Shubhanshu Shukla to return to Earth on Tuesday: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has etched his name in history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS). Serving as mission pilot for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla played a pivotal role in an 18-day journey that marked a new chapter in India’s growing space ambitions. He is scheduled to undock from the ISS at 4:30 pm IST on July 14, with a splashdown expected in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast around 3:00 pm IST on July 15.
Scientific contributions
During his stay aboard the ISS, Shukla, along with his Ax-4 crewmates, completed over 60 cutting-edge scientific experiments. Among his most significant contributions was the Sprouts Project, which investigated how microgravity affects seed germination and early plant development which is critical research for future space agriculture and food sustainability on long-duration missions.
Another key focus was microalgae research, exploring their utility in generating oxygen, producing food, and synthesising biofuels, components essential for supporting life in space. Shukla also conducted trials on glucose monitoring devices in microgravity, an important step toward enabling astronauts with diverse medical needs to safely participate in long-term spaceflight.
Several of the experiments he worked on including at least seven designed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are expected to deliver valuable insights for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
Bridge between scientists and space
Speaking during a conversation with Axiom Space Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low, Shukla said, “It is exciting and a joy to do this.” Reflecting on his role, he added, “I feel proud to be this kind of a bridge between the researchers and the station and do the research on behalf of them.”
The Sprouts Project was led by Dr Ravikumar Hosamani (University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad) and Dr Sudheer Siddapureddy (IIT Dharwad), and its results may reshape how we understand plant biology in space. Shukla also contributed to crop seed research by photographing six varieties for post-mission genetic evaluation. He worked across domains, from plant biology to cognitive load analysis on astronauts, and expressed particular excitement for the stem cell research he conducted, aimed at improving recovery and healing in space environments.
Shukla’s farewell on ISS
At a farewell ceremony aboard the ISS on July 13, Shukla expressed heartfelt gratitude to ISRO, his international crewmates, and the Indian public. He described the mission as “a proof of what humanity can achieve together,” and voiced his hope that it would inspire the youth of India to “dream beyond boundaries.”
Evoking the spirit of Rakesh Sharma, India’s first man in space, Shukla said, “India is still saare jahan se accha,” adding that from space, India looks “ambitious, fearless, confident, and proud.”