After approximately 433 hours, 18 days, and 288 orbits around Earth covering nearly 7.6 million miles since docking with the International Space Station, the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew is officially homeward bound. Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu undocked from the orbiting laboratory today at 6:15 a.m. CT, marking the conclusion of their onboard mission.
The crew is now en route to Earth, with splashdown off the coast of California tomorrow, July 15, at approximately 4:31 a.m. CT. Their return home will span roughly 22.5 hours. Live coverage of splashdown will begin at 3:30 a.m. CT, available via axiom.space/live and SpaceX.
Ax-4 was not only a scientific success but also a historic milestone for India, Poland, and Hungary. For the first time in over four decades, these nations launched national astronauts into space — and for the first time ever, their astronauts lived and worked aboard the International Space Station. This mission marked a new chapter in space exploration for these nations, paving the way for future missions and inspiring broader participation in the global space community.
As the crew returns to Earth, they’re bringing back impactful scientific data and testaments of teamwork, perseverance, and a mission that united people from across the globe.Their time in space is a reminder that when nations work side by side, we can go farther — not just in distance, but in what we’re capable of achieving together.
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