Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Return from ISS on July 15
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled to complete his 14-day mission and return to Earth from the International Space Station on July 15, ISRO has confirmed. As the first Indian aboard the ISS, Shukla successfully conducted a suite of seven microgravity experiments critical for India's future space missions, including Gaganyaan. He and his crewmates will undock in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft for a splashdown off the coast of California. ISRO reports the astronaut is in good health.
Unpacked:
Shukla conducted seven microgravity experiments critical for India's future space missions, including those related to the Gaganyaan project. These likely focused on human physiology, materials science, and technology validation in space, though exact details have not been publicly released.
Shukla’s mission marks the first time an Indian has visited the ISS, paving the way for India’s own human spaceflight ambitions under the Gaganyaan program. It provides valuable experience in crewed space missions, international collaboration, and scientific experimentation in microgravity, enhancing ISRO’s capabilities.
Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to travel to space, flying aboard the Soviet Salyut 7 space station in 1984. Shukla is the first Indian on the ISS and only the second Indian in orbit overall.
Shukla underwent rigorous astronaut training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Russia and India’s Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru. The training included simulations, physical fitness, technical skills, and space mission protocols to prepare him for work on the ISS.