Indian Astronaut’s Historic Return: Axiom-4 Mission Splashdown Today
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with the Axiom-4 mission crew, is set to return to Earth on July 15, 2025, after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying Shukla and his three crewmates Commander Peggy Whitson from the United States, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary undocked from the ISS’s Harmony module at approximately 4:45 pm IST on July 14. The spacecraft is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, at around 3:01 pm IST today.
The Axiom-4 mission, launched on June 25, 2025, via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marked a significant milestone for India’s space program. Shukla, the second Indian astronaut to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984, served as the mission pilot. During their 18-day stay on the ISS, the crew conducted over 60 scientific experiments, including seven microgravity experiments led by Shukla in collaboration with ISRO and NASA. These experiments covered fields such as biomedical science, advanced materials, and space technology, contributing to advancements in areas like diabetes care and cancer treatment.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) invested approximately ₹550 crore in Shukla’s mission, viewing it as a critical step toward its Gaganyaan program, India’s first crewed space mission planned for 2027. The experience gained from Shukla’s participation in Axiom-4 is expected to enhance ISRO’s preparations for this ambitious project.
The return journey, spanning roughly 22.5 hours, began after the crew completed final preparations, including hatch closure at 2:37 pm IST on July 14. The Dragon spacecraft, named “Grace,” executed a series of departure burns to move away from the ISS, exiting the station’s 4 km by 2 km safety zone. Upon re-entry, the spacecraft will face temperatures of up to 1,600 degrees Celsius, with parachutes deploying in two stages to ensure a safe splashdown. A SpaceX recovery team will retrieve the crew from the Pacific Ocean, followed by initial medical checks and transport to Houston, Texas, for further evaluation.
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Live coverage of the splashdown will be available starting at 2:00 pm IST on NASA TV, SpaceX’s YouTube channel, and Axiom Space’s social media platforms, offering viewers a chance to witness this historic event. Shukla’s mission not only highlights India’s growing presence in space exploration but also underscores the collaborative efforts of NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space in advancing private spaceflight initiatives.