• Source:JND
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Axiom-4 Mission update:  In a historic achievement for India's space endeavor, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's first astronaut to go to the International Space Station (ISS), is slated to return to Earth tomorrow after an 18-day mission under Axiom Space's private spaceflight Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, in which Shukla and his three foreign crew members are on board, is to undock from the ISS today, July 14, at 4:30 PM IST. The spacecraft will safely splash down in the Pacific Ocean off California shores around 3:00 PM IST on Tuesday, July 15, after a return trip of close to 22 hours.

First Indian on ISS to Bring Back 580 Pounds of Research Cargo

Shukla, an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, flew to the ISS with experienced NASA astronaut and Ax-4 mission commander Peggy Whitson, Polish ESA astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu under the HUNOR programme.

The Ax-4 crew's trip was the fourth private mission to the ISS by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. While they were onboard, the astronauts performed more than 60 scientific experiments, and these covered microgravity, human health, and exploration of deep space. The Dragon spacecraft is returning with over 580 pounds of vital cargo, such as NASA hardware and precious research samples. Throughout the mission, Group Captain Shukla participated in several studies, such as trials of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) in microgravity, which would open the way for diabetic spacelifters of the future. He also oversaw experiments on microalgae centrifugation, the Fruit Fly DNA Repair study, and the VITAPRIC project for plant growth in space with high nutrient content.

Highlights of the other research included Voyager Displays for eye coordination, Neuromotion VR for attention and motor control, and AstroMentalHealth, which focused on the mental health of astronauts. The crew also collected samples on the human gut microbiome, muscle stimulation, and relaxation from stress.

ALSO READ: From Aamras To Gajar Ka Halwa: Inside Shubhanshu Shukla’s Delicious Desi Farewell In Space

Live Streaming Details

NASA has announced that undocking and departure will be streamed live. Live coverage starts at hatch closure at 4:30 AM EDT (2:00 PM IST), crew boarding at 4:55 AM EDT (2:25 PM IST), and undocking at 7:05 AM EDT (4:30 PM IST). Space fans can view the return live on NASA+, Axiom Space's website, and SpaceX's official social media accounts, with live updates until splashdown.

ALSO READ: 'India Still Looks Saare Jahan Se Achcha': Shubhanshu Shukla Reflects On His 18-Day Space Journey Ahead Of Earth Return

In a message from space, filled with love, Shukla stated his experience as "an incredible experience" and expressed gratitude to ISRO, Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX. From orbit, looking at the world below, he uttered, "Today's India looks ambitious, brave, confident and full of pride. Today's India still looks better than the whole world." Shukla's mission represents a leap towards India's increasing reach into human spaceflight and global cooperation, as the country is moving forward with its upcoming Gaganyaan mission as well as future Moon and Mars aspirations.