Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has officially begun his journey back to Earth after spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In the early hours of July 14, SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft undocked from the ISS, marking a crucial phase in the return process of a highly publicized mission.

According to NASA and Axiom Space, the hatch was securely closed before undocking, and a series of technical manoeuvres—two separation burns and four departure burns—ensured that the Dragon safely navigated away from the ISS. The first departure burn, known as 'Depart Burn Zero', initiated the spacecraft’s move away from the space station, followed by a second burn to help it exit the "keep-out sphere", a safety perimeter that spans 200 meters around the ISS.

Within just 13 minutes, the spacecraft exited the approach ellipsoid, a protective 3D boundary that ensures controlled traffic and safety around the ISS. With these steps completed, Shukla and his spacecraft are now en route to Earth, with the splashdown scheduled approximately 22.5 hours later—around 4:31 AM CT (3:01 PM IST) on Tuesday, July 15, off the coast of California.

Significant Scientific Payload on Return

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is returning with over 580 pounds (approx. 263 kg) of cargo, which includes NASA hardware and data from more than 60 experiments carried out on board. These experiments are expected to provide valuable insights into microgravity’s effects on biological and technological systems, a key area of research for long-term human space exploration.

NASA’s statement confirmed that the return mission is not only about crew retrieval, but also about bringing critical scientific samples and hardware back to Earth for analysis.

Shukla's Rehabilitation Post Splashdown

Following the splashdown, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will enter a 7-day rehabilitation program, supervised by a NASA medical expert team. This is a standard protocol for astronauts returning from extended periods in microgravity, as their bodies need to reacclimate to Earth’s gravitational forces.

The rehabilitation process will include physical evaluations, diet monitoring, balance and coordination checks, and cardiovascular assessments to ensure a smooth transition back to terrestrial life.

Microalgae Experiments and Sustainable Space Habitation

One of the highlight projects of Shukla's ISS tenure was an experimental study involving microalgae—tiny, single-celled organisms that may one day serve as a reliable source of oxygen, fuel, and nutrition for astronauts during deep space missions.

Axiom Space reported that Shukla played a pivotal role in collecting, growing, and storing microalgae samples. These organisms are considered ideal for closed-loop life support systems, thanks to their resilience and ability to thrive in extreme conditions.

The experiment aimed to evaluate:

• Growth rates of different algae strains in microgravity

• Oxygen production and CO₂ absorption efficiencies

• Feasibility of microalgae for producing edible biomass and biofuel

Scientists believe this work could pave the way for sustainable living modules on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

A Promising Return for India’s Space Program

This mission marks a significant milestone for India’s growing human spaceflight ambitions, especially with Shubhanshu Shukla becoming a symbolic figure in the nation’s space journey. His participation in a private commercial space mission by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX highlights India’s integration into global space partnerships.

The success of this mission further cements India's capability and readiness to pursue more complex, human-involved space programs, especially in light of ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission and future international collaborations.

Technical Snapshot of the Undocking and Splashdown Process

• Undocking Time: July 14

• Splashdown Scheduled: July 15, 4:31 AM CT / 3:01 PM IST

• Distance from ISS to splashdown point: Approx. 408 km above Earth to coastal California

• Dragon capsule name: Freedom (as confirmed by Axiom Space)

• Total Cargo: 580+ pounds including research samples, station hardware, and personal effects

• Mission Duration: 18 days at ISS + 1 day return

The mission’s end brings with it scientific treasures, new insights, and renewed hope for long-term human presence beyond Earth.

Final Thoughts

As Shubhanshu Shukla’s capsule prepares to plunge into Earth’s atmosphere and descend via parachutes into the Pacific Ocean, India celebrates another step in its human spaceflight evolution. From scientific experiments in orbit to crew recovery in the ocean, the mission demonstrates the technological synchronization and global cooperation vital for the next era of space exploration.

His safe return will not only be an emotional milestone for the nation, but also a scientific benchmark that influences future space missions, from India and beyond.

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