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Key Points

The Axiom-4 mission, featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is set to undock from the ISS on July 14. Their return to Earth was delayed by four days due to ISS scheduling. Shukla conducted key experiments on plant growth and microalgae in microgravity. The crew, including NASA and ESA astronauts, will splash down on July 15.

Key Points: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Return from ISS with Axiom-4 Crew

  • Axiom-4 crew undocks from ISS on July 14 after extended research stay
  • Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla conducted plant and algae experiments
  • Mission delayed by four days due to ISS schedule adjustments
  • Crew includes NASA, ESA, and Hungarian astronauts
2 min read

Axiom-4 mission crew to undock from ISS on July 14, arrival on July 15: Jitendra Singh

Axiom-4 mission, including Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, will undock from ISS on July 14 and splash down on July 15 after extended research stay.

"Undocking scheduled for 14th July at 4:30 PM IST, splashdown on 15th July at 3:00 PM IST. – Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, July 13

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Sunday, providing an update on the Axiom-4 mission, informed that Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members are scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on July 14 at 4:30 pm.

He further added that their arrival is scheduled for July 15 at 3:00 pm

"Update: Axiom 4 International Space Station ISS Mission: As of now, undocking has been scheduled for tomorrow, 14th July at 4:30 PM IST. Arrival back to Earth.... Splashdown scheduled for 15th July at 3:00 PM IST. These timings have a margin window of approximately 1 hour. Further updates, if any, shall be shared accordingly," Jitendra Singh wrote on X.

The crew was slated to embark on a return journey on July 10. However, the crew will not return to Earth according to the original schedule, extending their stay on the International Space Station by at least four days, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).

Axiom Mission 4 was launched on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on June 26 at 4:05 pm IST, ahead of schedule, connecting to the space-facing port of the station's Harmony module.

The crew include Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, veteran NASA astronaut Commander Peggy Whitson, European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) astronaut Tibor Kapu.

The Axiom Mission 4 crew members, conducted a wide range of research activities aimed at advancing scientific studies, testing new technologies, and continuing global outreach efforts in space exploration, Axiom Space shared on its mission blog on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the crew held microgravity research. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla conducted three experiments. In the first instance, he worked on the sprouts project to study how microgravity affects germination and early plant development. On return to Earth, the seeds will be cultivated over several generations to examine changes in their genetics, microbial ecosystems, and nutritional profiles.

In another experiment, he deployed and stowed microalgae, which are being investigated for their potential to produce food, oxygen, and even biofuels. Their resilience and versatility make them ideal for supporting human life on long-duration missions, Axiom Space's blog observed.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The delay in return shows how unpredictable space missions can be. Safety should always come first. Wishing all crew members a safe journey back home!
A
Ananya R
While this is exciting, I wish ISRO would focus more on our own space station project rather than sending astronauts to ISS. We need self-reliance in space tech.
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Vikram M
The microalgae experiment is brilliant! Imagine growing our own food and fuel in space. This could solve so many problems for long missions to Mars. 👏
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Kavya N
So many delays in space missions these days. Hope they're not cutting corners with safety. Still, proud of Group Captain Shukla representing India up there!
M
Michael C
International cooperation in space is the way forward. Great to see India, USA, Europe working together like this. The future of space exploration looks bright!

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