Shukla is now the second Indian ever to go to space, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who flew in 1984. His role in Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission is a big step forward for India in space exploration.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), is all set to return to Earth on Tuesday. His return marks the end of a memorable 18-day journey in space as part of the Ax-4 mission organized by Axiom Space. Shukla spent his time aboard the space station with three other astronauts, Peggy Whitson from the US, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary and together they carried out various scientific experiments and lived in microgravity for over two weeks.
Early Monday (India time), the crew boarded their return spacecraft, a SpaceX Dragon capsule named “Grace.” The capsule left the ISS in the evening, beginning its journey back to Earth. The undocking from the station’s Harmony module happened at 4:45 p.m. IST.
Before that, the spacecraft’s hatch the door between the ISS and Dragon was sealed at around 5:07 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time. SpaceX later confirmed on social media that the capsule had safely separated from the ISS.
The Dragon capsule is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean, near the California coast, at around 3:01 p.m. IST on Tuesday (early morning in the U.S.).
Once back on Earth, Shukla and his fellow crew members will be helped out of the capsule by recovery teams. Shukla will then begin a week-long recovery program to help his body adjust back to Earth’s gravity after spending more than two weeks in space.
How to Watch Shubhanshu Shukla’s Return to Earth Live
You can watch the entire journey of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his crewmates as they return from the International Space Station (ISS) live online. Here’s how:
Live Streaming Schedule:
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Hatch Closure: Starts at 4:30 a.m. EDT (2:00 p.m. IST). Watch on: NASA+
This part includes the astronauts saying goodbye and the closing of the spacecraft hatch. -
Undocking from the ISS: Around 7:05 a.m. EDT (4:35 p.m. IST). Watch on: NASA+ , Axiom Space , SpaceX website
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Descent and Splashdown: Splashdown expected at 3:01 p.m. IST (4:31 a.m. CT). Watch on: Axiom Space, SpaceX
The exact timing may change slightly depending on weather and mission conditions. Tune in early for live commentary and real-time updates.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Space Mission Ends After 18 Days
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s time in space has come to an end, and his return marks a proud moment for India. Originally planned as a 14-day stay, his mission was extended to 18 days, giving him more time for scientific experiments and international teamwork on the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla is now the second Indian ever to go to space, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who flew in 1984. His role in Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission is a big step forward for India in space exploration.
Before leaving the ISS, Shukla shared an emotional message from orbit. Looking down at Earth from the station’s window, he said the journey had been “incredible” and thanked ISRO, NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX for making it possible. “India still looks better than the whole world,” he added with pride.
