Lucknow — The nation holds its breath as Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla gears up for his return journey from the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled to depart later this evening as part of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla and his three crewmates will embark on a 22.5-hour voyage back to Earth, marking a significant moment in India’s growing presence in space exploration.
The excitement is palpable at Shukla’s home in Lucknow, where his family members have been fervently praying for his safe return. On the occasion of the first Monday of the auspicious month of Sawan, his parents Shambhu Dayal Shukla and Asha Shukla, along with his sister Shuchi Mishra, performed special prayers and rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. “There is joy all around,” said his mother Asha with a smile. “We are thrilled at the news of Shubhanshu’s return. I prayed for his safe journey back, and I’m proud of how far India has come under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.”
Shubhanshu’s father added, “This morning, we visited a temple and performed abhishek of Lord Shiva, seeking blessings for a successful mission and his safe landing. We believe divine grace has protected him.”
According to the joint schedule released by Axiom Space and NASA, the Dragon capsule’s hatch will be sealed at 2:50 p.m. IST today, followed by undocking from the ISS at 4:35 p.m. The capsule is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere after nearly a day-long journey, splashing down off the coast of California at approximately 3:00 p.m. IST on Tuesday, July 15.
Following his return to Earth, Shukla will undergo a seven-day rehabilitation process under the supervision of a flight surgeon. This step is critical for astronauts to readjust to Earth’s gravity after spending extended time in microgravity.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which contributed approximately $66 million (around ₹550 crore) for India’s participation in the Axiom-4 mission, sees this mission as a stepping stone towards the ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight project, scheduled for 2027. The insights gained from Shukla’s experience aboard the ISS are expected to significantly inform the planning and execution of India’s own manned missions.
As the countdown ticks on, millions across India are not only watching the skies but also celebrating a new chapter in India’s space journey, proudly anchored by one of their own — Shubhanshu Shukla.
