Axiom Mission 4’s Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Undock from ISS on July 14

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, pilot of the Axiom-4 (Ax‑4) mission, is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday, July 14, around 4:35 PM IST. He will return to Earth with three fellow crew members after completing a successful private space mission.

Final Hours in Space

The Ax‑4 team has concluded four Indian-led microgravity experiments, with three more nearing completion. These include studies in microalgae behavior, bone health under weightlessness, radiation exposure, nanomaterials, and behavioral science.

As part of their final activities on board, the crew shared a special meal, marking the end of their stay on the ISS. Preparations for departure include suit-up procedures and final spacecraft system checks.

Return Timeline

The crew is set to board the Crew Dragon “Grace” capsule a few hours before undocking. Following a successful detachment from the space-facing port of the Harmony module, the capsule will begin its descent back to Earth.

Splashdown is expected in the Pacific Ocean near the California coast on July 15 at approximately 3:00 PM IST, pending favorable weather and sea conditions.

International Crew and Mission Significance

The Ax‑4 crew comprises:

• Peggy Whitson (Commander, USA)

• Shubhanshu Shukla (Pilot, India)

• Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Mission Specialist, Poland)

• Tibor Kapu (Mission Specialist, Hungary)

Shukla is the first ISRO astronaut to visit the ISS, making this mission a historic moment for India’s human spaceflight program. His involvement marks a major step for ISRO as it prepares for its upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

After splashdown, Shubhanshu Shukla will undergo a seven-day rehabilitation program to help his body readjust to Earth’s gravity. This phase will involve medical supervision and physical therapy to recover from the effects of long-duration weightlessness.

Broader Impact

The Ax‑4 mission has facilitated over 60 science experiments from 31 countries, with significant Indian contributions. This includes valuable data for upcoming missions, including those led by ISRO.

Live coverage of the undocking and return will be provided by space agencies and mission operators, highlighting one of the most globally diverse private space missions to date.

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Summary Table

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Shubhanshu Shukla’s return marks a milestone in India’s space journey and highlights the global collaboration in modern space exploration.