Shubhanshu Shukla Return LIVE: SpaceX's Dragon with Axiom-4 crew to enter Earth's atmosphere shortly
Shubhanshu Shukla Return LIVE: Dragon spacecraft carrying the Axiom-4 crew will splash down off the coast of San Diego, California. Here's a glimpse of the map
15 Jul 2025, 02:44 PM IST
Shubhanshu Shukla Return LIVE: As per SpaceX's live coverage, less than 30 minutes remain for the Dragon's much awaited splashdown.
15 Jul 2025, 02:41 PM IST
Shubhanshu Shukla Return LIVE: De-orbit burn completed, trunk jettisoned as Dragon spacecraft prepares to re-enter Earth's atmosphere.
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Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
India celebrates Shukla's return from space
New Delhi: India on Tuesday celebrated the return of its astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Earth after spending 18 days at the International Space Station, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he has inspired a billion dreams with his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the nation in welcoming Shukla back from his "historic" space mission. Shukla is the first Indian to have visited the International Space Station. "I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space," Modi said in a post on X. President Murmu hailed Shukla's role in piloting Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station that created a new milestone for India's space exploration. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said it is "indeed a defining moment in India's space odyssey". "As India's first astronaut to reach the ISS, his unwavering commitment and professional excellence have brought immense pride to every citizen," he said in a post on X. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Shubhanshu Shukla has not just touched space, but also "lifted India's aspirations to new heights". Several union ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Ministers and Opposition leaders lauded Shukla for his feat. As soon as Shukla made a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, thousands of miles away, his hometown of Lucknow erupted with chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and applause. At his alma mater, the City Montessori School's (CMS's) Kanpur Road campus, tears flowed freely as Shukla's family members, along with students, teachers and dignitaries, greeted the touchdown by waving the Indian flag. Shukla's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, mother Asha Devi and sister Suchi Misra were visibly emotional. "He has been to space and back and we are all over the moon because this mission has its own importance for the country's Gaganyaan programme," Shambhu Dayal Shukla said.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Simpler, safer: Why spacecraft prefer splashdowns over landing on ground
The spacecraft carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and his three colleagues on the Axiom-4 mission splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday after a 20-hour journey from the International Space Station. Landing in the ocean is the preferred way to bring back astronauts from space, though some spacecraft also make a landing on a runway like an aircraft. But the latter has special requirements, needs more sophisticated systems, and is usually costlier. For its Gaganyaan programme, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has designed a crew module that will land on sea. Splashdown is generally a simpler and safer option. When a spacecraft begins to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 110-120 km, it is usually travelling at speeds up to 27,359 km per hour. There isn't enough time for it to decelerate to speeds that are suitable for a vertical landing on the ground. Additional braking systems, and structures like landing legs would be required. It is safer to land a spacecraft in water even when it is travelling at 25-30 km per hour — the speed of the Axiom-4 spacecraft at the time of splashdown. The low viscosity and high density of water provides much greater cushion. While it does not ensure a completely smooth landing, it absorbs enough shock from the impact to avoid damage to the spacecraft's structure, payload, or the crew inside. The other reason is the availability of vast open spaces. On the ground, the landing location has to be precisely defined; in the ocean, there is no danger of hitting something else even if the spacecraft is dragged a bit off-course by air or water currents. The capsules are designed to float on water. They are conical in shape, and either their top or bottom (depending on how they land) is rounded metal, which works like the hull of a ship, and keeps them bobbing on the surface. When a spacecraft re-enters the Earth's atmosphere, it experiences deceleration due to friction. But additional measures are required to slow it to safe speeds. One such method is the use of parachutes. Spacecraft usually deploy two drag (or drogue) parachutes first, which stabilise the vehicle following re-entry, and reduce speed. The Dragon spacecraft deploys these parachutes at around 18,000 feet. At about 6,500 feet, the drogue parachutes are detached, and the four main parachutes are released, which continue to slow the spacecraft further. The spacecraft does not travel vertically to Earth, but glides down at an angle. From the point of re-entry to touchdown, it traverses a distance of 5,000-7,000 km. During this time, its speed comes down to about 25-30 km per hour, which is safe for a splashdown in the ocean.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Minister Jitendra Singh: India has found a lasting space in world of space; hints at Shubhanshu Shukla's India return
Minister Jitendra Singh: India has found a lasting space in world of space NEW DELHI: Space minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday hailed the safe return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the Axiom-4 space mission as a 'moment of pride for the world, a moment of glory' for India, stating that the country had secured its rightful place in the global space ecosystem. 'One of Mother India's illustrious sons is back. India has found a lasting space in the world of space,' he said, while addressing the media on Tuesday as the Dragon splashed down in the Pacific. Providing details, Singh said that all four Axiom-4 astronauts will remain in quarantine until July 23 to complete medical and re-adaptation procedures. 'From the 24th, they will begin discussions with Isro . Debriefings with Axiom and Nasa will follow,' he said. Singh hinted at Shukla's return to India around Aug 17, after he completes post-mission protocols and discussions abroad. The minister said the mission demonstrated India's growing stature in global space exploration. "These are experiments that have never been done before. This marks a new era for India's scientific and technological ambitions," he noted, adding that the mission's success would have long-term implications for humankind. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Describing the safe return as both a scientific and symbolic achievement, the minister said, "The call given by Prime Minister Modi to look to the skies and dream big has begun to take shape. This successful mission is just the beginning. It will inspire a new generation of Indians to pursue careers in science and space." India's growing role in global human spaceflight programmes, including the upcoming Gaganyaan mission , is further reinforced by Shukla's participation in Axiom-4.
