Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla To Return To Earth On This Date...

Indian astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to return to Earth, announced the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). In a statement, ISRO said that Shubhanshu Shukla's return concludes the phase of India's involvement in the Axiom-4 mission.

Shubhanshu Shukla, first Indian astronaut to step at the International Space Station (ISS) on a private mission, will undock from the ISS aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft on July 14, 2025, at 4:30 pm IST. He is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near California's coast on July 15, 2025, at 3:00 pm IST.

During his two-week mission, Shukla has been pivotal in advancing seven Indian-led microgravity experiments. Four of these have already been completed.

Shubhanshu Shukla Health Update:

Throughout the mission, ISRO's medical team has closely monitored Shukla's health. They report that he remains in excellent condition and high spirits.

Upon splashdown, he will undergo a week-long rehabilitation program under flight surgeons' supervision to help him readjust to Earth's gravity.

Achievements and Experiments in Space:

The completed experiments include studies on Indian tardigrades' survival and reproduction, effects of space on human muscle cells (myogenesis), sprouting of methi and moong seeds for crew nutrition, and growth of cyanobacteria relevant to life support.

The remaining three experiments focus on microalgae, crop seeds, and a Voyager Display.