Lucknow, July 14 -- Ahead of his return to Earth, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla had a word with his family on Sunday, saying he was doing fine and packing for the journey.

The Axiom-4 mission launched on June 25 and is set to undock on Monday after which the crew is expected to splash down off the California coast.

His father Shambhu Dayal Shukla said that the undocking is expected at 4.30pm on Monday.

"We have been looking forward to his return. We are extremely happy and waiting for him. When I had a word with him he said he is packing up for the return and doing all fine. His mother Asha, is also continuously praying for our son's safe return. The undocking is scheduled for the first Shrawan Somvaar so we have also arranged for a ...