Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to return to Earth as the Axiom-4 mission gears up for its undocking from the International Space Station (ISS). Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three fellow astronauts, will begin their journey back on July 14, with splashdown scheduled off the coast of California on July 15, marking a significant step for India in human space exploration and building momentum for the Gaganyaan mission.
Farewell Message from Space
In a heartfelt farewell address aboard the ISS, Shubhanshu Shukla reflected on India’s evolving journey in space. Speaking in both Hindi and English, Shubhanshu Shukla noted, “Forty-one years ago, an Indian came to space and described how India looks from above. Today’s India looks ambitious, fearless, confident, and full of pride… today’s India still looks ‘saare jahan se acha.’ Our journey into space exploration may be long and challenging, but it has begun.” His message captured the pride and aspirations of a nation moving confidently into the next era of space achievements.
Shubhanshu Shukla has spent his time at the ISS conducting experiments critical for long-duration space missions, including the study of space microalgae to understand their potential in producing food, oxygen, and biofuels, essential for future missions. His work also involved examining the behaviour of cyanobacteria in microgravity to advance knowledge in sustainable life support systems in space.
Mission Timelines and India’s Space Milestone
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Axiom-4 crew will undock from the ISS’s Harmony module at approximately 7:05 am EDT (4:35 pm IST) on July 14, with splashdown expected at 5:30 am EDT (3 pm IST) on July 15. Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed that these timings have a margin of about one hour, allowing flexibility for real-time operational adjustments.
The Axiom-4 mission, which lifted off on June 25 and docked with the ISS on June 26, was initially planned for 14 days but was extended by three days due to unfavourable weather. During his time at the ISS, Shubhanshu Shukla actively engaged with students back in India through ham radio sessions, emphasising the importance of physical fitness in space and explaining the astronauts’ exercise routines using devices like treadmills, cycles, and the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) to maintain health in microgravity.
NASA has provided a detailed schedule for the return coverage, starting with hatch closure procedures on July 14 at 4:30 am EDT (2 pm IST), followed by crew entry and hatch closing at 4:55 am EDT (2:25 pm IST). Undocking coverage will commence at 6:45 am EDT (4:15 pm IST), with undocking planned for 7:05 am EDT (4:35 pm IST). After undocking, Axiom Space will handle the re-entry and splashdown coverage on its platforms, ensuring the mission’s safe monitoring until splashdown.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation in the Axiom-4 mission signifies a leap forward for India’s presence in human spaceflight and aligns with ISRO’s strategic goals as it prepares for the Gaganyaan mission. This collaboration with international partners not only showcases India’s capability in human spaceflight operations but also provides valuable insights into living and working in space, ensuring India is well-positioned for its upcoming independent missions and deeper space exploration.
