International Space Station

Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 2:31 a.m. PDT Tuesday ending a 20-day spaceflight that saw the private astronauts perform critical microgravity research aboard the International Space Station. Veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, who has accumulated 695 days in space over five missions, led Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu back to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft undocked at 7:15 a.m. EDT from the space-facing port of the International Space Station’s Harmony module, completing the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). 

NASA’s live coverage is underway on NASA+ for the undocking of the fourth private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), from the International Space Station. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.

At 5:07 a.m. EDT, the hatch closed between the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and the International Space Station in preparation for the undocking and return to Earth of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), with astronauts Peggy Whitson, Shubhanshu Shukla, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Tibor Kapu.

NASA’s live coverage is underway on NASA+ for the departure of the fourth private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), from the International Space Station. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.

Mission managers have given the “go” for the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew to board the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and undock from the International Space Station’s space-facing port on the Harmony module at 7:05 a.m. EDT on Monday, July 14. Ax-4 Commander Peggy Whitson will lead Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Tibor Kapu back to Earth completing a two-and-a-half-week research mission aboard the orbiting lab.

Exercise research and spacesuit maintenance topped the schedule for the Expedition 73 and Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crews on Thursday. The 11 orbital residents also kept up an array of space research to improve human health while ensuring the International Space Station continues orbiting Earth in tip-top shape.

A portion of the Expedition 73 crew as well as the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) quartet had a light duty day on Wednesday. There was still time aboard the International Space Station for a variety of research activities and preparations for an upcoming crew swap.

Biomedical research topped the science schedule aboard the International Space Station on Tuesday as the Expedition 73 and Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crews explored cellular immunity and electrical muscle stimulation. Cargo transfers and exercise gear maintenance rounded out the day for the orbital residents.

The Expedition 73 crew kicked off the week studying electrical muscle stimulation and cellular immunity to protect crew health in microgravity. The orbital residents are also unpacking a new cargo craft and continuing to support the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew aboard the International Space Station.