Axiom Mission 4 Set to Undock from ISS on July 14 at 4:30 PM IST, with splashdown in the Pacific Ocean expected on July 15 at 3:00 PM IST. Learn about the mission details, crew, and return process.
Updated Timeline: Axiom Mission 4 Set to Undock from ISS
In a revised schedule, the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) astronauts are now set to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, July 14 at 4:30 PM IST. The crew will begin their return to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, initiating re-entry and splashdown operations the following day.
The splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California, is currently targeted for Monday, July 15 at 3:00 PM IST, pending weather and recovery team readiness.
⏱️ Key Timing Summary (IST):
- Undocking: July 14, 4:30 PM IST
- Splashdown: July 15, 3:00 PM IST
- Timing Flexibility: ±1 hour margin for both events
Watch live:- https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1MYxNwnPMOpKw?t=5ikmtQMssjnG1RMLuVuNQQ&s=09
Introduction: Axiom Mission 4 Set to Undock from ISS
The era of commercial space exploration continues to evolve as the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew prepares to undock from the International Space Station (ISS). The four-member team aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to depart the orbital outpost on Sunday, July 14 at 4:30 PM IST, following a successful mission involving scientific research, international collaboration, and private astronaut training.
Their return journey is set to conclude with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on Monday, July 15 at 3:00 PM IST, weather and sea conditions permitting. A ±1 hour window is maintained for both undocking and splashdown operations to allow for real-time adjustments.
Overview of Axiom Mission 4: Axiom Mission 4 Set to Undock from ISS
The Ax-4 mission, organized by Axiom Space, is the fourth private crewed mission to the ISS under NASA’s low Earth orbit commercialization initiative. Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center, the mission is a key part of Axiom’s roadmap to establish the world’s first commercial space station.
During their stay, the Ax-4 astronauts engaged in:
- Cutting-edge microgravity experiments
- Demonstration of commercial technologies
- Global STEM outreach
- Training and protocol validation for future commercial astronauts
This mission furthers Axiom’s vision of a commercially sustained human presence in space.
Updated Undocking and Splashdown Schedule (IST)
- Undocking: July 14 at 4:30 PM IST
- Splashdown: July 15 at 3:00 PM IST
- Time Window: ±1 hour margin for both events to accommodate real-time mission dynamics
The new schedule allows for optimal splashdown conditions and ensures recovery teams can safely retrieve the capsule and astronauts.
The Crew: Diverse and Mission-Focused
While individual identities of all Ax-4 crew members have not been publicly detailed, Axiom missions typically include a mix of:
- Former professional astronauts (such as ex-NASA personnel)
- International partners representing national space agencies
- Private individuals trained for commercial research in space
The crew underwent rigorous training prior to launch, including:
- Microgravity simulation
- SpaceX Dragon system operations
- Emergency and medical response
- Scientific equipment handling
Their collective expertise enables meaningful participation in ISS operations and scientific missions.
Life on the ISS: The Ax-4 Experience Axiom Mission 4 Set to Undock from ISS
The Ax-4 astronauts spent several days aboard the ISS, where they integrated with the Expedition crew while following a structured daily schedule.
🔹 Daily Routine Included:
- 08:00–12:00: Research and experiments
- 12:00–13:00: Lunch and communication sessions
- 13:00–18:00: Maintenance support and outreach activities
- 18:00–20:00: Physical exercise and health checks
- 20:00 onward: Planning, leisure, and sleep
Their experiments focused on biomedical science, Earth observation, and robotics, offering insights that benefit both space missions and industries on Earth.
Mission Objectives and Achievements: Axiom Mission 4 Set to Undock from ISS
Axiom Mission 4 had well-defined objectives designed to benefit both commercial and government-led space activities:
✅ Scientific Research
The crew conducted experiments on:
- Immune system behavior in space
- Tissue cell regeneration under microgravity
- Adaptation of smart wearables for astronaut health tracking
✅ Commercial Technology Testing
Ax-4 was used as a testbed for:
- Compact satellite deployment mechanisms
- In-space manufacturing components
- Private data communication modules
✅ Space Medicine Trials
Biomedical studies involved monitoring heart rate variability, muscle mass changes, and hydration levels to support long-duration human spaceflight.
