International Space Station:
The four-member Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew, including Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on July 14, Axiom Space and NASA have confirmed. The return marks the conclusion of a successful commercial research mission that lasted nearly three weeks in low Earth orbit.
Undocking Scheduled for July 14
As per the latest update, the Crew Dragon spacecraft is set to undock from the ISS at 7:05 a.m. Eastern Time (4:35 p.m. IST) on Monday, July 14. Weather conditions and orbital dynamics are being closely monitored, with splashdown expected approximately 24 hours later, likely in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast.
Meet the Ax-4 Crew
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Peggy Whitson – Mission Commander (USA)
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Shubhanshu “Shux” Shukla – Pilot (India)
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Sławosz Uznanski-Wiśniewski – Mission Specialist (Poland)
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Tibor Kapu – Mission Specialist (Hungary)
Group Captain Shukla is the first Indian Air Force officer to travel on a commercial space mission and has been instrumental in several onboard research activities.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station as part of the Axiom 4 Mission, joined fellow crew members for a special meal ahead of his scheduled return to Earth on July 14.
Sharing the moments, NASA astronaut Jonny Kim described it as an… pic.twitter.com/iQZfolQfJs
— Asianet News English (@AsianetNewsEN) July 11, 2025
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Mission Highlights
Since docking with the ISS on June 26, the Ax-4 crew has:
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Spent 19 days aboard the station
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Completed over 230 orbits of Earth
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Traveled an estimated 9.6 million kilometers
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Carried out more than 60 scientific experiments, including biological studies, neuroscience research, and ISRO-supported experiments on algae growth and seed germination in microgravity
The mission’s focus has been on advancing research that supports future long-duration space travel and improving life on Earth.
Why the Departure Was Delayed
Originally expected to depart earlier, the Ax-4 crew’s stay was extended due to a “high beta period” a time when the Sun’s angle to the space station increases exposure and affects temperature regulation. NASA and Axiom decided to delay undocking to ensure optimal thermal and communication conditions for re-entry and splashdown.
Health & Safety
All four astronauts are reported to be in excellent health, having adapted well to microgravity. There was no reported emergency or medical incident during the mission. Shubhanshu Shukla, in particular, has been noted for his exceptional performance and adaptability in orbit.
After undocking, the spacecraft will undergo controlled deorbit procedures before re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Recovery teams will be stationed at the splashdown site to receive the crew. Upon return, all astronauts will undergo standard post-mission health checks and debriefings.
This mission underscores the growing role of international cooperation in space exploration and showcases India’s increasing contribution through its skilled professionals like Shubhanshu Shukla. As Ax-4 returns home, the success of this mission adds another chapter to the evolving story of commercial human spaceflight.
