On July 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM, an iconic moment was witnessed as Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth after his 18-day expedition to the International Space Station (ISS). This marked his first space voyage, as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). Shubhanshu returned aboard SpaceX's Grace vehicle and made a safe splashdown near the California coast in the Pacific Ocean. It was a proud occasion for India's space endeavors.
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Preparing for the Journey and the Return
Shubhanshu Shukla embarked on this adventure on June 25, 2025, aboard the Falcon 9 rocket and docked with the ISS on June 26. During his mission, he engaged in over 60 scientific experiments, covering vital research fields such as muscle loss, mental health, and crop cultivation in space.
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On July 14, 4:45 PM IST, the Grace spacecraft detached from the ISS and commenced its journey back to Earth. Before landing, the spacecraft underwent several key phases...
Deorbit Burn: The engines fired to decelerate the spacecraft and exit orbit.
Atmospheric Re-entry: Entering the atmosphere at 27,000 km/h, the temperature reached up to 1,600°C, manageable by the heat shield.
Parachute Deployment: Upon clearing the atmosphere, parachutes deployed to further slow the vehicle.
Splashdown: On July 15, at 3:00 PM IST, the spacecraft landed safely in the Pacific Ocean.
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The Thrill of Landing
The approach of the Grace spacecraft was heralded by a sonic boom, showcasing its immense speed. During the descent, communication was temporarily lost due to plasma interference blocking signals. However, recovery teams—comprising boats and helicopters—swiftly sprang into action. Shubhanshu, along with the Ax-4 crew, was safely retrieved. The crew included Commander Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
Returning Cargo
The Grace vehicle brought back approximately 580 pounds (about 263 kilograms) of cargo, including NASA hardware, experiment data, and some waste from the ISS. This data is crucial for enhancing our understanding of human existence and scientific exploration in space. As a personal touch, Shubhanshu carried the Indian tricolor and his son's favorite goose toy, "Joy," making the journey memorable.
Recovery and Future Path
Post-landing, Shubhanshu and his comrades were ushered to medical facilities for health assessments. They are required to undergo about 10 days of quarantine to recuperate from the space experience and reacclimate to Earth's gravity. Their health will be monitored continuously. This mission represents a major milestone for India, serving as a stepping stone for future endeavors like the Gaganyaan mission and more ambitious space expeditions. Shubhanshu remarked on the honor of unfurling the Indian flag in space, setting sights on new beginnings and challenges.
