Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will go through a seven-day rehabilitation program after he returns to Earth on July 15, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. This is to help him adjust back to Earth’s gravity after spending 18 days on the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla was part of the Axiom-4 mission along with three other astronauts – Peggy Whitson (Commander), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. They reached the ISS on June 26 and are scheduled to leave on July 14 at 4:35 PM IST.
The spacecraft carrying the astronauts – Crew Dragon – will land in the ocean near California on July 15 at 3 PM IST, after several space manoeuvres. After landing, Shukla will be monitored closely by ISRO’s flight surgeons to ensure his health and help him readapt to Earth.
ISRO spent around ₹550 crore for Shukla’s journey, which is a part of India’s preparation for its own human space mission, Gaganyaan, planned for 2027.
According to ISRO, Shukla is currently in good health and high spirits, and doctors are constantly checking on his physical and mental well-being.
Before their return, the astronauts will get into their space suits and perform final checks. The ISS orbits Earth at a speed of 28,000 km/hr, and the Crew Dragon will automatically detach and slowly re-enter Earth’s atmosphere.
The Dragon spacecraft will also carry back over 580 pounds (around 263 kg) of equipment and data from over 60 scientific experiments conducted during the mission.
Read more: What Is Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Doing Aboard the ISS? Here’s What He Told the ISRO Chief
Shukla took part in various Indian scientific experiments in space. One of the key projects was the microalgae experiment, which could help future space missions by providing food, oxygen, and fuel.
ISRO confirmed that out of seven Indian space experiments, four have been completed, and three are nearly done. These include:
Completed Experiments:
- Studying Tardigrades, tiny creatures known for surviving extreme conditions
- Research on muscle cells to understand how they react in space
- Sprouting of methi and moong seeds, important for astronaut food
- Growth of Cyanobacteria, useful for oxygen and life support
Near Completion:
- Microalgae study
- Growth of crop seeds
- Testing the Voyager Display
ISRO says these experiments will help with upcoming missions like Gaganyaan, India’s future space station, and deep space exploration.
Before leaving the ISS, the crew is finishing up final science tasks such as:
- Electrical muscle stimulation tests
- Fabric tests for comfortable exercise suits
- Filming daily activities for a mental health study
They’ll also begin packing samples and personal items for their return trip.
NASA astronaut Anne McClain is assisting with organizing all the materials for loading into the Dragon spacecraft.
