Shubhanshu Shukla likely to arrive in India by Aug 17 after post-mission protocols
The four astronauts are expected to spend seven days in rehabilitation as they adjust back to life on Earth under the influence of gravity
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others of the commercial Axiom-4 mission made a fiery return to Earth as the Dragon 'Grace' spacecraft made a splash down off San Diego coast in southern California on Tuesday (July 15), capping a 22.5-hour journey after an 18-day stay at the International Space Station.
The spacecraft carrying Shukla, commander Peggy Whitson, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, undocked from the space station at 4:45 pm IST on Monday.
"Splashdown of Dragon confirmed - welcome back to Earth, @AstroPeggy, Shux, @astro_slawosz, and Tibi," SpaceX said in a post on X.
Speed boats of SpaceX, the transporter for the mission, were seen moving towards the spacecraft to bring it to recovery ship Shannon where the astronauts will brought out from the capsule.
The Axiom-4 crew will undergo a series of medical checks on board the ship before boarding a helicopter for a ride back to the shore.
The four astronauts are expected to spend seven days in rehabilitation as they adjust back to life on Earth under the influence of gravity, unlike the weightlessness experienced in orbit. PTI
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- 15 July 2025 2:56 PM IST
Shukla's mission a boost for Gaganyaan project, says ISRO
Indian astronaut Subhanshu Shukla’s 15-day mission in space will play a crucial role in India’s first manned spaceflight under the Gaganyaan programme, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Monday. Shukla became the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space wher he undertook scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
“This has been an unforgettable experience for him (Subhanshu Shukla). He carried out multiple experiments aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. After experiencing space and microgravity, he conducted several scientific tests. This mission has been a major learning opportunity for us. ISRO took up this mission to gather experience that will help us in our Gaganyaan programme,” said Nilesh M Desai, Director, Space Applications Centre, ISRO.
- 15 July 2025 2:55 PM IST
Shukla showcases zero-gravity experiment aboard ISS
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the Axiom-4 mission pilot, has showcased a zero-gravity experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) involving water to illustrate how microgravity transforms everyday physics.
According to a PTI report, the experiment, part of Axiom Space's outreach and scientific mission, highlighted the unique behaviour of water in space. Using surface tension to their advantage, Shukla formed a floating water bubble.
"I've become a water bender here in the station," he joked.
Another astronaut, Whitson, further went on to press a plastic bag gently into the sphere, demonstrating how surface tension behaves like a magnet in microgravity by clinging to the object and distorting light like a lens.
- 15 July 2025 2:54 PM IST
ISRO says Shubhanshu Shukla completed 7 experiments on ISS
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully completed all seven microgravity experiments and other planned activities, achieving a significant milestone in the Axiom-4 mission, ISRO said on Monday.
It said that experiments on the Indian strain of Tardigrades, Myogenesis, Sprouting of methi and moong seeds, Cyanobacteria, Microalgae, Crop seeds and Voyager Display have been completed as planned.
- 15 July 2025 2:52 PM IST
'Praying for his safe landing: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's father
With Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on his way back to Earth after an 18-day space mission, his family in Lucknow is praying for an uncomplicated splash down so that the planned merrymaking at their residence could begin.
The family's home in Triveni Nagar area of the capital is decked up with celebratory lights and posters of "Shux", his nickname, hung outside the house.
His mother, Asha Shukla, and sister Suchi Shukla are busy receiving congratulatory phone calls on Shubhanshu's space journey.
Speaking to PTI Videos on Tuesday, Shubhanshu's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, said, "Today is a very joyous day for us. We are praying to God for his safe landing. It is a matter of great happiness that he is returning after successfully completing his mission." "It is a moment of immense pride for us and for the country that he has completed such a significant mission," he added, expressing the family's deep sense of honour and fulfilment.
"Once the landing is safely done, we will celebrate here with our family, relatives, and well-wishers," he said.
