Indian Astronaut’s Epic Space Journey Ends with Dramatic Pacific Splashdown!
Shubhanshu Shukla and Axiom-4 crew return to Earth after an 18-day ISS mission, splashing down off San Diego.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, alongside commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, is set to make a thrilling return to Earth today. Their SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named Grace, will splash down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego, California, at approximately 3:01 pm IST, concluding an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The Axiom-4 mission crew undocked from the ISS at 4:45 pm IST on Monday, embarking on a 22.5-hour journey back to Earth. SpaceX, the mission’s transporter, confirmed the spacecraft’s trajectory, noting a brief sonic boom will signal its arrival before the splashdown. The de-orbit burn, scheduled for 2:07 pm IST over the Pacific, will initiate the spacecraft’s fiery re-entry, with the heat shield enduring temperatures up to 1,600°C. The capsule’s trunk will detach at 2:26 pm IST, followed by parachute deployment in two stages—stabilizing chutes at 5.7 km altitude and main parachutes at 2 km—ensuring a safe landing.
A recovery ship will retrieve the spacecraft, and the crew will undergo medical evaluations before a helicopter ride to shore. The astronauts will then spend seven days in rehabilitation to readjust to Earth’s gravity after experiencing weightlessness in orbit.
Also Read: Shubhanshu Shukla to Students from ISS: You Can Be Astronauts, Walk on Moon
Shukla, who became the second Indian astronaut to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission, bid farewell to the ISS crew on Sunday with a heartfelt message: “Jaldi hi dharti pe mulaqat karte hai (we will meet on Earth soon).” Reflecting on his journey, Shukla celebrated India’s progress, saying, “Today’s India looks full of ambition, fearless, confident, and full of pride. It still looks saare jahan se accha.” His words echoed Sharma’s historic description of India from space 41 years ago.
The Axiom-4 mission marks a milestone for India, Poland, and Hungary, each sending astronauts to space after decades. Shukla’s trip, costing ISRO approximately Rs 550 crore, provides critical experience for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, slated for 2027. “It’s been incredible because of the people involved,” Shukla said, praising the Expedition 73 crew for making the mission unforgettable.
Also Read: Indian Astronaut Shukla Advances Bone Health, Radiation Studies on ISS
