‘He’s safe and happy’: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to return from space on July 14

The family of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the historic Axiom-4 mission, shared their immense relief and joy after speaking with him on Friday. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, said the conversation gave them confidence about his safety and happiness in space, and the family is now eagerly counting down the days to his return, expected on July 14.

“He showed us his workplace, where he sleeps, and how his daily routine looks like aboard the ISS,” Shambhu told PTI from Lucknow. “Everything is fine in space. We felt extremely happy and relieved after talking to him.”

This is a historic feat not just for the Indian Air Force officer but for India as well — Shukla is the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS. He was launched into space on June 25 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which docked with the ISS after a 28-hour journey. The mission marks India’s return to human spaceflight after more than four decades.

Speaking emotionally about their conversation, his mother Asha Shukla said, “He told us how beautiful Earth looks from space. It was heartwarming to see him so cheerful. He also shared views from the space centre and described his experiences in great detail.”

She added that the family is ready to welcome him whenever weather and conditions permit his return. “He said he wants to eat everything he hasn’t had in the last five-six years while being abroad. I’ll cook all his favourite dishes,” she said with a smile.

The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew, led by veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and including Shubhanshu Shukla, Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, is scheduled to undock from the ISS on July 14 at 7:05 a.m. ET (4:35 p.m. IST), subject to weather conditions.

Axiom Space announced, “Pending favourable weather conditions, the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew is set to undock from the International Space Station no earlier than Monday, July 14.” The mission also symbolizes the first government-backed spaceflight in over 40 years for India, Poland, and Hungary, representing a new chapter in international space collaboration.

The astronaut’s family remains proud and reassured. “He is enjoying his work. When you do something with joy, it always turns out great. We are proud that he is safe, and we can’t wait to welcome him back home,” his father added.