Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been making history. As the first Indian ever to set foot aboard the International Space Station (ISS), his mission has been more than just a personal triumph—it has marked a significant leap forward for India’s aspirations in human space exploration. Now, after nearly a fortnight of groundbreaking science and a glimpse into life beyond our atmosphere, Shukla is preparing to begin his journey back home. Axiom Space has announced that the Indian astronaut, alongside his crewmates Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Tibor Kapu, is scheduled to undock from the ISS’s Harmony module on July 14, making his long-awaited return to Earth.
The Countdown Begins: Shukla’s Journey Home
On Friday, Axiom Space confirmed on social media that the #Ax4 crew is scheduled to undock from the @Space_Station no earlier than Monday, July 14, at 7:05 a.m. ET (4:35 pm IST). The crew will leave the station aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, designed to ferry astronauts safely between Earth and the ISS.
After detaching from the Harmony module’s space-facing port, the Dragon capsule will conduct a series of carefully timed maneuvers to descend through Earth’s atmosphere. Splashdown is expected several hours later off the coast of California, in the vast waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Steve Stitch, Manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, shared during a press conference:
“We are working with the station programme, watching the Axiom-4 progress carefully. The current target to undock is July 14. We’re all eager to see them home safely.”
A Mission of Many Firsts
While his journey home captures headlines, it’s the story of Shukla’s mission that has captured the imagination of millions. Shukla, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain, embarked on a 14-day mission that placed him firmly into the pages of history.
He became:
- The first Indian astronaut to live aboard the ISS.
- Only the second Indian to travel into space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who famously flew aboard Soyuz T-11 in 1984 and declared, “Saare Jahan Se Achha” when asked how India looked from space.
For India, whose space ambitions have grown exponentially over the past two decades, Shukla’s presence aboard the ISS signals more than symbolic progress. It demonstrates India’s capability to engage in sophisticated, international human spaceflight programs and lays vital groundwork for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, India’s indigenous effort to send astronauts into low-Earth orbit aboard an Indian spacecraft.
Science Beyond Borders: Shukla’s Experiments
Shukla’s mission was not merely ceremonial. Over his two weeks on the ISS, he conducted seven India-specific experiments, each tailored to explore how human biology and agricultural science respond to the peculiar conditions of microgravity.
Among the highlights were:
- Decoding Muscle Loss in Microgravity: Long-duration stays in space cause significant muscle atrophy due to weightlessness. Shukla’s research could help design countermeasures for astronauts and contribute to treatments for muscle-wasting diseases on Earth.
- Developing a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI): This cutting-edge experiment sought to explore how neural signals might be captured and interpreted in microgravity, paving the way for advanced space-human interaction tools.
- Sprouting Green Gram and Fenugreek Seeds: As humanity contemplates long-term habitation on the Moon or Mars, understanding how plants grow in space is crucial. Shukla’s experiments focused on germinating common Indian crops under zero gravity, a potential game-changer for sustainable life support in future missions.
These studies were designed not only to support India’s own space ambitions but to contribute to the broader pool of scientific knowledge that benefits all spacefaring nations.
An Astronaut’s Life: Connecting with Students Back Home
Despite the rigorous demands of life on the ISS, Shukla made time to connect with his fellow countrymen back on Earth, particularly India’s youth. He participated in live video conferencing sessions with students from Kerala and Lucknow, fielding questions that ranged from the whimsical to the deeply scientific.
One student asked him what it feels like to float in microgravity. Shukla chuckled as he replied:
“It’s fun, actually, because in space there’s no floor and no ceiling. If you were to visit the station, you’d find someone sleeping on the walls and someone else on the ceiling!”
Other students were curious about space food, hygiene, and how astronauts deal with illness in orbit. Shukla patiently explained how meals come in packets, how astronauts sleep in floating sleeping bags, and how onboard medical kits ensure that minor health issues can be managed far from Earth.
Perhaps the most poignant moment came when a young girl asked:
“Sir, what was the most enjoyable part of your mission?”
Shukla smiled and said:
“The launch itself was amazing and dynamic. But honestly, every moment here feels like a new discovery. Just looking at Earth from space is unforgettable.”
These interactions have become an invaluable tool for inspiring the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers, bringing the grandeur of space exploration into classrooms and living rooms across the nation.
Riding the Dragon: Technology Behind the Journey
Shukla’s return journey aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is a testament to the evolving landscape of commercial space travel. Dragon is designed not only to carry cargo but to safely ferry humans between Earth and the ISS.
