After completing a historic journey on the International Space Station (ISS), Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to bid farewell to space. This special moment unfolds during a farewell ceremony at 7:25 PM (IST) today. Streamed live, the event captures the interest of millions worldwide. Among the attendees are team members from the Ax-4 mission and NASA's Expedition 73 crew. Notably, Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to set foot on the ISS. Addressing India during the farewell ceremony, he proudly expressed that "India is the best."
On June 26, 2025, Shubhanshu Shukla, alongside his colleagues, embarked on the Ax-4 mission from NASA's Kennedy Space Center via SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. This mission was commanded by experienced American astronaut Peggy Whitson, along with Polish crew member Sławosz Uznański and Hungarian crew member Tibor Kapu.
The team achieved a remarkable milestone by orbiting Earth over 250 times and traveling more than 6 million miles. Throughout this 17-day odyssey, they conducted over 60 scientific experiments, including groundbreaking research on microalgae and innovative centrifugation techniques.
Source: aajtak
Returning to Earth on July 15: The Process
After the farewell ceremony, the crew is scheduled to board SpaceX's Dragon aircraft at 2:25 PM (IST) on July 14. Following pre-flight checks, they will undock from the ISS at 4:34 PM. Their anticipated return to Earth is set for approximately 3:00 PM on July 15, with a dramatic splashdown off the coast of California. According to ISRO, upon return, Shubhanshu Shukla will undergo a 7-day rehabilitation program to acclimate back to Earth's gravitational pull.
Preparations in Full Swing for Shubhanshu's Homecoming
Shubhanshu's family eagerly awaits his return, with grand preparations underway in his hometown to welcome him back. This achievement marks a monumental milestone for India's space program. Following Rakesh Sharma, Shubhanshu becomes only the second Indian to journey into space and the first to reach the ISS. His voyage has fortified India's scientific reputation on the global stage and has inspired youth across the nation. Shubhanshu Shukla's journey is significant not just scientifically but also as a symbol of national pride. As he returns, his mission stands as a beacon of inspiration and pride for the nation.
