Shubanshu Shukla, after spending 3 weeks aboard the ISS on Axiom Mission 4, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years. He led key experiments, making history and boosting India’s role in global space exploration.

Shubanshu Shukla returns after 3-week journey on the ISS: How India’s star pilot made history aboard Axiom Mission 4

India's astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, and the Axiom-4 crew aboard the Dragon spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, after an 18-day stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla is the only Indian to have visited the space station. India's space agency, ISRO, said today that he performed several scientific experiments on the gigantic space facility. The body also revealed how much it spent to send the astronaut to space. Nilesh M Desai, Director, Space Applications Centre, ISRO, said that the mission will help India in executing its Gaganyaan programme.&nbsp;"This has been an unforgettable experience for him (Subhanshu Shukla). He carried out multiple experiments aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. After experiencing space and microgravity, he conducted several scientific tests. This mission has been a major learning opportunity for us. ISRO took up this mission to gather experience that will help us in our Gaganyaan programme," said Desai.&nbsp;He said that before sending an Indian astronaut aboard the Gaganyaan spacecraft, the space agency will send three unmanned flights.&nbsp;"As part of our programme, we will launch an unmanned mission this year, followed by two more unmanned flights. After that, an Indian astronaut will be sent into space onboard the Gaganyaan spacecraft. The astronaut will stay in space for two to seven days and return to Earth. The experience gained by Shubanshu Shukla during his time on the ISS will be extremely valuable for the Gaganyaan programme planned over the next two years," he said.&nbsp;Desai said Rs 600 crore was spent by India on the Axiom mission.&nbsp;"Around Rs 600 crore were spent on this mission, covering training for two astronauts and other space journey preparations. The insights gained after 15 days in space will help us enhance the success of the Gaganyaan mission," Desai mentioned.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shubhanshu-shukla-axiom-4-return-how-does-space-impact-astronauts-health-1752550718263">Also read: Shubhanshu Shukla, Axiom-4 return: How does space impact astronauts' health?</a>&nbsp;He also emphasised the importance of India-US space cooperation and the pact signed between ISRO and NASA during Prime Minister Modi's US visit.&nbsp;"With the new information we have gathered, we can plan the Gaganyaan mission more effectively. This mission was done in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. During the Indian Prime Minister's recent visit to the US, an agreement was signed between ISRO and NASA allowing one Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS under a US mission," he added.&nbsp;He said two astronauts were chosen and trained for several months. However, in the end, Shubhanshu Shukla got the chance to go to the space station.&nbsp;“Shubhanshu Shukla was accompanied by another astronaut, Prashant Nair, who was fully prepared to step in if needed. However, there was no requirement for that. Shukla was launched aboard the Dragonfly spacecraft using the Falcon launch vehicle from SpaceX on June 25. It docked with the International Space Station on June 26. Over 15 days, he conducted various scientific experiments, and today the spacecraft was undocked,” he added.

India's astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, and the Axiom-4 crew aboard the Dragon spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, after an 18-day stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla is the only Indian to have visited the space station.

India's astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, and the Axiom-4 crew aboard the Dragon spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, after an 18-day stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla is the only Indian to have visited the space station. India's space agency, ISRO, said today that he performed several scientific experiments on the gigantic space facility. The body also revealed how much it spent to send the astronaut to space. Nilesh M Desai, Director, Space Applications Centre, ISRO, said that the mission will help India in executing its Gaganyaan programme. "This has been an unforgettable experience for him (Subhanshu Shukla). He carried out multiple experiments aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. After experiencing space and microgravity, he conducted several scientific tests. This mission has been a major learning opportunity for us. ISRO took up this mission to gather experience that will help us in our Gaganyaan programme," said Desai. He said that before sending an Indian astronaut aboard the Gaganyaan spacecraft, the space agency will send three unmanned flights. "As part of our programme, we will launch an unmanned mission this year, followed by two more unmanned flights. After that, an Indian astronaut will be sent into space onboard the Gaganyaan spacecraft. The astronaut will stay in space for two to seven days and return to Earth. The experience gained by Shubanshu Shukla during his time on the ISS will be extremely valuable for the Gaganyaan programme planned over the next two years," he said. Desai said Rs 600 crore was spent by India on the Axiom mission. "Around Rs 600 crore were spent on this mission, covering training for two astronauts and other space journey preparations. The insights gained after 15 days in space will help us enhance the success of the Gaganyaan mission," Desai mentioned. Also read: Shubhanshu Shukla, Axiom-4 return: How does space impact astronauts' health? He also emphasised the importance of India-US space cooperation and the pact signed between ISRO and NASA during Prime Minister Modi's US visit. "With the new information we have gathered, we can plan the Gaganyaan mission more effectively. This mission was done in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. During the Indian Prime Minister's recent visit to the US, an agreement was signed between ISRO and NASA allowing one Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS under a US mission," he added. He said two astronauts were chosen and trained for several months. However, in the end, Shubhanshu Shukla got the chance to go to the space station. “Shubhanshu Shukla was accompanied by another astronaut, Prashant Nair, who was fully prepared to step in if needed. However, there was no requirement for that. Shukla was launched aboard the Dragonfly spacecraft using the Falcon launch vehicle from SpaceX on June 25. It docked with the International Space Station on June 26. Over 15 days, he conducted various scientific experiments, and today the spacecraft was undocked,” he added.

