Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is India’s inaugural astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), is scheduled to undock from the orbiting laboratory today at 4:30 pm IST.

Shubhanshu Shukla took part in the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission alongside three international crew members: Commander Peggy Whitson, and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu.

The crew will return aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, with a splashdown anticipated off the California coast on July 15 at approximately 3:00 pm IST. Shukla’s return signifies the conclusion of a significant mission that underscored India’s expanding role in global space collaboration and scientific inquiry.

Throughout their 18-day stay on the ISS, the Ax-4 crew executed over 60 scientific experiments in fields such as biology, AI, materials science, and human health.

Among Shukla’s notable contributions was the Sprouts Project, which investigated the effects of microgravity on seed germination and initial plant growth — research intended to facilitate future space agriculture. He also spearheaded experiments on microalgae, evaluating their potential to produce food, oxygen, and biofuels in a space environment.

Furthermore, the crew assessed glucose monitoring devices in microgravity to aid future astronauts with varying health requirements. Additional experiments included research on mental health and the evaluation of next-generation spacesuit materials.

During the mission, Shukla engaged in a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and spoke on the phone with ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, discussing scientific advancements and the forthcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight initiative.

At a farewell ceremony on the ISS on July 13, Shukla expressed gratitude to ISRO, his fellow crew members, and the citizens of India. “This mission is not merely a personal achievement, but a testament to what humanity can accomplish collectively. I hope our efforts inspire young minds in India and around the globe to dream without limits,” he remarked.

Reflecting on India’s journey in space, Shukla stated, “Today, India appears ambitious from space, fearless, confident, and proud. India remains the best in the world. Following the undocking process, the crew will take about 21 hours to return to Earth.

Once they splash down, Shukla will participate in a week-long rehabilitation program to help his body readjust to gravity. His family is organizing a heartfelt welcome as he comes back home after achieving a historic milestone. The Ax-4 mission is regarded as a significant advancement in India’s preparations for the Gaganyaan mission and the nation’s wider aspirations in human space exploration.