A landmark mission has concluded with astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary returning safely to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS). This mission, organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX, marked a significant moment as it was the first time astronauts from these countries participated in a commercial spaceflight. The mission, known as Ax-4, included a veteran astronaut from the United States, Peggy Whitson, who commanded the journey.
The Crew Dragon capsule, which launched on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carried the astronauts back to Earth after a 20-day mission. Their return marked the end of a successful journey that involved conducting approximately 60 scientific experiments in microgravity. These experiments ranged from studies with microalgae and salad sprouts to research on tiny tardigrades, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
During their time aboard the ISS, the astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary represented a return to space for their respective nations, which had not participated in crewed spaceflights since the Soviet era. This mission is part of a broader strategy by NASA to encourage commercial participation in low Earth orbit, allowing the agency to focus on missions to the Moon and Mars. The cost of a ticket for such commercial flights reportedly amounts to around 70 million euros per person.
The successful completion of the Ax-4 mission underscores the growing collaboration between private companies and international partners in space exploration. The mission not only furthers scientific research but also opens new opportunities for space travel beyond traditional governmental frameworks.
