Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Begins Return Journey from ISS Today
The return journey of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s proud astronaut and the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), will begin today, marking the conclusion of a historic space expedition.
As per the announcement made by Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Axiom-4 crew is scheduled to undock from the ISS at 4:30 PM IST today. Their spacecraft is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and land tomorrow by 3 PM IST.
Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, embarked on this groundbreaking 14-day mission aboard the ISS on June 26, making him the second Indian astronaut in space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s iconic journey in 1984. However, Shukla is the first Indian to visit the ISS, representing a major milestone in India’s growing space capabilities and global collaborations.
The Axiom-4 mission was launched via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The crew consisted of four members: Commander Peggy Whitson from the USA, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, Tibor Kapu from Hungary, and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from India.
During his time aboard the ISS, Shukla conducted seven India-specific scientific experiments, focused on areas including microgravity, health monitoring, space agriculture, and atmospheric studies. In a touching farewell address from space, he described his journey as “incredible,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity and pride in contributing to India’s space legacy.
Once the crew lands, they will undergo a 7-day rehabilitation programme under the supervision of Flight Surgeons, aimed at helping them readjust to Earth’s gravity. Such recovery procedures are standard for astronauts after extended time in microgravity environments.
The mission has generated immense enthusiasm among young Indian scientists and space enthusiasts, symbolizing India’s increasing participation in international space missions and deepening ties with global space agencies, such as NASA and SpaceX.
As the country eagerly awaits the crew’s safe return, Shukla’s successful mission not only adds another chapter to India’s space history but also inspires the next generation of Indian astronauts.
