Shubhanshu Shukla return date from ISS: When will the Indian astronaut come back?
India is set to welcome home its space pioneer, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, on July 10, 2025. The IAF officer has made history as the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Mission 4. His return marks a key milestone in India’s journey toward human space exploration.
🚀 Mission Overview: India Reaches New Heights
Shukla launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket on June 25. Alongside astronauts from Italy, Poland, and Turkey, he docked with the ISS on June 26. His mission is scheduled to last about 14 days.
This is the first time an Indian has participated in a commercial space mission. Unlike the 1984 Soviet mission with Rakesh Sharma, this one reflects India’s new global partnerships and ambitions in space.
🔬 Experiments in Orbit: Science Meets Strategy
While aboard the ISS, Shukla is performing several important experiments. These include:
- Studying protein crystals that may help develop new medicines
- Observing material behavior in microgravity
- Monitoring cardiovascular changes in astronauts
- Capturing data for soil moisture and climate research
He is also hosting STEM outreach sessions with Indian students. These virtual events inspire young minds and promote science education across the country.
Additionally, the experiments are part of ISRO’s broader research goals. The agency is using this opportunity to test future ideas for the Gaganyaan mission.
👨🚀 The Man Behind the Helmet
Group Captain Shukla is an experienced fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force. He has logged over 3,500 flight hours on high-performance jets. After his selection by ISRO, he completed rigorous astronaut training in Bengaluru and Houston.
Colleagues say he is calm, disciplined, and extremely focused. His leadership and technical knowledge made him the ideal choice for this mission.
🛰️ Coming Home: Reentry on July 10
Shukla and the crew will undock from the ISS on July 10. Their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule will then descend through Earth’s atmosphere. The journey ends with a Pacific Ocean splashdown near the coast of California.
After the landing, SpaceX recovery teams will bring the astronauts to shore. Shukla will undergo health checks before returning to India.
🇮🇳 Why This Mission Matters to India
This mission is more than a scientific project—it’s a symbol of national progress. Here’s what it means for India:
- It proves ISRO’s astronaut training and selection are world-class
- It builds trust with global partners like NASA and Axiom Space
- It gives ISRO direct data from space for future missions
- It inspires millions of young Indians to dream big
ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath recently said,
“Shukla’s mission is not just about science. It represents India’s rise as a spacefaring nation.”
🌍 International Support and Applause
World leaders and space agencies have praised the mission. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson called the collaboration a success. He said,
“Shukla’s work shows how international teams can do great things together.”
Axiom CEO Michael Suffredini also praised Shukla for his focus and professionalism. The mission, he said, shows the power of public-private cooperation in space.
🧭 What Comes Next?
After his return, Shukla may help train the next batch of Indian astronauts. He will also assist ISRO in refining systems for Gaganyaan, which aims to launch in 2026.
India is also expected to explore more joint missions, possibly with NASA’s Artemis lunar program or the European Space Agency. Shukla’s success opens the door for future Indian involvement in deep space exploration.
🌠 A New Era for Indian Spaceflight
Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission shows the world that India is ready for the next level in space science. His journey reflects national pride, global collaboration, and a bold new vision.
On July 10, when he returns to Earth, it won’t just be the end of a mission—it will mark the start of a new era for India’s space story.
