logo
Shubhanshu Shukla to return Earth after historic ISS mission; know what he achieved through space experiments

Shubhanshu Shukla to return Earth after historic ISS mission; know what he achieved through space experiments

Time of India3 days ago
Group Captain
Shubhanshu Shukla
is set to return to Earth on
July 15 after an 18-day stay aboard
the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in the country's space exploration. As part of the
Axiom Mission 4
(Ax-4), Shukla became the first Indian astronaut in 41 years to reach the ISS, reigniting national pride and marking a significant stride toward India's future in human spaceflight. His return journey begins with undocking from the ISS at
4:30 pm IST on July 14
, with a splashdown scheduled in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast around
3:00 pm IST
the next day.
Shubhanshu Shukla and Axiom 4 crew's scientific contributions on the ISS
During his mission, Shubhanshu Shukla and his Ax-4 crew completed more than 60 advanced scientific experiments across fields including biology, materials science, human health, and artificial intelligence. Among his most notable contributions was
Sprouts project:
Focused on seed germination in microgravity, aiming to unlock sustainable space agriculture solutions. Led by Dr. Ravikumar Hosamani and Dr. Sudheer Siddapureddy, this project could revolutionize future food systems in space.
Microalgae research:
Investigated the use of microalgae for producing oxygen, food, and biofuels, essential for long-term crewed missions.
Health monitoring tools:
Shukla conducted trials using glucose monitors in zero gravity—critical for enabling astronauts with medical conditions to safely travel in space.
Cognitive load and stem cell research:
Explored how microgravity affects mental performance and healing, potentially improving astronaut recovery protocols.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off
ResMed
Buy Now
Undo
7 ISRO-designed experiments completed by Shubhanshu Shukla
At least 7 experiments onboard the Ax-4 were designed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (
ISRO
), contributing vital data to the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. Shukla also photographed six varieties of crop seeds that will undergo post-mission genetic analysis, furthering India's research into space-based food systems.
In conversation with Axiom Space Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low, Shukla said, "I feel proud to be this kind of a bridge between the researchers and the station and do the research on behalf of them." His multifaceted contributions spanned from stem cell experiments to cognitive load analysis, reinforcing his role as both pilot and scientist.
Shubhanshu Shukla's farewell tribute: Honours ISRO and India's legacy in space
At the farewell ceremony aboard the ISS on July 13, Shukla delivered a heartfelt message thanking ISRO, his international crewmates, and the Indian public. Referencing Rakesh Sharma's iconic words from 1984, he said,
"India is still saare jahan se accha,"
describing India from space as "ambitious, fearless, confident, and proud."
His remarks highlighted the mission's significance not only as a personal milestone but as a collective achievement for India and humanity. "This mission is not just a personal milestone, but a proof to what humanity can achieve together. I hope our work inspires young minds in India and across the world to dream beyond boundaries," he stated.
Shubhanshu Shukla return journey and rehabilitation
The Ax-4 crew, including Shukla and three international astronauts, will travel back to Earth aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. After splashdown, Shukla will undergo a week-long rehabilitation program to readjust to Earth's gravity. His family is preparing a grand welcome to honor his historic accomplishment.
Shukla's 18-day stay aboard the ISS not only re-established India's presence in human space exploration but also laid the groundwork for upcoming missions like Gaganyaan. With advanced experiments, international collaboration, and a powerful farewell message, his mission symbolizes a new era in India's space journey—one marked by scientific excellence, unity, and limitless ambition.
Also Read |
Shubhanshu Shukla's journey: From secret NDA application to fighter pilot to India's first astronaut on the ISS after 41 years
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Historical Scrutiny Of Akbar, Babur In School Books Not New
Historical Scrutiny Of Akbar, Babur In School Books Not New

News18

time42 minutes ago

  • News18

Historical Scrutiny Of Akbar, Babur In School Books Not New

1/7 NCERT's decision to give Hindi titles like Mridang, Santoor, and Poorvi to English textbooks has sparked a nationwide language debate. The move is seen as part of NEP 2020's push for cultural integration, though no official clarification has been issued. While the NCERT claims these updates are designed to reduce curriculum load and foster culturally rooted learning, critics argue that some changes reflect ideological bias or historical distortion. 3/7 The Class 12 textbooks now emphasize indigenous continuity between Harappans and modern South Asians, challenging earlier views on distinct Vedic arrivals. It reflects ongoing archaeological discoveries at Rakhigarhi Several NCERT history and political science textbooks have undergone content revisions as part of the curriculum rationalisation process. These include the removal or condensation of sections related to events like the Gujarat riots, the Babri Masjid, and references to certain political developments, aimed at reducing textbook load and streamlining content under NEP 2020. The Class 8 Social Studies textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond has updated its portrayal of Mughal rulers as part of recent curriculum revisions. Descriptions now refer to Babur as 'ruthless' and Akbar as 'brutal but tolerant', while Aurangzeb is presented with more nuance, moving away from earlier moral judgments. A footnote in the chapter clarifies that the objective is to understand historical developments rather than assign blame. These changes have sparked criticism from some historians, who argue that the revised language may oversimplify complex historical figures and potentially reflect a biased narrative. The NCERT's new Class 8 Science textbook, Curiosity, brings a fresh approach to learning by blending traditional Indian scientific wisdom with modern discoveries. Aimed at sparking curiosity and deeper thinking among students, the book takes readers on a journey from ancient philosophies like the concept of Parmanu to India's space missions, offering a uniquely Indian perspective on science education. 'Particulate Nature of Matter' now introduces students to Acharya Kanad, the ancient Indian philosopher who conceptualized the idea of the Parmanu (atom) centuries before modern atomic theory took shape. ISRO Missions Featured: The textbook now includes India's space milestones—Chandrayaan 1, 2 & 3, Aditya L1, and Mangalyaan—to connect students with contemporary Indian science and technology. A dedicated 'Our Scientific Heritage' section in the 'Health: The Ultimate Treasure' chapter talks about variolation, a traditional Indian technique used to protect against smallpox, showcasing pre-modern disease prevention methods.

