Is Shubhanshu Shukla Landing on Earth Today?
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Synopsis
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares for his return after an 18-day historic mission aboard the ISS. As he splashes down off California's coast, India celebrates this remarkable achievement in space exploration. Discover the significance of this mission and what it means for India's future in space.
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla returns after 18 days in space.
- He is the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS.
- The mission contributed to scientific research.
- Shukla expressed gratitude towards ISRO and NASA.
- His return signifies India's growing role in space exploration.
New Delhi, July 15 (NationPress) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), is poised to return to Earth on Tuesday, signaling the conclusion of a remarkable mission as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 program.
After an impressive 18-day mission aboard the orbital laboratory, Shukla and his three international colleagues are set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near the California coast at 3:01 p.m. IST (4:31 AM CT).
Shukla, alongside fellow astronauts Peggy Whitson (USA), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), boarded SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft named “Grace” at 3:30 a.m. CT (2 PM IST) on Monday.
The spacecraft successfully undocked from the ISS’s Harmony module at 7:15 a.m. ET (4:45 p.m. IST).
NASA confirmed the hatch closure took place at 5:07 a.m. EDT, and shortly after, SpaceX announced via its official X account that “Dragon separation confirmed”.
“Dragon is GO to undock from the Space Station,” SpaceX stated in a post on X.
“Dragon separation confirmed!” the post further added.
This journey marks the end of a nearly 23-hour return trip. Upon landing, the crew will be rescued by recovery teams, and Shukla will start a 7-day rehabilitation protocol to readjust to Earth's gravity after spending over two weeks in microgravity.
Initially set to last 14 days, Shukla’s mission was extended to 18 days, providing opportunities for more scientific research and collaborative efforts on the station. His involvement in the Ax-4 mission makes him only the second Indian astronaut to venture into space, following Rakesh Sharma’s celebrated mission in 1984.
In a heartfelt farewell from space, Shukla described his time as “an incredible journey,” expressing profound appreciation to ISRO, NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX. “India still looks better than the whole world,” he stated, looking down from the ISS's cupola.
Shukla’s return today is a moment of pride for India and represents a significant advancement in the nation’s growing involvement in global space exploration.
Point of View
Shubhanshu Shukla's return represents a monumental achievement for India in the realm of space exploration. His mission not only showcases our advancements but also highlights the collaborative efforts with international space agencies. It’s a proud moment that underscores our nation's commitment to expanding its presence in this vital field.
NationPress
07/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station, participating in Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission.
What was the duration of Shukla's mission?
Shubhanshu Shukla's mission lasted 18 days, providing opportunities for scientific research and international collaboration.
Where will Shukla's spacecraft splash down?
Shukla's spacecraft is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California.
What is the significance of Shukla's mission?
This mission marks a significant achievement for India as Shukla is only the second Indian astronaut to travel to space.
What will happen after the splashdown?
After splashdown, Shukla and the crew will be retrieved by recovery teams, and he will undergo a 7-day rehabilitation protocol.
