fearless, confident, and full of pride. Today’s India still looks ‘saare jahan se accha’,” echoing the legendary words of India’s first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma.
🛸 Return Journey Details
The Dragon spacecraft will complete several Earth orbits as it slowly descends in altitude before re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. The capsule is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off California around 3:00 pm IST on July 15. SpaceX recovery teams will be stationed to safely retrieve the astronauts upon landing.
🔬 Science in Space
During his time aboard the ISS, Shukla contributed to over 60 scientific experiments, advancing research in biology, materials science, and AI. Notable among them was the Sprouts Project, which explored plant growth in microgravity—a key experiment for long-duration missions in deep space.
Other experiments included:
- Studying cellular responses to microgravity
- Testing AI-assisted robotics for station maintenance
- Developing insights applicable to agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing on Earth
🏥 Post-Mission Recovery
Following splashdown, Shukla and his team will undergo a week-long rehabilitation to readjust to Earth’s gravity. Prolonged spaceflight can result in muscle weakening, bone loss, and balance issues. Recovery will include:
- Physical therapy
- Medical assessments
- Gradual reconditioning
This rehabilitation phase is critical to ensure a full and healthy return to normal life.
🇮🇳 Inspiring the Future
Shukla’s successful ISS mission marks a monumental achievement for India’s space ambitions. It not only symbolizes national pride but also sets the stage for the country’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, scheduled for launch in the coming years.
As Shubhanshu Shukla journeys home, India watches with admiration, inspired by a mission that pushes boundaries and sets new aspirations for the next generation of scientists and astronauts.
