After nearly three weeks aboard the International Space Station, the crew of the commercial Axiom 4 mission began their return to Earth. Among the astronauts on this remarkable mission is Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, the second Pole in history to travel to space.
On Monday, July 14, just after 1:00 PM Polish time, the Dragon capsule undocked from the International Space Station, commencing its several-hour journey back. Its landing is planned for Tuesday around 11:30 AM Polish time, off the coast of California.
Before entering the atmosphere, the capsule will continue orbiting Earth for many hours. This offers residents of Poland a rare chance to see it in the night sky. Experts predict the Monday flyover will be visible between 10:47 PM and 10:54 PM, when the International Space Station passes directly over Polish territory. Close by— just a few to several degrees away — the Dragon capsule with the Polish astronaut onboard will also be visible.
After splashdown, the entire crew will undergo comprehensive medical examinations and gradually readapt to Earth’s conditions over the following two weeks after their long stay in microgravity.
The return of the Ax-4 crew to Earth will be broadcast live on the ESA YouTube channel.
