It was the fourth private astronaut mission funded by Houston-based Axiom Space and the second commanded by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson.

A stunning new video captures the Axiom-4 capsule's dramatic re-entry into Earth's atmosphere., US News, Times Now

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The International Space Station’s first visitors from India, Poland and Hungary headed back to Earth on Monday, wrapping up a private mission and catching a ride home with SpaceX. Their capsule undocked from the orbiting lab and aimed for a splashdown the next morning in the Pacific off the Southern California coast.

Four astronauts returned to Earth after nearly three weeks at the International Space Station. The Axiom-4 mission marked the first visit to the ISS for astronauts from India, Poland and Hungary. It was commanded by U.

However, the increasing privatization of space access raises questions about America's future role in space exploration. While another private company, SpaceX, currently provides the only means for launching astronauts from U.S. soil, Oluseyi emphasized the importance of maintaining both public and private investment in space.

During his time aboard the International Space Station, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carried out seven India-specific microgravity experiments, highlighting the country's advancing expertise in space science and technology.

ISRO's insistence on rectifying a technical flaw in SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket potentially saved the Axiom-4 mission from disaster.

The four astronauts of Axiom Mission 4 were the latest to make a splashdown off the coast of California following a stint at the space station.

Axiom-4 astronauts suited up Monday in preparation for their return to Earth after 18 days aboard the International Space Station. The crew exited the ISS and entered the the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and the hatch was closed at 4:55 a.