Was that a jellyfish in the sky? China's Tianzhou-9 stuns with glowing rocket cloud. Watch video
Was that a jellyfish in the sky? China's Tianzhou-9 stuns with glowing rocket cloud. Watch video

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Was that a jellyfish in the sky? China's Tianzhou-9 stuns with glowing rocket cloud. Watch video

What Did Tianzhou-9 Deliver? Live Events Two upgraded EVA (spacewalk) suits with enhanced durability, capable of supporting up to 20 spacewalks over four years. A core-muscle training device to help astronauts combat muscle atrophy during long stays in microgravity. A brain organoid-on-a-chip experiment, designed to study human brain cell behavior and the blood-brain barrier in space. Nanocarrier drug delivery systems, materials science experiments, and equipment for aerospace medical research. Why This Mission Matters What's Next? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel On July 16, 2025, China launched its Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft aboard a Long March-7 Y10 rocket, leaving behind a mesmerizing, jellyfish-like cloud in the sky that quickly went viral on social Tianzhou-9 successfully docked with the Tiangong space station just over three hours after liftoff, delivering up to 7.2 tonnes of supplies—including food, oxygen, scientific instruments, and cutting-edge equipment. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed that the cargo ship completed its docking at 8:52 a.m., following a rapid autonomous rendezvous with the station's Tianhe core mission is the fourth resupply operation since Tiangong entered its application and development phase, underscoring China's growing capability in maintaining a self-sufficient orbital total, Tianzhou-9 carried over 1.5 tonnes of food, featuring 190 menu items—including more than 90 side dishes—to improve life aboard the station. It also delivered nearly 780 kilograms of scientific payloads, ranging from biomedical tools to long-term experiment the crucial payloads were:As the International Space Station (ISS) approaches retirement in 2030, China's Tiangong is rapidly emerging as the next-generation orbital lab. Built with three modules—Tianhe, Wentian, and Mengtian—it is already conducting a wide range of scientific, medical, and technological space program has advanced significantly despite being excluded from ISS cooperation due to U.S. restrictions. The nation's consistent success in spacecraft docking, human habitation, and autonomous operations is a testament to its goal of becoming a top-tier spacefaring is set to launch the Shenzhou-21 crewed mission later this year, which will rotate the current crew and continue ongoing research aboard Tiangong. China is also planning a crewed missions to the Moon before 2030, for which Tianzhou and Shenzhou missions serve as critical stepping stones.

From Aryabhata To Gaganyaan: A Timeline Of ISRO's Key Milestones In PICS
From Aryabhata To Gaganyaan: A Timeline Of ISRO's Key Milestones In PICS

News18

timean hour ago

  • News18

From Aryabhata To Gaganyaan: A Timeline Of ISRO's Key Milestones In PICS

1/10 1975: ISRO launched its first satellite, Aryabhatta, making India's entry into space exploration. (Image: ISRO) 1980: The space organisation successfully launched the SLV-3, making India the seventh country to achieve orbital launches. (Image: X) 1982: It launched INSAT-1A, the first satellite in the Indian National Satellite System. (Image: X) 1994: The year marks the successful launch of IRS-P2 using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). (Image: X) 2008: India's first lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 was successfully launched. It discovered water molecule in the moon. (Image: X) 2013: India became the first country to reach Mars with the successful launch of Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission). ISRO was the fourth space agency globally to do so. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) 2019: ISRO launched Chandrayaan-2 to land near the southern pole of the Moon; however, the lander lost contact during descent. (File Pic) 2023: Successfully launched Chandrayaan-3, achieving a soft landing on the Moon's south pole on August 23, 2023. The mission made India the first country to achieve a soft landing in that region. (Image: X) 2023: Just weeks after Chandrayaan-3, ISRO launched Aditya-L1 on September 2, 2023. It is India's first space-based solar observatory designed to study the outer atmosphere of the Sun, specifically its corona. (File Pic)

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store