Some highlights of the Dragon system include:
- Fully autonomous flight: Though astronauts can take manual control if necessary, Dragon’s flight systems handle most operations from undocking to splashdown.
- Precision landing technology: The spacecraft uses parachutes and targeted thrusters to ensure a safe descent and ocean splashdown.
- Advanced life support systems: Dragon is equipped to maintain comfortable pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels for crew members during transit.
Once the Ax-4 crew undocks, Dragon will begin a series of “departure burns,” gradually lowering its orbit before reentering Earth’s atmosphere at tremendous speeds. Protective heat shields and carefully timed parachute deployments will ensure the crew lands gently off California’s coast, where recovery teams will be standing by.
India’s Gaganyaan Dream: Shukla’s Mission as a Stepping Stone
Shukla’s presence aboard the ISS isn’t just a one-off adventure—it’s a crucial component of India’s long-term space strategy.
Gaganyaan, India’s flagship human spaceflight mission, aims to send Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit aboard an indigenous spacecraft. The knowledge and operational experience gathered from Shukla’s mission provide invaluable data for this ambitious program.
Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, recently remarked:
“Every experiment and every experience Shukla brings back helps us refine Gaganyaan’s plans—from astronaut training to life support systems. His mission is more than symbolic—it’s practical groundwork.”
India aims for its first manned Gaganyaan launch in the near future, and the nation’s space community is watching eagerly as Shukla prepares to return with first-hand insights from his time in orbit.
A Nation Watches: Emotional Highs and Global Recognition
For millions of Indians, seeing an Indian astronaut aboard the ISS has been a deeply emotional experience. Television channels and social media have broadcast footage of Shukla floating among his crewmates, working on science experiments, and gazing out the iconic ISS windows at Earth.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #ShubhanshuShukla and #IndiaInSpace have trended repeatedly, showcasing an outpouring of pride and curiosity.
Global media has also paid attention. Leading publications from the United States to Europe have covered Shukla’s mission, often highlighting how India is emerging as a significant player in human space exploration. His presence aboard an international mission underscores India’s reputation as a trusted partner in global scientific endeavors.
The Human Side of Space Exploration
Shukla’s mission is a reminder that space exploration, despite its technological wonders, is ultimately about human curiosity, resilience, and cooperation. During his interactions, he’s spoken candidly about:
- Missing family: “Being away from loved ones is the hardest part. The views are breathtaking, but nothing replaces home.”
- Sleeping in space: “It’s like being in a floating cocoon. You zip yourself into a sleeping bag and drift off wherever you attach it.”
- Earth from space: “No photograph does it justice. Seeing the thin blue atmosphere makes you realize how fragile our planet truly is.”
These insights offer a rare glimpse into the emotional realities of life in space—a place where scientific discovery coexists with profound personal reflections.
Future Possibilities: What’s Next for India in Space?
With Shukla’s return imminent, attention now turns to what lies ahead for India’s space program. The nation has ambitious plans:
- Gaganyaan: The immediate priority, aiming to place Indian astronauts in orbit aboard an Indian spacecraft.
- Space stations: Long-term plans include developing a modular Indian space station.
- International collaboration: India continues to partner with agencies like NASA, ESA, and now private companies like Axiom Space, signaling a collaborative future.
Shukla’s mission demonstrates India’s readiness to be part of this next chapter in human exploration. His experiments, observations, and experiences will feed directly into these future ventures, ensuring India remains on the cutting edge of space science.
Awaiting Splashdown: Eyes on July 14
As July 14 approaches, mission controllers in Houston, California, and India will be working around the clock to ensure a safe return for Shukla and his fellow Ax-4 crew members.
The splashdown process, though routine for Dragon, remains one of the most intense parts of any space mission. Engineers will track the capsule’s descent, weather conditions, and ocean currents to ensure the crew’s safe recovery.
Back on Earth, friends, family, scientists, and millions of proud Indians will watch anxiously, waiting to welcome their astronaut home. Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission aboard the ISS has been more than just a journey through space—it has been a voyage into the heart of India’s aspirations. From groundbreaking science experiments to inspiring conversations with students, he has bridged the gap between Earth and the cosmos, bringing the stars closer to home for every Indian.
As he prepares to return on July 14, the world waits eagerly, knowing that this is not merely the end of one mission, but the beginning of many more. India’s journey into human spaceflight has only just begun, and Shukla’s name will forever be etched as one of its brightest pioneers.
