Shubhanshu Shukla and Axiom-4 Crew Return to Earth After 18 Days in Space
After an inspiring 18-day journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla — the first Indian astronaut in over four decades to reach space — and his Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew are on their way back to Earth. Their return marks the end of a mission packed with scientific experiments, global collaboration, and a powerful reawakening for space exploration in India.
On Monday, July 14, 2025, at 4:45 PM IST, the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying Shukla and his fellow astronauts undocked from the forward-facing port of the ISS’s Harmony module. The spacecraft is expected to make a splashdown off the coast of California around 3 PM IST on Tuesday, July 15, following a 22.5-hour journey filled with precision orbital maneuvers.
Timeline of Events: Departure from ISS
The departure came after a slightly delayed but smooth process. The astronauts boarded the Dragon capsule and suited up in their spacesuits on July 14, preparing for their return. At 2:37 PM IST, the capsule’s hatch was officially closed to seal off from the ISS.
Although the planned undocking was slotted for 4:35 PM IST, it faced a brief delay and ultimately occurred at 4:45 PM. What followed was a sequence of carefully choreographed departure burns — tiny but critical engine firings to gradually guide the Dragon away from the orbiting lab.
Meet the Ax-4 Crew
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Pilot
- Peggy Whitson (USA) – Commander and NASA veteran
- Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) – Mission Specialist
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission Specialist
This dynamic international team of four has worked together since the mission began, conducting experiments and outreach activities that aimed to bridge science and culture between nations across the globe.
Shukla’s Historic Space Journey
Group Captain Shukla’s inclusion in the Ax-4 marks a monumental moment in Indian space history. He is the first Indian to visit space in 41 years, and the very first to reach the International Space Station.
Originally planned for 14 days, Shukla’s stay was extended by a few more days. During this extended schedule, he took part in dozens of microgravity experiments proposed by Indian scientists and students from top R&D institutes and universities. His mission was more than just a trip — it was a message: India is ready to reach for the stars again.
“It was a privilege to represent India in space. Sharing our mission with students back home made it even more meaningful,” Shukla reportedly said during one of his ISS broadcasts.
Connecting with Earth
While in orbit, Shukla kept in touch with both the scientific and general communities back in India. He even held a live conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and later, spoke with students via ham radio broadcasts — bringing the excitement of space exploration directly into school classrooms and homes in countless cities and towns.
Science at the Core: 60 Studies Across 31 Countries
The Ax-4 team was tasked with executing nearly 60 unique scientific experiments. What set this mission apart was the truly global nature of its projects. Contributions came from across 31 countries, including:
- India
- United States
- Hungary
- Poland
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- Nigeria
- Brazil
- Several European nations
These experiments ranged from biological research and materials testing in microgravity to educational demonstrations aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists and astronauts. It’s a bit awe-inspiring, really — how that tiny capsule carried not just four humans, but the dreams and data of an entire world.
Community Response in India and Abroad
National Pride Rekindled
Back in India, news of Shukla’s achievements sparked a wave of excitement. Schools hosted live-watch sessions of his ISS calls, and social media flooded with stories of students who now dreamt of flying into space themselves.
Even for those who didn’t consider themselves space enthusiasts, there was something warming about hearing an Indian voice from space — and maybe, just maybe, it made the universe feel a little less far away.
Global Collaboration Echoes
The Axiom Missions continue to show what coordinated, international efforts in space research can accomplish. As private sector leaders like Axiom Space team up with government bodies like NASA and ISRO’s research community, the lines between national and global pursuits blur for the better.
What’s Next?
After splashdown, the immediate focus shifts back to Earth-based recovery protocols. Group Captain Shukla will enter a one-week rehabilitation program to help his body readjust to Earth’s gravity. This period is supervised by trained flight surgeons and medical teams.
While this is a standard part of any space mission, it’s also a reminder: spending time in zero gravity affects muscular and skeletal systems. The body forgets, then slowly relearns, what it means to bear weight.
New Doors for India’s Space Program?
Shukla’s flight could very likely act as a springboard for India’s own space ambitions. There’s already chatter within scientific circles about the possibility of more Indian astronauts taking part in international collaborations or possibly heading into space aboard Gaganyaan — ISRO’s upcoming human spaceflight program.
While there’s no official word yet, the mood is hopeful. Young students, researchers, even teachers — they’ve seen what’s possible. And you get the sense that the next chapter is just about to start.
Closing Thought
Space can feel distant, clinical even. But when you see astronauts from vastly different countries working together, sharing food, running joint experiments, and talking to school kids from orbit — suddenly it clicks. This isn’t just about technology. It’s deeply human. And this mission, led in part by an Indian pilot who made history, taps right into that shared wonder.
As the capsules splashes down and the mission logs are archived, one thing is for sure: this journey will be remembered not just for breaking records, but for reigniting curiosity across borders.
