Is Shubhanshu Shukla Returning to Earth on July 15?

New Delhi, July 12 (NationPress) Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is currently aboard the International Space Station, is anticipated to commence his return journey to Earth on July 14, with an expected landing on July 15, as confirmed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Shukla, alongside three fellow crew members—Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Tibor Kapu—will undock from the Harmony module using the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to return home.

“After performing a series of orbital maneuvers post-undocking, the Crew Dragon spacecraft is set to splash down off the coast of California, USA on July 15, 2025, at 15:00 hrs (IST),” ISRO stated.

The announcement also highlighted, “Gaganyatri Shubhanshu is in excellent health and remains in high spirits.”

IAF Group Captain Shukla is on a 14-day mission at the ISS and holds the honor of being the first Indian to visit the ISS, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who ventured into space in 1984.

During his time on the ISS, Shukla has conducted various experiments in microgravity, developed through collaboration between ISRO, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and NASA.

These experiments include projects aimed at understanding muscle loss, creating a brain-computer interface, and growing green gram and fenugreek seeds in space, among others.

“Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla is actively conducting a series of seven microgravity experiments as part of India’s involvement in the Axiom-04 space mission. Four of these experiments have been successfully completed, while three are nearing their conclusion,” ISRO reported.

The successfully completed experiments encompass studies on the Indian strain of Tardigrades, the impact of space on human muscle cells, sprouting of methi and moong seeds for crew nutrition, and the growth of Cyanobacteria relevant to life support systems.

These projects signify a major advancement in space science and technology, providing vital insights for upcoming missions such as Gaganyaan, Bhartiya Antariksha Station, and future planetary explorations.

ISRO also mentioned that the completed microgravity experiments are being prepared for their return to Earth for further evaluation.

“Three experiments nearing completion involve the study of microalgae, crop seeds, and a voyager display,” the national space agency added.

In the meantime, NASA's blog has noted that the Ax-4 crew will finalize scientific experiments on Saturday, including an electrical muscle stimulation study, testing suit fabrics for thermal comfort during exercise, and filming crew activities for a behavioral health assessment. On Sunday, they will start packing research samples and personal items for retrieval on Earth.

Once they land, Shukla and his fellow crew members will undergo a rehabilitation program lasting about seven days, conducted under the supervision of Flight Surgeons to help them readjust to Earth’s gravity.

“ISRO’s flight surgeons are consistently monitoring the overall health and fitness of Gaganyatri through private medical and psychological conferences,” the space agency concluded.