Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), is scheduled to undock from the orbital outpost at 4:30 pm IST on July 14, aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
When will Shubhanshu Shukla return to space?
The historic Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission will culminate with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast at approximately 3:00 pm IST on July 15. His return marks a major milestone in India’s growing presence in global space exploration.
During the 18-day mission, Shukla and the Ax-4 crew completed over 60 scientific experiments in areas such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, materials science, and human health.
‘India is still saare jahan se accha’: Shukla
At a farewell ceremony aboard the ISS on July 13, Shukla delivered a heartfelt message. Thanking ISRO, international partners, and the people of India, he said: “This mission is not just a personal milestone but a proof of what humanity can achieve together. I hope our work inspires young minds in India and across the world to dream beyond boundaries.”
Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla:
— ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) July 13, 2025
🗣 "41 years ago, an Indian went to space and told us how India looks like from space.
…and I can again tell you that today's India still appears Saare Jahan Se Accha" 🇮🇳
Watch this clip from the Axiom-4 Farewell Ceremony on the ISS 🎥 pic.twitter.com/nQMyfBy0YR
Drawing inspiration from India’s first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, Shukla echoed a patriotic sentiment: “Today, India looks ambitious from space, fearless, confident, and proud. India is still saare jahan se accha.”
Family awaits grand welcome
Back home in Lucknow, Shukla’s family is eagerly awaiting his return. His mother, Asha Shukla, expressed relief and joy: “We pray to God that he completes his mission successfully and comes back to earth as soon as possible. I will cook whatever he wants. He missed home food and said he wants to eat everything he hasn’t had in five-six years.”
His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, added, “We were waiting for this, and we are happy he is coming back. We just want him to return safely.”
Before lift-off, Shukla had revealed he would be carrying mango nectar, moong dal halwa, and carrot halwa to remind him of home during his time in space.
The Ax-4 crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). The spacecraft will carry back over 580 pounds of cargo, including scientific samples and equipment.