When and how will Shubhanshu Shukla return to Earth from ISS? Which rocket will bring him back and at what speed will he land?
This brings to mind a few questions about how will Shubhanshu Shukla return to Earth, through which vehicle, at what speed, and how will the landing take place? Here, we will answer these questions. What is the process of Shubhanshu Shukla's return to Earth?
The Crew Dragon spacecraft will slowly separate from the International Space Station (ISS). This process is called undocking and is completely automated but the crew monitors it.
As soon as it separates, the capsule will move slowly towards the Earth. Then rockets will fire to slow down the capsule. This is called retrograde burn. This is done so that the spacecraft can enter the Earth's gravity. What will happen during entering Earth's atmosphere?
The capsule will enter the Earth's atmosphere where it will endure intense heat and friction. At this time the speed of the capsule would be about 28,000 kilometers per hour, which gradually decreases as it descends. After entering the atmosphere, first the small and then the main parachutes will open, slowing down the spacecraft and ensuring a safe landing. According to NASA, if the weather is fine, they will land in the sea near the California coast. NASA will broadcast it live. Where will the spacecraft land?
The Crew Dragon spacecraft might land in the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX's recovery team will immediately reach the spot and lift the capsule onto the ship and take out the crew members. They are bringing equipment weighing 580 pounds i.e. about 263 kg in the Dragon spacecraft. It will contain NASA's hardware and data from more than 60 science experiments conducted in space. How much time will it take?
It will take about 12–16 hours from undocking from the International Space Station (ISS) to splashdown. At the time of re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, the speed will be 28,000 kilometers per hour, which will decrease to about 25.7495 km/h.
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Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
Why Shubhanshu Shukla matters so much for India's space tech
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Other research explored muscle atrophy, diabetes monitoring, and the physiological effects of prolonged screen exposure in microgravity. These experiments were not abstract exercises. They provide essential insights into the design of life-support and medical systems for long-duration missions, key for India's ambitions in independent space habitation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Marvelousa Undo Perhaps more subtly, Shukla also contributed to outreach and education. He interacted remotely with Indian schoolchildren and researchers, offering a glimpse into life aboard the ISS. From daily routines to adapting to life without conventional bathing and handling hygiene through wipes, his lived experience in microgravity offers ISRO a real-world dataset on human adaptation beyond Earth's atmosphere. Also Read | Axiom 4 mission: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla 'Shux' returns to Earth as Grace splashes down in Pacific Live Events Strategic impact on India's space ecosystem The Axiom-4 mission is far from a standalone achievement. It has directly enhanced India's technical readiness for human spaceflight. Shukla's mission provided ISRO with hands-on feedback on spacecraft systems integration, ground communication protocols, and emergency response procedures, all critical components for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. The scientific outcomes of his experiments will influence not only mission design but also academic and industrial research within India. From universities to biotech startups, many domestic players were involved in conceptualizing and building the payloads for Axiom-4. This collaborative structure lays the groundwork for a robust space-tech ecosystem within the country. Equally important is the human resource development angle. 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Strategically, it sends a clear message: India is no longer an emerging participant in human spaceflight but an active contributor shaping its future. Shubhanshu Shukla's successful journey aboard Axiom-4 marks a significant inflection point in India's space history. It merges symbolic achievement with functional progress, demonstrating both capability and intent. As India moves closer to launching its own astronauts aboard its own spacecraft, Shukla's experience offers a blueprint as well as a boost.
NDTV
37 minutes ago
- NDTV
Shubhanshu Shukla Returns From Space As Dragon Splashes Down Off San Diego
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NDTV
38 minutes ago
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Shubhanshu Shukla Returns From Space As Dragon Capsule Lands Off San Diego
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