Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Begin 7-Day Rehab After July 15 Return. NASA Confirms ISS Undocking Scheduled for July 14 at 4:35 p.m. IST. Crew Scheduled to Begin Return Journey from ISS, Confirms NASA.
Shubhanshu Shukla to Begin 7-Day Rehab After July 15 Splashdown.This marks the end of his 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where he participated in various scientific experiments and space operations.
The rehabilitation will help Shukla readjust to Earth’s gravity and recover physically after his extended stay in microgravity conditions. Shubhanshu Shukla, along with fellow astronauts Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on June 26 as part of the Axiom-4 commercial mission.
The multinational crew has been engaged in scientific research and technology demonstrations during their 18-day stay aboard the ISS. According to NASA, they are scheduled to undock from the station on Monday, July 14, at 4:35 p.m. IST (7:05 a.m. ET), Undocking Marks Start of Astronauts’ Homeward Journey.
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Begin 7-Day Rehab After July 15 Return. According to ISRO, the Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and his crewmates is expected to splash down near the California coast on July 15, 2025, at 3 p.m. IST.
This will follow a series of carefully planned orbital manoeuvres after undocking from the International Space Station.
The recovery operations will be carried out by a joint team to ensure the safe retrieval of the crew after their 18-day mission in space.Following splashdown, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla — designated as “Gaganyatri” — will undergo a seven-day rehabilitation program under the supervision of a Flight Surgeon to help him readjust to Earth’s gravity, ISRO Shares Latest Update on Axiom-4 Mission.
The Indian space agency invested approximately ₹550 crore for Shukla’s participation in the ISS mission, viewing it as a critical step toward the planning and execution of Gaganyaan, India’s first indigenous human spaceflight mission, scheduled for launch in 2027.
ISRO has confirmed that Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla is in good health and high spirits following his return journey preparations. Flight surgeons are closely monitoring his physical and psychological well-being through ongoing medical and psychological briefings to ensure a smooth readjustment after his space mission.
Shukla and his fellow Axiom-4 crewmates are scheduled to board the Crew Dragon spacecraft at 2:25 p.m. IST, don their space suits, and conduct pre-departure checks before initiating their return to Earth.
ISS, Orbiting at 28,000 km/h, to Begin Crew Dragon Undocking spacecraft to Gradually Decelerate for Earth Reentry, Autonomous Undocking to Start from ISS at High Velocity,crew Set for Controlled Descent Toward Earth atmosphere ahead of its planned splashdown off the California coast.
NASA confirmed that the Dragon spacecraft will return to Earth carrying over 580 pounds of cargo, including critical NASA hardware and data from more than 60 scientific experiments conducted during the Axiom-4 mission.
Axiom-4 mission commander Peggy Whitson shared a lighthearted moment on X, writing: “Enjoying our last few days on the @Space_Station with rehydrated shrimp cocktails and good company! #Ax4: Crew Celebrates Final Days Aboard ISS with Camaraderie.
Shukla Brings Carrot Halwa and Aamras to ISS Farewell Party
As part of his scientific contributions aboard the ISS, Shubhanshu Shukla participated in a microalgae experiment aimed at supporting future deep-space missions, Axiom Space said in a statement.
Shukla was responsible for deploying and stowing microalgae samples—organisms that hold potential for producing food, oxygen, and even biofuels in space. The research could play a vital role in developing sustainable life-support systems for long-duration missions beyond low Earth orbit.
Axiom Space noted that the resilience of microalgae makes them a promising resource for sustaining life beyond Earth, highlighting their potential in producing food, oxygen, and biofuels for future space missions.
According to NASA, the Expedition 73 and Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crews focused on exercise research and spacesuit maintenance as key activities on Thursday.
The astronauts also advanced the Voyager Displays study, which explores how spaceflight influences eye movement and hand-eye coordination—critical factors in maintaining astronaut performance during extended missions.
The Axiom-4 crew engaged in a wide range of scientific studies aimed at understanding the effects of spaceflight on human health and cognition, with implications for both future missions and Earth-based medicine.
One key experiment examined how astronauts perceive and interact with their surroundings in microgravity—vital for designing psychologically supportive habitats for long-duration space travel.
Another study investigated cerebral blood flow under microgravity and elevated CO₂ conditions to assess cardiovascular changes. The crew carried out the Acquired Equivalence Test to evaluate cognitive learning and adaptability in microgravity.
They also supported the PhotonGrav study by collecting brain activity data, aiding the development of neuroadaptive technologies for future space missions and medical use on Earth.