In a monumental day for India’s space history, Shubhanshu Shukla, the nation’s second astronaut in space and the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), is scheduled to return to Earth today at around 3 PM IST. His return marks the completion of an extended 18-day space mission under the Axiom Space Ax-4 program, conducted in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX.

Shukla’s return to Earth will be aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, named “Grace,” which will splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California at approximately 3:01 PM IST. The splashdown signifies the end of a landmark mission, not just for Shukla, but for India’s ambitions in international space exploration.

Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to Earth After Ax-4 Mission

On Monday, July 14, the crew boarded the Dragon spacecraft at 2 PM IST, initiating their journey back to Earth. By 4:45 PM IST, the capsule successfully undocked from the ISS’s Harmony module. The spacecraft’s hatch was sealed at 5:07 AM EDT, and shortly after, SpaceX confirmed the successful separation from the station. “Dragon separation confirmed!” SpaceX posted on its official handle on X (formerly Twitter), marking the start of the re-entry phase.

The return journey is expected to take approximately 23 hours, after which recovery teams will retrieve the crew from the Pacific. Following the splashdown, Shukla will begin a 7-day rehabilitation protocol to readjust to Earth’s gravity after spending over two weeks in a microgravity environment.

Mission Extended for Scientific Discovery

Originally planned for 14 days, the Ax-4 mission was extended to 18 days, allowing more time for crucial scientific research and collaborative international projects aboard the ISS. During his time in space, Shubhanshu Shukla engaged in numerous space-based experiments, biological studies, and astronaut training drills, all while representing India in one of the most elite environments of human spaceflight.

This achievement stands as a testament to India’s rising prominence in space technology and international collaboration. The Shubhanshu Shukla space mission under Axiom Space’s Ax-4 not only fulfilled scientific objectives but also paved the way for future manned missions by ISRO, including the much-anticipated Gaganyaan mission.

Shukla’s Emotional Farewell from Orbit

In his final message from orbit, Shukla spoke to millions back on Earth in a heartfelt message recorded from the ISS’s cupola module—a panoramic observation deck used by astronauts to view Earth. Gazing at the subcontinent, he emotionally said, "India still looks better than the whole world." He went on to thank ISRO, NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX for making this dream possible, calling it "an incredible journey."

His statement reflected not only a personal moment of pride but also the aspirations of a nation that has long dreamed of expanding its role in global space exploration.

Crew Members and International Partnership

Shukla was not alone in this mission. He was joined by an international crew including:

• Peggy Whitson (USA), a veteran astronaut and mission commander.

• Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), a European Space Agency researcher.

• Tibor Kapu (Hungary), a representative of the Hungarian Space Research Programme.

Together, they demonstrated the power of global collaboration in advancing space technology and conducting multidisciplinary research in low Earth orbit.

India’s Second Astronaut in Space

With this mission, Shubhanshu Shukla becomes only the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma, who made history in 1984 aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft. However, Shukla’s mission marks the first time an Indian has boarded the International Space Station, making him a trailblazer in India’s space diplomacy.

The success of this mission sends a powerful signal that India is ready to participate more actively in international crewed missions, research programs, and commercial spaceflight operations. The experience gained from this flight will be invaluable for future ISRO missions, including long-duration human spaceflight projects.

Ax-4 Mission: A New Chapter in Spaceflight

The Axiom Space Ax-4 program is part of a growing trend of private-public partnerships in space exploration. SpaceX, as the launch provider, facilitated the journey through its reusable Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket systems. Axiom Space, meanwhile, managed the mission operations in coordination with NASA and international space agencies.

Such partnerships are redefining the dynamics of human spaceflight, allowing commercial spaceflight to coexist and integrate with government-funded scientific endeavors.

Recovery and Post-Mission Plans

Once Shukla and his crewmates land, medical teams and recovery specialists will assist in the re-acclimatisation process. Astronauts returning from microgravity undergo changes in their muscle mass, bone density, and equilibrium, all of which need to be readjusted through physical therapy and monitored health protocols.

Over the next few weeks, Shubhanshu Shukla is expected to participate in debrief sessions, public interactions, and scientific panels, sharing insights from his mission. He will also assist ISRO and Indian academic institutions in transferring knowledge and data gathered during his time in orbit.

A Proud Moment for India and Global Space Collaboration

The return of Shubhanshu Shukla today is not just the conclusion of an 18-day mission—it is the beginning of a new chapter for India in the annals of global space exploration. His achievements symbolize India’s growing capabilities, its commitment to science, and its readiness to stand shoulder to shoulder with global space powers.

As the second Indian astronaut in space and the first on the ISS, Shukla’s mission bridges history and future, reaffirming India's place in the elite community of spacefaring nations. With the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and more international collaborations on the horizon, India’s ambitions among the stars are only just beginning to unfold.

Today, as the world watches the Shubhanshu Shukla Dragon spacecraft splashdown, a nation of over a billion celebrates the safe return of a hero—one who carried not just equipment and data, but the dreams of an entire country into orbit and back.

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