Shubhanshu Shukla returns: ISRO said that the mission will help India in executing its Gaganyaan mission.&nbsp;

Shubhanshu Shukla returns: ISRO reveals its Axiom mission cost, Chandrayaan plan

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three fellow crew members of the Axiom-4 mission have started their return to Earth after spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their journey back began on Monday at around 4:50 pm IST, following the undocking of their Dragon spacecraft, which saw a few delays but no technical issues, according to NASA.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-germany-s-taurus-missiles-here-s-why-ukraine-keeps-asking-for-them-1752489150206">'Game-changer on battlefield': What are Germany’s Taurus missiles? Here's why Ukraine keeps asking for them</a><h2>When and where will the spacecraft land?</h2>As per NASA’s schedule, the splashdown is expected around 3 pm IST on Tuesday, July 15, off the coast of California. The return journey will last about 22-and-a-half hours, NASA’s live broadcast confirmed. The spacecraft is also carrying over 250 kilograms of cargo, including scientific samples and equipment used in various experiments during the mission.<h2>When did Shukla’s journey to space begin?</h2>The Axiom-4 mission took off on June 25, with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifting off just after noon IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The spacecraft docked at the ISS the next day. Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as pilot of the mission, became the second Indian to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984. On June 28, Shukla also spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a symbolic moment for India’s growing space presence.<h2>Who else was on the Axiom-4 crew?</h2>The crew included:• Shubhanshu Shukla from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)• Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of the European Space Agency (ESA)• Tibor Kapu, part of Hungary’s HUNOR programme• Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and current director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space<h2>What did the Axiom-4 crew work on?</h2>The astronauts conducted a wide range of experiments across medicine, agriculture, and space biology. Shubhanshu Shukla focused on skeletal and muscle degradation in microgravity. He also tested microalgae growth as a sustainable food source for long-duration space missions. Other experiments included work on cancer research, plant biology, microgreens, and blood circulation in space. The team also participated in a mental health study for astronauts.

As per NASA’s schedule, the splashdown is expected around 3 pm IST on Tuesday, July 15, off the coast of California. The return journey will last about 22-and-a-half hours, NASA’s live broadcast confirmed.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three fellow crew members of the Axiom-4 mission have started their return to Earth after spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their journey back began on Monday at around 4:50 pm IST, following the undocking of their Dragon spacecraft, which saw a few delays but no technical issues, according to NASA. Also read: 'Game-changer on battlefield': What are Germany’s Taurus missiles? Here's why Ukraine keeps asking for them When and where will the spacecraft land? As per NASA’s schedule, the splashdown is expected around 3 pm IST on Tuesday, July 15, off the coast of California. The return journey will last about 22-and-a-half hours, NASA’s live broadcast confirmed. The spacecraft is also carrying over 250 kilograms of cargo, including scientific samples and equipment used in various experiments during the mission. When did Shukla’s journey to space begin? The Axiom-4 mission took off on June 25, with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifting off just after noon IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The spacecraft docked at the ISS the next day. Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as pilot of the mission, became the second Indian to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984. On June 28, Shukla also spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a symbolic moment for India’s growing space presence. Who else was on the Axiom-4 crew? The crew included: • Shubhanshu Shukla from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) • Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of the European Space Agency (ESA) • Tibor Kapu, part of Hungary’s HUNOR programme • Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and current director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space What did the Axiom-4 crew work on? The astronauts conducted a wide range of experiments across medicine, agriculture, and space biology. Shubhanshu Shukla focused on skeletal and muscle degradation in microgravity. He also tested microalgae growth as a sustainable food source for long-duration space missions. Other experiments included work on cancer research, plant biology, microgreens, and blood circulation in space. The team also participated in a mental health study for astronauts.

As per NASA’s schedule, the splashdown is expected around 3 pm IST on Tuesday, July 15, off the coast of California. The return journey will last about 22-and-a-half hours, NASA’s live broadcast confirmed.

