Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three international crew members aboard the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, successfully undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) and is now en route to Earth. The return journey will culminate in a splashdown off the coast of San Diego, California, expected at around 3:01 PM IST today, marking the end of a historic commercial spaceflight.
The undocking occurred at approximately 4:45 PM IST on July 14, with SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft ‘Grace’ initiating a series of automated departure manoeuvres to safely distance from the ISS. The controlled deorbit burn is scheduled for 2:07 PM IST today, with the capsule entering Earth’s atmosphere shortly thereafter. Upon re-entry, the spacecraft will endure intense thermal conditions, with temperatures expected to peak near 1,600°C. Parachute deployment is timed in two stages—first stabilising chutes at 5.7 km altitude, followed by full canopy deployment around 2 km above the Pacific Ocean. This 22.5-hour journey back to Earth marks a significant chapter in India’s space engagement. Shukla, a Group Captain trained under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is the first Indian to reach the ISS aboard a privately operated mission. His participation underscores India’s growing footprint in global human spaceflight and scientific collaboration.
Also Read : Sudhanshu Shukla becomes first Indian to return to ISS orbit After 40 Years
During the Ax-4 mission, the crew spent over 18 days aboard the ISS, conducting more than 60 experiments, spanning microgravity’s effect on muscle growth, mental wellness, plant growth in space, and material performance in extreme environments. The team also carried out educational outreach initiatives and returned with 580 pounds of scientific samples and equipment. As of June 26, when the Dragon capsule docked with the ISS after launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Shukla and his colleagues orbited Earth more than 310 times, covering over 13 million kilometres—a distance equivalent to nearly 33 round trips to the Moon. The astronauts also witnessed over 300 sunrises and sunsets during their mission, a phenomenon unique to those aboard orbital platforms.
The capsule’s safe return is being closely monitored by global space agencies and Indian authorities. Officials from ISRO and the Ministry of Science and Technology have praised the mission as a landmark achievement ahead of India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Shukla’s return has captured the imagination of millions back home. Families, scientists, and citizens await the splashdown with anticipation and pride, viewing it as a sign of India’s readiness for deeper participation in commercial and international space exploration.
As the Dragon capsule descends, it symbolises more than just the end of a mission—it signals a leap toward India’s aspiration for sustainable and inclusive space leadership.
Also Read : Shubhanshu Shukla First Message from Space