Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed the return date of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the last leg of India’s historic first-ever participation in the private Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla, who became the first Indian to travel to the ISS on a commercial trip, will depart for the return journey on board the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft on July 14, 2025, at 4:30 pm IST. Having completed a series of scheduled orbital maneuvers, the spacecraft is set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on July 15, 2025, at 3:00 pm IST.
Shukla Forges India’s Space Science Research
Shukla spearheaded seven novel Indian microgravity experiments during his two-week tenure on the ISS, adding to essential space research. ISRO has certified the success of four critical experiments, including:
· Survival and reproduction of Indian tardigrades in space,
· How space affects the development of human muscle cells (myogenesis),
· Trial of methi and moong seeds’ sprouting for space nutrition,
· Investigating cyanobacteria development for life support uses.
The other three experiments, including microalgae research, crop seed development, and a Voyager Display, are almost complete and are now in preparation for safe return to Earth.
Health Monitoring and Post-Flight Rehabilitation
ISRO’s medical staff has kept Shukla’s health under constant observation during the mission and assured that he is in “excellent condition and high spirits.” He will then have a week-long rehabilitation regimen administered by ISRO flight physicians to enable his body to get accustomed to the Earth’s gravity following prolonged exposure to microgravity.
A Giant Leap Toward India’s Human Spaceflight Goals
Shukla’s mission is a significant milestone in the journey of India’s space exploration, providing important inputs and information that will guide future missions such as the Gaganyaan manned spaceflight project and the proposed Bhartiya Antariksha Station.
His successful space science contribution, leadership in microgravity experiments, and successful return are likely to inspire future generations of astronauts and scientists from India while further entrenching India’s cooperation with the world’s space research programs.