Dragon undocks from ISS: Shubhanshu Shukla begins journey back to Earth after 18 days in space - Here’s when the Axiom-4 crew will land

India’s first astronaut to the International Space Station, Shubhanshu Shukla, is set to return to Earth on Monday as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. A formal farewell for the Axiom-4 crew is planned for Sunday evening (India time), just ahead of their scheduled undocking. Axiom Space confirmed the ceremony will be streamed live at 8:55 am CT (7:25 pm IST) on Sunday, before the crew begins their journey back from the ISS.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-trump-assassination-attempt-have-been-stopped-secret-service-officials-were-aware-of-threat-to-trump-s-life-says-report-1752410748611">Could Trump assassination attempt have been stopped? Secret Service officials were aware of threat to Trump’s life, says report</a><h2>Who were the members of the Axiom-4 mission?</h2>The Axiom-4 mission included four astronauts: Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu “Shux” Shukla, and Mission Specialists Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu. The mission lasted 18 days, and the splashdown is expected off the coast of California on Monday.NASA will provide live coverage of their departure, scheduled for no earlier than 7:05 am ET (4:35 pm IST) on Monday. At present, the ISS is hosting 11 astronauts, including the seven members of Expedition 73 and the four from Axiom-4.<h2>Special dinner before departure</h2>Before wrapping up their mission, the astronauts on board the ISS came together for a shared meal, featuring cuisine from all six nations represented on the station. “One of the most unforgettable evenings I’ve experienced on this mission was sharing a meal with new friends, Axiom-4, aboard the International @Space_Station,” said US astronaut Jonny Kim in a post on X.The appetisers included rehydrated shrimp cocktails and crackers, while the main course featured chicken and beef fajitas. Dessert was a sweet bread cake with condensed milk and walnuts. Shukla added a taste of India to the table by bringing aam ras and gajar halwa, while Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski served up traditional pierogi with cabbage and mushrooms.<h2>What happens after splashdown?</h2>After landing, Shukla will undergo a seven-day rehabilitation programme to help his body adjust to Earth’s gravity again. According to ISRO, he and the rest of the crew will board the return spacecraft around 2:25 pm IST, put on their space suits, and complete safety checks before undocking.<h2>Cost of India’s space debut to ISS</h2>Shukla’s journey to the ISS was made possible after ISRO paid approximately ₹550 crore, according to a report by PTI. His experience is expected to directly support India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, which aims for launch in 2027.

The Axiom-4 mission included four astronauts: Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu “Shux” Shukla, and Mission Specialists Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu. The mission lasted 18 days, and the splashdown is expected off the coast of California on Monday.

India’s first astronaut to the International Space Station, Shubhanshu Shukla, is set to return to Earth on Monday as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. A formal farewell for the Axiom-4 crew is planned for Sunday evening (India time), just ahead of their scheduled undocking. Axiom Space confirmed the ceremony will be streamed live at 8:55 am CT (7:25 pm IST) on Sunday, before the crew begins their journey back from the ISS. Also read: Could Trump assassination attempt have been stopped? Secret Service officials were aware of threat to Trump’s life, says report Who were the members of the Axiom-4 mission? The Axiom-4 mission included four astronauts: Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu “Shux” Shukla, and Mission Specialists Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu. The mission lasted 18 days, and the splashdown is expected off the coast of California on Monday. NASA will provide live coverage of their departure, scheduled for no earlier than 7:05 am ET (4:35 pm IST) on Monday. At present, the ISS is hosting 11 astronauts, including the seven members of Expedition 73 and the four from Axiom-4. Special dinner before departure Before wrapping up their mission, the astronauts on board the ISS came together for a shared meal, featuring cuisine from all six nations represented on the station. “One of the most unforgettable evenings I’ve experienced on this mission was sharing a meal with new friends, Axiom-4, aboard the International @Space_Station,” said US astronaut Jonny Kim in a post on X. The appetisers included rehydrated shrimp cocktails and crackers, while the main course featured chicken and beef fajitas. Dessert was a sweet bread cake with condensed milk and walnuts. Shukla added a taste of India to the table by bringing aam ras and gajar halwa, while Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski served up traditional pierogi with cabbage and mushrooms. What happens after splashdown? After landing, Shukla will undergo a seven-day rehabilitation programme to help his body adjust to Earth’s gravity again. According to ISRO, he and the rest of the crew will board the return spacecraft around 2:25 pm IST, put on their space suits, and complete safety checks before undocking. Cost of India’s space debut to ISS Shukla’s journey to the ISS was made possible after ISRO paid approximately ₹550 crore, according to a report by PTI. His experience is expected to directly support India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, which aims for launch in 2027.

The Axiom-4 mission included four astronauts: Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu “Shux” Shukla, and Mission Specialists Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu. The mission lasted 18 days, and the splashdown is expected off the coast of California on Monday.

Axiom-4 crew prepares for farewell; splashdown on Earth tomorrow | When and where to watch

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Shubanshu Shukla returns after 3-week journey on the ISS: How India’s star pilot made history aboard Axiom Mission 4

Shubhanshu Shukla returns: ISRO reveals its Axiom mission cost, Chandrayaan plan

Dragon undocks from ISS: Shubhanshu Shukla begins journey back to Earth

Axiom-4 crew prepares for farewell; splashdown on tomorrow: When, where to watch