The first ISRO-trained astronaut to visit the International Space Station, Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla, is currently returning to Earth. He is scheduled to land close to California on July 15 at approximately 3 PM IST, completing his historic 18-day mission aboard the Axiom-4 spacecraft. This is a significant turning point in India’s space journey and the return of Indian astronauts to the ISS.
Subhanshu Shukla Mission Details
As part of the Axiom-4 private crewed mission to the ISS,Subhanshu Shukla, a veteran test pilot and Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, launched aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon “Grace” from Kennedy Space Centre on June 25, 2025.news
After docking with the ISS on June 26, he carried out more than 60 scientific and outreach initiatives, including tests of virtual reality and mental health as well as microgravity experiments involving cyanobacteria, microalgae, and crop seeds.
Notably, he finished seven ISRO-led experiments on tardigrade resilience and microalgae growth.
This was the first Indian on the ISS and the second Indian to travel to orbit, after Rakesh Sharma.
Timeline of Launch and return Subhanshu shukla
June 25: SpaceX Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon “Grace” launch from Florida as part of Axiom Mission 4.
Docking at the ISS on June 26 and the start of outreach and experimentation
Today, July 14, at 4:35 PM IST, the orbital mission will undock.
July 15: At around 3 PM IST, a splashdown is expected close to California’s Pacific waters.
What Happens During Splashdown?
Splashdown is the technique NASA uses for safe water landings:
Re-entry Manoeuvres: The Dragon “Grace” will separate its trunk, align its heat shield, and swiftly re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere, where temperatures could rise to 1,600 °C.
Parachute Deployment: At about 2 km above the ground, two stages of parachutes are released: stabilisation first, followed by main chutes.
Water Landing: The spacecraft will land safely in the Pacific Ocean close to California.
Recovery: The crew and equipment will be retrieved from the ocean by NASA recovery teams aboard specialised ships and helicopters.
Because water absorbs impacts more effectively than land landings, splashdown is still preferred because it makes design simpler and increases safety.
Reactions from ISRO,NASA, Family & Public
ISRO: Applauded Subhanshu Shukla’s efforts—his outreach and experiments strengthen India’s position in global space exploration
NASA: Ensured crew safety by coordinating re-entry procedures and approving the splashdown using Dragon “Grace.” The timeline for undocking and splashdown is confirmed on NASA’s blog.
Lucknow family: They’re “proud,” said Father Shambhu Dayal Shukla, who also prayed for his safe return. “It’s good to know he’s coming back,” said the mother after visiting temples with her sister.
Jitendra Singh, Union Minister: X posted, “Subhanshu, welcome back! The whole country is excitedly awaiting your return.
Public & Media: Interactive sessions for students and science enthusiasts are being streamed live during the splashdown by museums (BITM Kolkata).
Why This Mission Matters
ISRO’s Global Presence: Subhanshu Shukla’s voyage on a private mission demonstrates ISRO’s expanding contribution to space science worldwide.
Research and Innovation: His studies have significant ramifications for everything from human health in microgravity to biomanufacturing.
Motivating Upcoming Gaganyaan Missions: His return opens the door for India’s 2027 crewed Gaganyaan flights.
International Cooperation: The strength of international cooperation in space is demonstrated by this mission of India, the United States, Europe, and Hungary.
What Happens After Return Subhanshu Shukla
Medical Examination and Rehabilitation: In order to acclimatise to Earth’s gravity again, Shukla will go through a seven-day reconditioning programme and health examinations.
Public Engagement & Homecoming: arranged welcoming ceremonies, perhaps with state honours, in Pune and Lucknow. Ongoing arrangements were confirmed by his father.
Future Role: Subhanshu Shukla is anticipated to speak at academic institutions, guide trainees, and support upcoming missions as an ambassador for space science.
Conclusion
The return of Subhanshu Shukla marks a turning point for India. He has firmly established India’s place in human spaceflight, from proudly repeating Rakesh Sharma’s famous words aboard the ISS—”saare jahan se acha”—to returning via splashdown with priceless scientific data. As the country awaits his safe return tomorrow, this mission portends a bright future in which Indian astronauts routinely collaborate with their international counterparts, a legacy that Gaganyaan builds upon.
Keep checking back—I’ll be adding live splashdown confirmation, official statements, images, and video links to this post tomorrow.
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