Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla To Undock From ISS Today
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is set to undock from the station today, July 14, at around 4:35 PM IST. This marks the conclusion of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission that began on June 25.
Shukla spent 18 days in orbit aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, called “Grace”, conducting over 60 scientific experiments. These included tests related to microgravity, human physiology, seed germination, glucose monitoring, and artificial intelligence. The mission also highlighted India’s capabilities in space science, with several experiments developed by Indian institutions.
In a farewell message from space, Shukla said, “Today’s India looks ambitious from space, full of pride. Today’s India still looks ‘saare jahan se accha’.” He added, “What really sticks with me is what humanity can achieve when we all come together. It is truly incredible.”
After undocking, Shukla and the three other crew members will spend nearly 21 hours in orbit before splashdown, which is expected around 3 PM IST on July 15 off the coast of California.
Once back on Earth, Shukla will enter a rehabilitation phase, including medical checks and readjustment to Earth’s gravity. His family is preparing to welcome him home with great celebration.
The success of this mission is a major milestone for India’s human spaceflight ambitions and gives momentum to the upcoming Gaganyaan programme, expected to carry Indian astronauts into orbit by 2027.
Shukla’s mission combined science, diplomacy, and national pride—cementing India’s place in the global space community.