✅ Educational and Outreach Activities
The crew connected live with schoolchildren across multiple countries, inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts.
Departure Process: How Undocking Works
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is currently docked to the zenith (space-facing) port of the Harmony module. The undocking procedure, set for July 14 at 4:30 PM IST, involves several steps:
1. Final Suit-Up and Checks
Astronauts don SpaceX pressure suits, and the Dragon systems are inspected and verified.
2. Hatch Closure
The hatch separating Dragon from the ISS is sealed. Leak checks follow to confirm cabin integrity.
3. Physical Undocking
Automated systems release mechanical latches, and spring pushers provide the initial gentle separation.
4. Departure Burns
The capsule performs small thruster firings to maneuver away from the ISS and enter a safe orbital path for deorbit.
This phase typically lasts 1 to 2 hours, depending on alignment and orbital traffic.
The Journey Home: Re-entry and Splashdown
Once the Dragon spacecraft completes a few orbits, flight controllers initiate the deorbit burn to reduce velocity and lower its trajectory toward Earth.
🔻 Re-entry Timeline:
- Trunk Separation: The external cargo section is detached.
- Deorbit Burn: Main thrusters fire for several minutes to slow down the capsule.
- Atmospheric Re-entry: The heat shield protects the crew from extreme temperatures exceeding 1,600°C.
- Parachute Deployment: Drogue chutes deploy at high altitude (~18,000 ft), followed by four main parachutes (~6,500 ft).
- Splashdown: Controlled descent into the Pacific Ocean near California, expected around 3:00 PM IST on July 15.
Weather conditions, sea swells, and wind speeds are continuously monitored to select the safest splashdown zone.
Recovery Operations: Axiom Mission 4 Set to Undock from ISS
After splashdown, SpaceX’s recovery teams, supported by Axiom and NASA personnel, spring into action.
- Recovery boats approach the floating capsule.
- Divers secure and attach it to a hydraulic lift on the recovery ship.
- The capsule is hoisted onboard with the astronauts still inside.
- Medical teams perform immediate post-flight checks.
- The crew is then flown to a medical facility for further evaluation and debriefing.
Significance of Axiom Mission 4: Axiom Mission 4 Set to Undock from ISS
The Ax-4 mission is not just a demonstration of private space access—it is a strategic step forward in space commercialization.
🔹 Key Impacts:
- Expanding Access: More nations and private citizens are gaining spaceflight opportunities.
- Lowering Costs: Shared use of ISS infrastructure reduces government spending.
- Accelerating Innovation: Frequent missions create an innovation cycle for hardware, medicine, and AI tools in space.
Axiom’s Long-Term Vision: Axiom Mission 4 Set to Undock from ISS
Axiom Space plans to attach its first commercial module to the ISS as early as 2026. Eventually, this will detach to form an independent commercial space station that hosts private research, manufacturing, and space tourism.
The Ax-4 mission is critical to refining operations, developing training systems, and validating technologies for that future infrastructure.
Axiom Mission 4 Prepares for Undocking—What Happens When They Return to Earth?
FAQs: Axiom Mission 4 Set to Undock from ISS
Q1: When will the Ax-4 spacecraft undock from the ISS?
A: July 14 at 4:30 PM IST, with a ±1 hour margin.
Q2: When is splashdown expected?
A: July 15 at 3:00 PM IST, weather permitting.
Q3: How many astronauts are on the Ax-4 mission?
A: Four private astronauts, including at least one professional astronaut trained in command duties.
Q4: What was the purpose of the mission?
A: Scientific research, commercial technology testing, international outreach, and operational training for future missions.
Q5: Where will the Dragon capsule land?
A: In the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California.
Q6: How is the capsule recovered?
A: By a dedicated SpaceX recovery ship using divers and a hydraulic lift system.
Q7: What happens after recovery?
A: The astronauts undergo medical exams and are transported for post-mission debriefing and analysis.
Q8: Is this a NASA mission?
A: No. It is a private mission coordinated with NASA, supported by Axiom Space and SpaceX.
Q9: What comes next for Axiom?
A: The company is preparing for Axiom Mission 5 and future modular launches for its commercial space station.
Q10: Why is this mission important?
A: It proves the viability of private space missions and advances the commercialization of low Earth orbit.