When Will Shubhanshu Shukla Return Home From Space? From Undocking To Splashdown, All Details Here
"India is still saare jahan se accha," Shukla recalled the legacy of India’s first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, as he prepared for his return to Earth.
Shubhanshu Shukla Return: ISRO space traveller Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is all set to begin his return journey to Earth today, after completing a landmark mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). His 18-day stint on the space station as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew concludes with a series of breakthroughs that could reshape the future of space science for India.
When Will Shubhanshu Shukla Return Home?
Shukla and his international crewmates will undock from the ISS aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft at 4:30 pm IST on Monday.
After a 21-hour journey, the team is scheduled to splash down off the California coast on July 15 at around 3:00 pm IST, marking the official end of their mission.
A Science-Filled Sojourn Above Earth
While in orbit, Shukla and his international crewmates contributed to over 60 scientific experiments across critical fields like biology, AI, materials science, and space health. One of the standout projects under his leadership was the Sprouts Project, designed to observe how seeds germinate and develop in microgravity. These sprouts, once returned to Earth, will be cultivated over generations to understand how space conditions may alter genetic traits, microbial interactions, and nutritional content — vital knowledge for future space farming missions.
Another key area of focus was the cultivation of microalgae in zero gravity. Shukla’s research examined its potential to provide oxygen, food, and even biofuel in deep space — important stepping stones for longer interplanetary missions. He also tested glucose monitors in orbit, a crucial step towards making human spaceflight more inclusive for those with underlying health conditions.
Connecting Earth and Space
Beyond the lab, Shukla’s mission also carried symbolic and strategic importance. During his time in space, he spoke via video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and had a telephonic briefing with ISRO Chairman V Narayanan. The discussions revolved around the significance of the Ax-4 mission and India’s upcoming Gaganyaan crewed flight programme.
In his farewell remarks on July 13, Shukla offered a moving tribute to both his nation and his fellow astronauts. “This mission is not just a personal milestone, but a proof to what humanity can achieve together. I hope our work inspires young minds in India and across the world to dream beyond boundaries,” he said.
A Homecoming Rooted in History and Hope
As Shukla prepared to undock, he recalled the legacy of India’s first astronaut Rakesh Sharma. Echoing Sharma’s iconic words, he noted, "Today, India looks ambitious from space, fearless, confident, and proud. India is still saare jahan se accha."
After splashdown, Shukla will undergo a week-long rehabilitation programme to help his body adapt back to Earth’s gravity. Meanwhile, his family awaits his return with pride, ready to welcome home a national hero.
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