Shubhanshu Shukla undocks from Space Station, Ax-4 crew begins journey back home
After undocking, the Dragon capsule will orbit the Earth several times as it gradually lowers its altitude in preparation for re-entry on Tuesday.The crew will monitor spacecraft systems, conduct final medical checks, and prepare for the fiery descent through Earth's atmosphere.The capsule is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California around 3:00 pm IST on July 15, where recovery teams will be waiting to retrieve the astronauts.SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN SPACEDuring his 18-day stay aboard the ISS, Shukla participated in more than 60 scientific experiments, contributing to international research in biology, materials science, and artificial intelligence.Among his key projects was the 'Sprouts Project,' which studied plant growth in microgravity—a crucial step toward sustainable food production for future deep-space missions.He also worked on experiments examining how human cells adapt to space, and tested AI-assisted robotics for station maintenance and data analysis. These studies are expected to benefit not only future space missions but also have applications on Earth, ranging from agriculture to healthcare and advanced manufacturing.REHABILITATION AFTER SPLASHDOWNUpon splashdown, Shukla and his crewmates will be transported to a medical facility for a week-long rehabilitation program.Extended exposure to microgravity can cause muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and changes in balance and coordination. The rehabilitation process will include physical therapy, medical monitoring, and gradual re-adaptation to Earth's gravity.This crucial phase ensures the astronauts' safe and healthy return to normal life.Shukla's successful mission is a proud milestone for India's space program and is expected to inspire a new generation of scientists and explorers as the country prepares for its upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.- EndsTune InMust Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
an hour 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.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
MNRE invests ₹200 crore in NCPRE at IIT Bombay, pushes for scalable solar innovation
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has provided over ₹200 crore in funding to the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) at IIT Bombay over the past 15 years, as part of its efforts to support India's solar R&D ecosystem and the broader 100 GW solar mission, said Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday (July 15, 2025). Interacting with journalists after his visit to the centre, he said that the technological progress achieved at the institute—particularly in Silicon-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cell development—positions India for leadership in next-generation photovoltaics. During his visit, the Minister toured key facilities including the Perovskite Tandem Solar Cell lab, the Silicon Fab, and the Medium Voltage Laboratory. He interacted with researchers and acknowledged the work of IIT-Bombay-incubated startup— Advanced Renewable Tandem-Photovoltaics India (ART-PV India) that has developed a 2-Terminal Monolithic Silicon/CdTe-Perovskite tandem solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 29.8%. 'This is a national milestone and one of the highest performance levels ever achieved in India,' he said. 'NCPRE was launched at IIT Bombay in 2010 with funding from the MNRE to provide R&D and education support for India's ambitious 100 GW solar mission. Till date, MNRE has provided over ₹ 200 crore funding to NCPRE, IIT Bombay, over the last 15 years. MNRE is also supporting ART-PV India with $10 million (₹ 83 crore) for establishing a state-of-the-art pilot manufacturing facility in IIT-B campus, in line with the commitment to nurturing domestic Intellectual Property, and ensuring Indian innovation reaches global markets. MNRE will continue to provide policy and financial support to ensure India's RE sector thrives on innovation and self-reliance,' Mr. Joshi said. 'Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is proud to support NCPRE's pioneering work in high-efficiency, low-cost Silicon-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells, a game-changer for India's solar energy future,' he said. He noted that this technology has the potential to achieve more than 30% efficiency, far surpassing conventional solar panels, making India a global leader in next-gen photovoltaics. 'By investing in such innovations, we are driving down the cost of solar energy, making it more accessible for all Indians. India is not just adopting renewable energy but defining its future—through research in perovskite solar cells, Inverter technology, PV-reliability, green hydrogen, and energy storage,' the Minister said. Through initiatives like the Renewable Energy Research & Technology development (RE-RTD) and R&D funding schemes, MNRE is enabling institutions like NCPRE to accelerate lab-to-market transitions, Mr. Joshi said. 'NCPRE's work exemplifies how public-funded research, when coupled with policy support, can position India as a global clean energy hub,' he added. Mr. Joshi urged the IIT Bombay-ART PV team to commercially demonstrate that Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells are not only scalable but also profitable. 'By making advanced technologies accessible to industry, we will not just be driving efficiency but also building a stronger innovation ecosystem. The Union Cabinet approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme just two weeks back, and the budget for Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD), stands at ₹ 1.27 lakh crore,' he said.
Indian Express
an hour 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.
