According to the space agency, the experiments -- conducted in space’s microgravity environment -- included research on the Indian strain of Tardigrades, Myogenesis, sprouting of methi and moong seeds, Cyanobacteria, Microalgae, Crop Seeds, and the Voyager Display. All experiments were conducted as schedule
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully completed seven planned microgravity experiments. Pic/X
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully completed all seven planned microgravity experiments and related activities aboard the International Space Station (ISS), marking a key milestone in the Axiom-4 mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Monday, reported the PTI.
According to the space agency, the experiments -- conducted in space’s microgravity environment -- included research on the Indian strain of Tardigrades, Myogenesis, sprouting of methi and moong seeds, Cyanobacteria, Microalgae, Crop Seeds, and the Voyager Display. All experiments were conducted as scheduled, as per the PTI.
On July 13, 2025, members of Expedition 73 aboard the ISS joined the Axiom-4 crew, including ISRO’s Gaganyatri Shubanshu Shukla, for a farewell ceremony ahead of their departure.
“Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla, speaking at the farewell, expressed gratitude to the Expedition 73 crew for their support and thanked ISRO for developing the scientific research portfolio, operational protocols, and national-level student outreach initiatives,” ISRO said, according to the PTI.
Shukla and the other three astronauts of the Axiom-4 mission began their return journey to Earth on Monday, as the Dragon Grace spacecraft undocked from the ISS after an 18-day mission.
Following a series of orbital manoeuvres, the spacecraft is expected to splash down near the California coast on Tuesday at 3:01 pm IST.
Director General of the Satcom Industry Association-India (SIA-India), Anil Prakash, hailed the mission as a major breakthrough. “Shukla’s 18-day mission aboard the ISS is not just a milestone; it marks India’s advancement into the space-biotechnology frontier,” he said.
“This mission, enabled through strategic private-sector engagement, highlights a powerful public-private partnership, transforming space research into sustainable biotech innovation,” Prakash added, the news agency reported on Monday.
“SIA-India applauds this collaborative breakthrough that positions India as a future leader in global space-driven biotechnology,” he said.
During his ISS stay, Shukla interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held a virtual session with school students, and also communicated with ISRO centres using amateur radio technology.
(with PTI inputs)
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