Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Return from ISS After Historic 18-Day Mission

India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled to return to Earth on July 15 after completing an 18-day scientific mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). His journey marks India’s first human presence on the ISS and a major milestone in the country’s space ambitions.

 

Mission wrap-up:

- Shukla will undock from the Harmony module aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft on July 14 at 4:30 pm IST.

- Splashdown is expected off the coast of California on July 15 around 3:00 pm IST, concluding the Axiom-4 mission.

- The return capsule will carry over 580 pounds of scientific samples and hardware.

 

Scientific contributions:

- Shukla led seven microgravity experiments developed by ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology, including studies on microalgae, muscle atrophy, seed germination, and cyanobacteria.

- His work supports future space agriculture, crew health, and life-support systems for long-duration missions.

- Additional research included glucose monitoring in space, mental health studies, and materials testing for next-gen spacesuits.

 

Symbolic and strategic impact:

- This mission marks India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 journey.

- Shukla’s participation strengthens India’s readiness for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission and future collaborations with NASA and Axiom Space.

- His farewell message from orbit emphasized unity, ambition, and India’s growing role in global space exploration.

 

Post-landing, Shukla will undergo a seven-day rehabilitation program to readjust to Earth’s gravity, monitored by ISRO’s flight surgeons.

 

Sources: News18, The Logical Indian, Times of India, ET Now, Mathrubhumi.