New Delhi: The Axiom 4 mission with Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu have returned to the Earth with a splashdown into the ocean off the coast of Southern California. The Dragon announced its return to the atmosphere of the Earth with a sonic boom. The crew have spent 20 days in space, and 18 days conducting science experiments and outreach activities, for four days longer than the original planned duration of the mission. The recovery teams are pre-positioned in the area, and the Dragon will rapidly be hoisted onto the recovery vessel, Shannon. The Crew of four will then return to the mainland on a helicopter.
A view from inside of the Dragon during the deorbit burn. (Image Credit: SpaceX).
The deorbit burn was initiated about fifty minutes before the splashdown. This is the manoeuvre that returns the spaceship into the atmosphere of the Earth, and lines up the Dragon towards the target splashdown zone. The deorbit burn lasts between 18 and 24 minutes. After the deorbit burn, the Trunk or the Support Module that provides power, thermal control, and spare storage was jettisoned, followed by the closure of the nosecone. This was followed by the pair of drogue parachutes first being deployed, that pulled out the four primary parachutes, which rapidly shed the velocity of the spaceship for a gentle splashdown.
Axiom 4 mission to boost ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme
ISRO Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla has conducted seven science experiments for Indian scientists, as well as five additional experiments that was part of a unique collaboration between ISRO and NASA. Shukla also spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, apart from interacting with school children to inspire the next generation of space explorers. Shukla has also documented his experiences on the ISS, with additional outreach material expected to be released by ISRO in the days ahead. The first-hand experience on board the orbital complex will help ISRO iron out any kinks in the procedures for India’s own ambitious Gaganyaan programme to lift humans to Earth orbit on domestic hardware.