The Axiom‑4 mission crew, including Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, has officially begun their journey back to Earth after undocking from the International Space Station on July 14. The crew, flying aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft named “Grace,” separated from the ISS around 4:35 PM IST. Their return journey is expected to last approximately 22.5 hours, with splashdown scheduled off the coast of California on July 15 around 3:00 PM IST.
During their 18-day stay aboard the ISS, the four-member team orbited Earth more than 230 times, covering over 7 million miles. They conducted more than 60 scientific experiments across disciplines such as space medicine, biology, physics, and human-machine interaction. Shubhanshu Shukla, known by the callsign “Shux,” led several of these studies, particularly focusing on microgravity’s effects on plant growth, bone density, radiation exposure, and muscle health in space environments.
The mission has garnered praise both internationally and at home. In India, Shukla’s participation marks a significant milestone—he is the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian astronaut to go to space, after Rakesh Sharma. His journey represents a leap forward in India’s aspirations for deeper space collaboration and technological advancement, especially as the nation gears up for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
Government officials and scientific leaders have applauded the mission’s success and expressed optimism for future international collaborations. Shukla’s time aboard the ISS and safe return will not only boost India’s global standing in space exploration but also inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers across the country.
As the capsule begins its re-entry phase, all systems are being closely monitored for a safe and precise splashdown. The Axiom‑4 mission stands as a historic chapter in commercial spaceflight and international scientific cooperation—with Shubhanshu Shukla emerging as a trailblazer for India’s spacefaring future.
