Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Return from Space: What to Expect?

Return Journey of Indian Astronaut

New Delhi: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is scheduled to commence his return to Earth on July 14, with an expected landing on July 15, as confirmed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Shukla will undock from the Harmony module of the ISS along with three fellow crew members: Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Tibor Kapu, using the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

ISRO stated, "After a series of orbital maneuvers post-undocking, the Crew Dragon is anticipated to splash down off the California coast on July 15, 2025, at 15:00 hrs IST."

The agency also reported that Shukla is in excellent health and high spirits.

As part of a 14-day mission to the ISS, Shukla made history as the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian astronaut overall, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's journey in 1984.

During his time in orbit, Shukla conducted numerous experiments in microgravity, developed through a partnership involving ISRO, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and NASA.

These experiments focused on various topics, including muscle loss, brain-computer interfaces, and the growth of green gram and fenugreek seeds in space.

ISRO highlighted that Shukla is actively engaged in a series of seven microgravity experiments as part of India's contribution to the Axiom-04 mission, with four experiments already completed and three nearing completion.

The completed experiments include studies on the Indian strain of Tardigrades, the effects of space on human muscle cells, the sprouting of methi and moong seeds for crew nutrition, and the growth of two varieties of cyanobacteria relevant to life support systems.

These experiments mark a significant advancement in space science and technology, providing essential insights for future missions like Gaganyaan and the Bhartiya Antariksha Station.

ISRO mentioned that the completed experiments are being prepared for their return to Earth for further analysis.

The three experiments nearing completion involve research on microalgae, crop seeds, and a voyager display.

Additionally, NASA announced that the Ax-4 crew will finalize their science experiments on Saturday, which include an electrical muscle stimulation study and testing suit fabrics for thermal comfort during exercise. They will also begin packing research samples and personal items for their return on Sunday.

Upon landing, Shukla and his fellow crew members will participate in a rehabilitation program lasting about seven days, supervised by Flight Surgeons to help them readjust to Earth's gravity.

ISRO's flight surgeons are continuously monitoring the health and fitness of Shukla through private medical and psychological consultations.