On July 15, 2025, SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, accompanied by the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew, is making a rapid descent to Earth. The team separated from the International Space Station (ISS) on July 14 and is now preparing to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near the coast of San Diego, California. With a resounding sonic boom, the Dragon will announce its arrival.
Return Plans and Timetable
The return to Earth for the Dragon and Ax-4 crew involves a precise series of steps. The teams from Axiom Space and NASA have crafted a meticulously planned schedule to ensure smooth operations...
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Source: aajtak
2:07 PM IST: Deorbit Burn - The spacecraft will ignite its engines to exit orbit and reduce speed.
2:26 PM IST: Trunk Jettison - The spacecraft's additional section will separate.
2:30 PM IST: Nosecone Closure - The front part of the spacecraft will close in preparation for landing.
2:57 PM IST: Drogue Parachutes Deployment - Small parachutes will open to slow the spacecraft's speed.
2:58 PM IST: Main Parachutes Deployment - Large parachutes will be deployed to aid in a safe landing.
3:00 PM IST: Dragon Splashdown - The spacecraft will touch down on the Pacific Ocean.
During this process, the Dragon will create a brief sonic boom, due to its speed exceeding that of sound. This sonic spectacle is expected to captivate residents along the San Diego coast.
The Crew and Mission Journey
The Ax-4 mission comprises four astronauts who launched on June 25, 2025, docking with the ISS on June 26. The crew includes...
Peggy Whitson (Commander): A veteran NASA astronaut.
Shubhanshu Shukla (Pilot): An astronaut from India's ISRO, marking India’s second astronaut in space.
Slawosz Uzanski-Wisniewski: An ESA project astronaut from Poland.
Tibor Kapu: An astronaut from Hungary's HUNOR program.
Over their 18-day stint on the ISS, these astronauts conducted over 60 scientific experiments, examining muscle loss, mental health, and crop growth in space. Shubhanshu Shukla has made India proud with his achievements.
A Fun Approach to Group Photos in Space
Group photos in space aren't simple, due to the absence of pedestrians to take pictures. The Ax-4 crew devised a creative solution by setting up a camera that takes photos every 5 seconds, allowing them to pose and smile for the camera. This fun photo session has immortalized their mission in memorable images.
Seven Days of Isolation Await Shubhanshu
Upon his return to Earth on July 15, 2025, Shubhanshu Shukla will undergo a 7-day rehabilitation focused on recovering from the impacts of space travel. This period will be under medical supervision to help him readjust to Earth's gravity.
