India's Space Legacy Strengthens as Shubhanshu Shukla Returns from ISS

By siliconindia  |  Monday, 14 July 2025, 09:12:27 AM IST

India's Space Legacy Strengthens as Shubhanshu Shukla Returns from ISS
  • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian astronaut to complete a mission aboard the ISS, returning on July 15 after an 18-day stay with the Axiom-4 crew.
  • Conducted over 60 experiments, including plant growth in microgravity (Sprouts Project), microalgae for space sustainability, and health monitoring systems.
  • Interacted with PM Modi and ISRO chief, shared insights on India’s Gaganyaan mission, and inspired future space ambitions with his message of global collaboration and exploration.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), is set to undock from the orbiting lab on Monday at 4:30 PM IST, marking the end of an 18-day landmark mission that elevated India’s space aspirations to new frontiers.
Shukla, along with three international colleagues from the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew, will begin the return journey aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, with splashdown expected off the coast of California on July 15 at around 3:00 PM IST. The return will conclude a 21-hour-long voyage through Earth’s atmosphere, followed by a week-long rehabilitation program to help the astronauts readjust to gravity.
During the mission, Shukla participated in over 60 advanced experiments in fields such as biology, AI, material science, and human health. His contributions included leading the Sprouts Project, focused on understanding seed germination and plant development in microgravity critical research for the future of space agriculture. The seeds, grown aboard the ISS, will now be studied across generations on Earth to analyze genetic, microbial, and nutritional changes.
Another of Shukla’s pioneering efforts involved experiments with microalgae to explore their use in food, oxygen generation, and biofuel production for extended space missions. He also oversaw trials of glucose monitors in microgravity, contributing to the development of health-monitoring systems for diverse astronaut needs. Additionally, the team conducted studies on mental wellness and tested next-gen spacesuit materials in harsh space environments.
Shukla held a video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a telephonic conversation with ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan during the mission. He shared progress on current experiments and discussed India’s future crewed mission under the Gaganyaan program.
At a farewell ceremony aboard the ISS on July 13, Shukla expressed heartfelt thanks to ISRO, his crewmates, and the people of India. “This mission is not just a personal milestone, but a proof of what humanity can achieve together”, he said. “India looks ambitious from space fearless, confident, and proud. India is still saare jahan se accha”.
His family, awaiting his return, is preparing a grand welcome. With this mission, Shukla has not only carved his name in history but also set the stage for India’s growing role in human spaceflight and interplanetary research.

ON THE DECK

Top Banner