Shubhanshu Shukla and Axiom-4 crew likely to return to Earth on July 14: NASA

Indian astronaut

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his Axiom-4 crewmates are expected to return to Earth from the

International Space Station

(ISS) on July 14, NASA announced on Thursday. The

Axiom-4 mission

, launched by SpaceX on June 25 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marked a significant milestone in India’s growing participation in international human spaceflight. The four-member crew, which includes former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu, docked with the ISS after a 28-hour journey on June 26. Over the course of their 14-day mission, they completed over 230 orbits around Earth, covering more than 6 million miles, and conducted dozens of scientific experiments across diverse fields.

Shubhanshu Shukla's journey highlights India’s space ambitions

Shubhanshu Shukla’s role as the mission pilot is a landmark for India’s space program. As a senior Indian Air Force officer, his selection underscores India's growing expertise in astronaut training and space operations. During the mission, Shukla carried several Indian scientific payloads developed by ISRO, contributing to critical research in biomedical science and materials engineering. His participation signals a new chapter in India’s engagement with international space missions and strengthens its readiness for future endeavors like the Gaganyaan mission.

NASA targets return date to July 14

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager confirmed that the Axiom-4 mission is currently scheduled to undock from the ISS on July 14, pending favorable orbital conditions and weather. The Dragon spacecraft carrying the four astronauts will perform a controlled descent and splash down off the coast of Florida. Final return procedures are being coordinated closely with NASA and international partners to ensure a safe recovery.

Record-breaking research mission

The Axiom-4 mission has been described as the most research-intensive private spaceflight to date. The crew conducted more than 60 experiments in space medicine, neuroscience, agriculture, materials science, and environmental monitoring. These included studies with potential breakthroughs in managing diabetes, improving cancer therapies, and monitoring astronaut health on long-duration missions. Results from these investigations could influence both Earth-based medicine and deep-space exploration strategies.The Axiom-4 crew reflects the growing international collaboration in commercial spaceflight. Led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson and joined by specialists from India, Poland, and Hungary, the mission exemplifies the future of multinational space exploration. It also reaffirms the potential of private-public partnerships in advancing human spaceflight objectives.

Preparing India for its own human spaceflight mission

Shubhanshu Shukla’s experience aboard the ISS provides valuable insights for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission. His training, performance, and scientific contributions will help shape future crewed spaceflight strategies by ISRO. As India prepares to launch its own astronauts into space aboard indigenous systems, the knowledge gained from international missions like Axiom-4 is proving indispensable. The mission stands as a proud moment for India and a step forward in its journey to become a major player in human space exploration.