Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla was on a 14-day mission to the ISS under the Axiom-04 mission. He conducted 7 microgravity experiments. He will return to Earth on July 15th via the SpaceX Dragon.
Axiom-04 Mission: Another golden chapter is about to be added to India's space mission. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who went to the International Space Station (ISS) under the Axiom-04 mission, will now complete his space journey and return to Earth on July 15, 2025. This mission is considered significant not only for India but also globally.
Shubhanshu Shukla: India's Second Astronaut
Shubhanshu Shukla has become the second Indian to go into space. Before him, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma had traveled to space in 1984 under a Soviet Union mission. Now, after almost four decades, Shubhanshu has repeated this achievement. He not only traveled to space but also conducted important scientific experiments for India there.
Conducted 7 Microgravity Experiments on the ISS
Under the Axiom-04 mission, Shubhanshu Shukla spent 14 days at the International Space Station. During this time, he conducted a total of 7 microgravity experiments. According to ISRO, 4 of these experiments have been completely successful, while the other 3 are in the final stages and are moving towards positive results. The objective of these experiments was to find answers to questions related to biological and physical sciences in space.
ISRO Confirmed the Return
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed Shubhanshu's return. According to ISRO, undocking from the ISS by the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will take place on July 14th, and then Shubhanshu will arrive on the coast of California on July 15th. The return is scheduled around 3 PM Indian Standard Time.
Return will be via SpaceX's Dragon Spacecraft
Shubhanshu's return will be via SpaceX's modern Dragon spacecraft. Three other astronauts who went with him on this mission will also return with him. Before returning, all the astronauts will have to engage in tasks such as medical check-ups and packing experimental samples. ISRO has said that preparations for their return will start from Sunday.
Splashdown will be near California
Shubhanshu and his team's return will be via splashdown in the ocean near the coast of California. This location was specifically chosen because its climate and sea conditions are considered suitable for the safe landing of the spacecraft.
