Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Return to Earth After 18-Day Space Mission

 Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to travel into space, is all set to return to Earth on July 15, 2025, after completing an intensive 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). However, his homecoming will be slightly delayed—not due to logistics, but because of science.

As per updates shared by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and NASA’s mission managers, Shukla and his crewmates will spend seven additional days under NASA’s supervision before they can return to their respective countries. The reason? A carefully monitored post-flight rehabilitation program designed to help astronauts recover from the physical effects of space travel.

Mission Summary: What Was the Axiom-4 Space Mission?

Shubhanshu Shukla was part of the Axiom-4 mission, launched as a collaboration between NASA and Axiom Space. Alongside three international astronauts, he spent nearly three weeks aboard the ISS, contributing to a wide range of space research experiments.

The spacecraft is scheduled to undock from the ISS on July 14 at 4:30 PM IST, with the Earth landing timed for July 15 at approximately 3:00 PM IST, subject to weather and technical margins.

The mission was led by Commander Peggy Whitson, a veteran astronaut, while Shukla served as the pilot.

“Axiom-4 was a critical step in India’s growing presence in global space exploration,” said Minister Jitendra Singh.

What Did Shubhanshu Shukla and His Team Do in Space?

The Axiom-4 crew conducted numerous scientific experiments during their stay. Some of the key research areas included:

• Biomedical Studies: Collection and analysis of blood samples for understanding human physiological response in microgravity.

• Microalgae Research: Studying algae as a potential sustainable food and oxygen source for future deep-space missions.

• Nanomaterials & Wearable Tech: Testing of materials for wearable health-monitoring devices suitable for astronauts.

• Thermal Comfort Fabric Testing: Evaluating next-gen fabric technology designed to regulate body temperature in space.

• Muscle Stimulation & Crew Behavior: Experiments involving electrical muscle stimulation and behavioral tracking for long-term missions.

Before departure, the astronauts packed research samples and scientific equipment into the SpaceX Dragon capsule, which will carry them safely back to Earth.

Why Can’t Shubhanshu Go Home Immediately After Landing?

After re-entering Earth’s gravity, astronauts go through physical and physiological readjustments. Shubhanshu Shukla will remain in NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston for a 7-day rehabilitation and health monitoring program.

Here’s why this is crucial:

• Microgravity Weakens Muscles: In space, muscles do minimal work due to weightlessness, leading to atrophy and fatigue.

• Loss of Balance and Coordination: The vestibular system, which helps with body orientation and balance, becomes less effective in space.

• Cardiovascular Adjustments: Space affects blood circulation and heart rate, requiring post-flight recalibration.

What Happens During the 7-Day NASA Rehab Program?

The recovery process is scientifically designed and personalized for each astronaut. It includes:

1. Ambulation Training: Helping astronauts regain their ability to walk, maintain posture, and balance in Earth’s gravity.

2. Cardio & Flexibility Monitoring: Focus on restoring cardiovascular health and body flexibility through light physical activity.

3. Proprioceptive Training: Exercises aimed at improving coordination, body awareness, and functional movement.

4. Functional Development: Gradual exposure to daily activities to help astronauts smoothly return to normal life routines.

5. Medical Assessments: Continuous health evaluations, including neurological, muscular, and cardiac tests.

The astronauts remain under 24/7 supervision by NASA scientists and space medicine experts.

Why 7 Days of Rehab? Duration Depends on Time Spent in Space

NASA experts explain that the length of the rehabilitation depends on the duration of time spent in space:

• For missions between 10–20 days, 7 to 10 days of post-mission rehab is usually sufficient.

• For longer missions (e.g. 6-month stays on ISS), rehab may extend to 4–6 weeks.

• In comparison, Sunita Williams, who spent over 600 days in space, underwent a 45-day rehabilitation program.

Since Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission lasted 18 days, his 7-day recovery schedule is standard.

Will NASA Broadcast Shubhanshu’s Landing Live?

Yes! NASA has announced that it will livestream the Earth re-entry and landing of Axiom-4 via its official platforms and social media handles. Indian viewers will also be able to follow the broadcast through ISRO’s and Ministry of Science & Technology’s digital channels.

The landing capsule is expected to splash down in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Florida, where a recovery team will transport the astronauts to Houston.

🇮🇳 India’s Second Astronaut in Space: A National Milestone

Shubhanshu Shukla’s flight marks a historic achievement as only the second Indian astronaut to fly to space, after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Although Sunita Williams is of Indian origin, she flew as a NASA astronaut under American citizenship.

India’s participation in private missions like Axiom-4 signals a new era of global collaboration, where Indian astronauts are no longer limited to government missions alone.

With India’s own human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, in the works, experts say that Shukla’s experience will directly benefit ISRO’s future crewed missions.

What’s Next for Shubhanshu Shukla?

Once the 7-day rehabilitation is complete:

• He will return to India and is likely to be felicitated by ISRO, the Prime Minister’s Office, and other scientific bodies.

• His post-mission findings and space experiments could be incorporated into India’s space science curriculum.

• Shukla may also take on a mentoring role for future Indian astronauts as India prepares for Gaganyaan.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s return is just the beginning of a longer journey. The mission’s success lies not only in reaching space, but in returning safely, recovering fully, and applying the knowledge gained for the benefit of science and society.

As the countdown to July 15 landing continues, all eyes remain on this young Indian spacefarer who’s helped expand India’s footprint beyond our planet.