This is the live splashdown coverage for Axiom Mission 4 (AX4), detailing the successful return of its four-person international crew to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft "Grace." The webcast follows Commander Peggy Witson (USA), Pilot Shubanchu Shukla (India), and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary) through the final phases of their 20+ day mission. The video documents the entire return sequence, from the critical de-orbit burn and atmospheric re-entry—including the expected communications blackout—to the successful deployment of the drogue and main parachutes. The event culminates in a nighttime splashdown off the coast of San Diego, California. The coverage continues with the intricate recovery operations performed by the vessel "Shannon," showing the capsule being hoisted from the ocean, safed by recovery teams, and the eventual hatch opening, revealing the smiling and healthy crew as they egress the vehicle one by one. The mission is highlighted as a success for international collaboration, having completed over 60 science experiments and 20 outreach events while on the International Space Station.
The Safe Return of Axiom Mission 4
00:01:11 Mission Overview: The live coverage begins, welcoming viewers to the splashdown of the AX4 mission. After over 20 days in space (18 on the ISS), the crew—Peggy Witson, Shubanchu Shukla, Sławosz Uznański, and Tibor Kapu—is on its final journey home.
00:02:04 Return Sequence Explained: The hosts detail the upcoming events: an 18-minute de-orbit burn, jettisoning the trunk, a ~7-minute communication blackout during re-entry, deployment of two drogue parachutes, and finally the four main parachutes to slow the vehicle from 350 mph to about 15 mph for splashdown.
00:09:04 De-Orbit Burn Begins: Confirmation is received that the Dragon spacecraft's Draco thrusters have started the de-orbit burn, the final engine firing to put the vehicle on its re-entry trajectory.
00:10:18 Meet the International Crew: The broadcast introduces the four-person crew: Commander Peggy Witson (USA, Axiom Space), Pilot Shubanchu Shukla (India, ISRO), Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański (Poland, ESA), and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary, Hunor).
00:26:01 Trunk Jettison Confirmed: Following the successful completion of the de-orbit burn, mission control confirms that the "claw" has separated and the external trunk has been successfully jettisoned from the Dragon capsule.
00:35:01 Nose Cone Secured for Re-entry: The crew and mission control confirm that the Dragon's nose cone is fully closed and latched, protecting the forward bulkhead and docking system during atmospheric re-entry.
00:39:43 Re-entry and Communications Blackout: The webcast announces the start of the expected communications blackout as Dragon re-enters the Earth's atmosphere, with the surrounding plasma reaching temperatures of 3,500°F and temporarily blocking radio signals.
00:54:50 Communication Re-established: After approximately 7 minutes, communication is regained with the Dragon capsule. The crew confirms they are well and preparing for parachute deployment.
00:57:52 Drogue Parachutes Deployed: The two drogue parachutes are successfully deployed, stabilizing the capsule and beginning the deceleration process.
00:58:51 Main Parachutes Deployed: All four main parachutes are deployed, slowing the Dragon spacecraft for its final descent to the ocean.
01:02:08 Splashdown Confirmed: The AX4 crew safely splashes down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California. Commander Peggy Witson confirms the capsule is in a stable position in the water.
01:28:19 Capsule Lifted onto Recovery Ship: After safety checks by fast boats, the recovery vessel "Shannon" uses its hydraulic lift to hoist the Dragon capsule, "Grace," out of the water and into the ship's "Dragon Nest."
01:40:28 Hatch Opened: Following final safety checks and a freshwater washdown, the recovery team opens the Dragon's side hatch, giving the crew their first breath of fresh air in over 20 days.
01:49:32 Crew Egress Begins: Commander Peggy Witson is the first to exit the spacecraft, followed by Pilot Shubanchu Shukla, and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański and Tibor Kapu, all appearing healthy and smiling.
01:58:04 Mission Success: With all crew members safely out of the spacecraft and aboard the recovery vessel, the operational phase of the AX4 mission is successfully concluded.