India’s Shubhanshu Shukla to return to Earth aboard Crew Dragon “Grace” from ISS

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), is set to undock from Axiom Mission 4 aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft “Grace” at around 4:35 PM IST on July 14, 2025, concluding an 18–20-day mission of scientific exploration and international collaboration.

The capsule is scheduled to splash down off the coast of California at approximately 3 PM IST on July 15, completing a 22.5-hour return flight.

During his time aboard the ISS, Shukla and the other Ax‑4 crew members—Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Sławosz Uznański‑Wiśniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary)—completed over 60 experiments, including seven designed by ISRO, spanning research into microalgae, plant growth, virtual reality applications, muscle atrophy, astronaut mental health, and wearables for space health monitoring.

A farewell ceremony aboard the ISS on July 13 preceded the return. In his emotional address, Shukla echoed astronaut Rakesh Sharma’s iconic words—reimagined for “Aaj ka Bharat”—as he spoke of India's progress and ambition from space.
. He also expressed gratitude to ISRO and international partners during the ceremony.

The undocking process, beginning with hatch closure and system checks at around 2 PM IST, will be followed by a series of Draco thruster burns to separate the Dragon capsule from the ISS, culminating in the “Depart 1 Burn” and departure from orbit will broadcast the proceedings live, with coverage extending through splashdown off California.

On June 26, the mission capsule launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and docked at the ISS, marking a historic moment as Shukla became the first Indian to enter the ISS (and second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma).

Post-landing, Shukla will begin a seven-day rehabilitation program to re-adjust to Earth’s gravity after extended microgravity exposure.

His safe return will be watched closely by family—especially his mother, who has prepared a heartfelt welcome—and by a nation celebrating this benchmark moment in India's space journey.