4 experiments done, 3 nearing end; Shux splashdown at 3pm July 15

BENGALURU: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is expected to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) at 4.35pm on July 14, has completed four of the seven Isro-led microgravity experiments.Shukla, who is part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, is working on the other three that are nearing completion, Isro has confirmed.The completed experiments are: Tardigrades (Bengaluru strain): focusing on survival, revival, reproduction, and transcriptomic changes in microgravity; Myogenesis: studying the effect of space on human muscle cell development; Sprouting of methi and moong seeds: With implications for in-orbit nutrition and food sustainability, and Cyanobacteria: tracking the growth of two variants for potential use in closed-loop life support systems.“These experiments are now being packed for their return to Earth for further analysis,” Isro said. The three experiments that are nearing completion are: Microalgae: investigating its viability and applications in space:l; Crop seeds: Studying growth responses to spaceflight conditions, and Voyager Display: details of which remain undisclosed but are part of the scientific payload.“Together, these investigations are expected to generate critical insights for upcoming programmes including Gaganyaan, the proposed Space Station, and future interplanetary missions,” Isro said.

The space agency added that the Shukla remains in good health and high spirits, with flight surgeons continuously monitoring his condition through scheduled private medical and psychological conferences.“The Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying the Ax-4 crew is expected to splash down off the coast of California on July 15, 2025, at around 3pm IST, after a series of re-entry manoeuvres,” added Isro.Following his return, Shukla will undergo a rehabilitation programme lasting approximately seven days to readjust to Earth’s gravity, under the supervision of flight surgeons.