[Watch] Shubhanshu Shukla Undocks from ISS, Begins Return Journey to Earth

New Delhi: Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew, undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday evening, marking the start of his journey back to Earth after a nearly three-week-long mission in space, reported Reuters. Earlier, the undocking process was delayed by about 10 minutes.

The Crew Dragon capsule, named “Grace”, detached from the space station around 4:35 PM IST on July 14, reported Reuters. The capsule is scheduled to splash down on Earth on July 15 at 3 PM IST, with a window of plus or minus one hour depending on weather and sea conditions.

Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot and now a part of ISRO’s astronaut corps, spent around 18 days on the ISS conducting scientific experiments and representing India in its growing involvement in international space missions. His participation in the Ax-4 mission marks the first time an Indian astronaut has lived aboard the ISS.

Before departure, the ISS crew held a farewell ceremony where Shukla paid tribute to Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, India’s first man in space. He echoed Sharma’s historic words — “Saare Jahan Se Achha” — and added, “Today’s India looks fearless, confident, proud, and seeking peaceful cooperation from space.”

During the Ax-4 mission, Shukla and the crew conducted over 60 scientific experiments, including seven from India. These included research on muscle and bone atrophy in microgravity, growth of algae for long-duration space missions, mental health assessments, virtual reality training, bio-manufacturing, wearable health devices, and smart materials for future missions.

The undocking of the Crew Dragon marks the beginning of a 22.5-hour return journey to Earth. After splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, the crew will undergo medical checks and post-mission protocols.

The Ax-4 mission, operated by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA and SpaceX, was launched on June 25 and docked with the ISS on June 26. The mission demonstrated growing international collaboration in commercial spaceflight and offered valuable data for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.

Shukla’s family in Lucknow held prayers for his safe return as they awaited his arrival. His homecoming is seen as a proud moment not just for his family, but for the entire country.