Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), is scheduled to undock from the orbiting laboratory on July 14, 2025, at 4:30 pm IST, marking the conclusion of an 18-day landmark mission.
Alongside three international crew members aboard the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, Shukla will return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, with splashdown planned off the California coast on July 15 at approximately 3:00 pm IST. The mission featured over 60 scientific experiments, including seven led by ISRO, advancing India’s presence in human spaceflight and space research.
A Historic Journey and Scientific Breakthroughs
Launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Ax-4 crew comprised Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Sawosz Uznaski-Winiewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
This mission marked India’s return to human spaceflight after a gap of 41 years since Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984. During their stay aboard the ISS, the crew conducted a diverse range of experiments spanning biology, human physiology, plant sciences, and materials research.
Seven experiments led by ISRO focused on microalgae cultivation, muscle atrophy prevention, seed germination, and other microgravity-related phenomena, aiming to contribute to sustainable space agriculture and health solutions for long-duration space missions. NASA and ISRO officials lauded the crew’s professionalism and the mission’s success, highlighting it as a milestone for international cooperation in space exploration.
Mission Background and Return Operations
The Ax-4 mission is a commercial spaceflight organised by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA and SpaceX, reflecting the growing role of private enterprises in expanding access to low Earth orbit. Group Captain Shukla underwent rigorous training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, preparing him for the complex tasks aboard the ISS.
The crew is set to undock from the Harmony module at 4:30 pm IST on July 14, followed by a series of carefully choreographed orbital maneuvers. Splashdown is scheduled in the Pacific Ocean near California at about 3:00 pm IST on July 15.
The Crew Dragon ‘Grace’ will return with over 580 pounds of scientific samples, hardware, and data critical for ongoing research. Upon return, Shukla will undergo a seven-day rehabilitation program to help his body readjust to Earth’s gravity, a standard procedure for astronauts after extended spaceflight.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission is a shining example of human curiosity, perseverance, and the power of international collaboration. The Logical Indian celebrates this achievement as a symbol of hope and inspiration, demonstrating how science and exploration transcend national boundaries and unite humanity in pursuit of knowledge.
As India embarks on new frontiers in space science, it is vital to nurture values of peace, dialogue, empathy, and cooperation—both on Earth and beyond. This mission not only inspires young Indians to dream big but also underscores the importance of global partnerships in addressing the challenges of space and life on our planet.
