Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has completed his planned two-weeks stay onboard the International Space Station (ISS) on July 10 and is preparing to return home. In an update, Axiom Space said that the Ax-4 crew including Shukla have completed close to 230 orbits around Earth and travelled more than 9 million kilometres. Launched on June 25 by SpaceX, the crew entered the space station on June 26.

While their return date should be announced any day now, a recent statement by the European Space Agency (ESA) suggests that the crew will return no earlier than July 14. The agency said per Hindustan Times that ESA project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, who is one of the four Ax-4 astronauts, is scheduled to return on July 14, although the date is subject to change. Besides, NASA and Axiom Space are yet to make an official announcement.

Hear from the #Ax4 astronauts about the significance of the mission and how we are expanding access to LEO for countries to pursue their space exploration goals, leading to advancements #ForEarth. We are building era-defining space infrastructure that drives exploration and fuels… pic.twitter.com/p6rdxMqnc9 — Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) July 7, 2025

“From about 250 miles above Earth, the crew spent their downtime capturing images and video, taking in the view of our home planet below, and reconnecting with loved ones. These moments offer a rare pause in an otherwise rigorous daily schedule,” Axiom stated in day 15 update.

ALSO SEE: ‘Been Very Busy’: ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla On His Work Aboard The International Space Station

The Ax-4 crew including mission pilot Shukla, mission specialist Uznański-Wiśniewski, commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialist Tibor Kapu have conducted over 60 experiments spanning biomedical science, advanced materials, neuroscience, agriculture, and space technology. Axiom says it is the most research conducted on its private missions so far.

Shukla himself performed seven experiments on behalf of ISRO and several institutions on stem cells, microalgae, crop seeds, tardigrades and human health.

“These investigations could transform the future of human space exploration and life on Earth, with potential breakthroughs in areas such as diabetes management, innovative cancer treatments, and enhanced monitoring of human health and performance,” Axiom said.

ALSO SEE: Shubhanshu Shukla Addresses India In First Speech From Space; ‘We’ve Returned After 41 Years’

(Image: Axiom Space)