On July 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM IST, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla concluded his 18-day journey to the International Space Station (ISS). He emerged from the SpaceX Dragon Capsule near the California coast in the Pacific Ocean. Re-entering the atmosphere is the most vital and challenging phase of spaceflight. This thrilling process was elaborately captured step-by-step by India Today's OSINT team.
Preparations for Entry
Initially, the Dragon Capsule will align for the deorbit burn, essential for precise re-entry and a secure landing. This step is crucial as it ensures that the spacecraft reaches the exact landing point safely.
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Atmospheric Re-entry
The Dragon Capsule will enter the atmosphere at a staggering speed of 27,000 km/h. Intense heat and friction will raise its temperature to 1,600°C. During this phase, a layer of hot plasma will hinder communication, temporarily cutting off contact with the control room.
Source: aajtak
Landing and Recovery
Upon exiting the atmosphere, the deployment of parachutes will reduce the spacecraft’s speed for a secure oceanic landing. Nearby recovery teams, consisting of boats and helicopters, stand ready to swiftly transport Shubhanshu and the crew for medical assessments.
10-Day Isolation
Post-landing, Shubhanshu and the Ax-4 team will undergo a 10-day isolation period for health evaluation and recovery from space exposure. This journey back is a moment of pride for India.
