Shubhanshu Shukla, Axiom-4 crew undock from ISS, to return to Earth
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New Delhi: After an extended 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has undocked from the orbital laboratory and commenced his journey back to Earth on Monday.
Shukla, who made history on June 26 by becoming the first Indian to reach the ISS, is also the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s landmark 1984 mission. His mission, initially planned for 14 days, was extended by four days to maximise the scope of research and operations.
The return journey began as Shukla and his international crewmates — Peggy Whitson from the United States, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary — boarded the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft 'Grace' at 3:30 am CT (2:00 pm IST). According to NASA, the hatch between the Dragon and ISS closed at 5:07 am EDT.
At approximately 7:15 am ET (4:45 pm IST), the 'Grace' spacecraft undocked from the ISS's Harmony module. SpaceX confirmed the successful separation in a post on X, stating: “Dragon separation confirmed!”
The spacecraft is now en route to Earth, with splashdown expected off the coast of California after a 22.5-hour descent. Axiom Space, which facilitated the mission, said the capsule is expected to land at around 4:31 am CT (3:01 pm IST) on Tuesday.
In an emotional farewell message from orbit, Shukla called his stay on the ISS “an incredible journey” and expressed gratitude to ISRO, Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX for their support. Reflecting on India’s growth and global stature, he said, “India still looks better than the whole world. Today’s India looks ambitious, brave, confident, and full of pride.”
His family, brimming with pride and anticipation, is eagerly awaiting his safe return. “We’re feeling superbly excited and nervous, just like it felt on the first day of his lift-off,” said his sister, Shuchi Mishra. “There’s a sense of nervousness because this is such a crucial stage. Only once he splashes down safely will we feel truly relieved.”
Back home in Varanasi, Shukla’s hometown, residents held a special 'yagya-havan' for his safe return. The ceremony, filled with patriotic fervour, featured Vedic chants and sacred fire rituals — a symbolic spiritual gesture as he returns from the cosmos.
While on the ISS, Shukla conducted seven India-specific experiments, contributing valuable data to ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission and other future initiatives like the Bharatiya Antariksha Station. His work included studies on muscle degradation in microgravity, development of a brain-computer interface, and sprouting green gram and fenugreek seeds in space.
These experiments mark a significant step forward in India’s human spaceflight capabilities and long-term ambitions in planetary exploration.
Upon landing, Shukla and the other crew members will undergo a week-long rehabilitation programme to help them readjust to Earth’s gravity under the supervision of flight surgeons.
With IANS inputs
