Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is all set to return to Earth after completing his journey under the Axiom-4 Mission. After spending around 20 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), he and three fellow astronauts will begin their journey home aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
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Undocking from ISS Scheduled for Today
As per the latest updates, the Dragon spacecraft was originally set to undock from the ISS at 4:30 PM IST, but the process has been delayed by 10 minutes. The revised undocking time is 4:45 PM IST. Final checks have been completed by the mission team, and the capsule is ready for departure.
Shubhanshu and his team members are already inside the spacecraft. Their seats have been secured and systems have been reviewed to ensure a smooth journey back to Earth.
Splashdown Expected Tomorrow in California
If all goes according to schedule, the Dragon capsule will land near the coast of California around 3:00 AM IST on July 15, 2025. The splashdown site has been prepared by recovery teams who are coordinating with NASA and Axiom Space for a safe retrieval of the astronauts.
The return journey is expected to take several hours, during which the spacecraft will orbit Earth before making a controlled descent.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Role in Axiom-4 Mission
Shubhanshu Shukla, a proud representative of India in this private spaceflight program, conducted multiple scientific experiments aboard the ISS. These included microgravity tests, health and life science observations, and technical assessments for future human space travel.
He was part of a diverse international crew, and his participation marks yet another significant milestone for India’s presence in global space exploration.
263 Kilograms of Space Trash on Board
Interestingly, the Axiom-4 crew is returning with approximately 263 kilograms of material—commonly referred to as space debris. This includes NASA hardware, old tools, and unused scientific equipment. It is part of an ongoing effort to reduce clutter in orbit and bring back non-essential items for safe disposal on Earth.
This step aligns with international standards to manage the increasing problem of orbital pollution.
Significance of the Axiom-4 Mission
The Axiom-4 mission is the fourth in a series of private astronaut missions organized by Axiom Space, in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. The goal of these missions is to establish routine access to low Earth orbit and prepare for future missions to the Axiom Station, which will be the world’s first commercial space station.
During their time aboard the ISS, the Axiom-4 crew participated in experiments, public outreach sessions, and tested new technologies in a zero-gravity environment.
What Makes This Return Special?
This mission holds several key highlights:
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First-time collaboration of private and international astronauts on such a large scale.
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A diverse mission profile combining research, exploration, and technical evaluation.
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Data collected from this mission will contribute to future crewed missions, possibly to the Moon or Mars.
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Shubhanshu Shukla becomes a part of a growing group of Indian astronauts contributing to global missions.
Public Interest and Anticipation
People across India are closely following this historic return. Social media is abuzz with hashtags like #ShubhanshuInSpace and #Axiom4Return. Space enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike are glued to live updates provided by agencies and media houses.
Several educational institutions have scheduled special sessions to stream the re-entry and splashdown, using it as a learning opportunity for students.
Timeline of Return Operations (IST)
| Time | Event Description |
|---|---|
| 1:05 PM | Astronauts begin preparing for departure |
| 2:00 PM | Final systems check conducted |
| 2:30 PM | Astronauts strap in and secure equipment |
| 4:30 PM | Original undocking time (delayed by 10 minutes) |
| 4:45 PM | Rescheduled undocking from ISS |
| 3:00 AM | Expected splashdown near California, July 15 |
What Happens After Landing?
Once the spacecraft lands in the ocean, recovery teams will:
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Retrieve the astronauts and Dragon capsule using specialized boats.
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Conduct immediate medical check-ups for all crew members.
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Transport astronauts to a nearby facility for debriefing.
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Shubhanshu Shukla will then begin post-mission health monitoring and media interactions.
It is expected that he will also be felicitated by Indian authorities for his contributions to science and global collaboration in space.
Looking Ahead
Shubhanshu’s journey is not just a personal milestone but a symbol of India’s growing role in space exploration. With upcoming missions planned under ISRO and increased private participation, India is fast becoming a pivotal player in international space initiatives.
His participation in Axiom-4 will likely inspire future generations to look toward the stars and dream bigger.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from space is a proud moment for India and a significant event in global space history. As he prepares to touch Earth once again, all eyes are on the splashdown in California, marking the successful end of the Axiom-4 mission.
Stay tuned with us for more live updates on astronaut landing, post-splashdown developments, and exclusive interviews from mission control and Shubhanshu himself.
