July 14, 2025 - Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian to step aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 private mission, is preparing for the journey home. After spending 18 days on the ISS conducting scientific experiments, Shukla and the other three astronauts of the Axiom-4 mission are now preparing to return to Earth. They will begin their return journey on Monday July 14.

NASA has scheduled the Crew Dragon capsule, christened Grace, to undock from the ISS at approximately 4:30  pm IST on July 14, 2025.

Grace is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near the California coast around 3:00  pm IST on Tuesday, July 15. After landing, Shukla and the Axiom-4 crew will be received by recovery teams and be put under a carefully monitored seven-day rehabilitation programme under NASA flight surgeons to help their bodies re-adapt to Earth’s gravity

Astronaut Shukla, speaking on Sunday July 13 during a farewell ceremony held for the astronauts of the Axiom-4 mission aboard the ISS, said that India appears from space as a nation filled with ambition, courage, confidence and pride. Recalling the famous words of India's first astronaut Rakesh Sharma from 1984, Shukla said, “Even today, India looks the best from up here.”

Shukla added, “Coming to the ISS feels magical. This has been a remarkable journey for me. I am taking back with me many memories and lessons, which I will share with my fellow countrymen.”

Shukla’s mission marks a major milestone for India’s growing footprint in space exploration and serves as an inspiration for future generations of Indian astronauts.