Three astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary have successfully returned to Earth after completing a private mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their SpaceX capsule undocked from the ISS on Monday, aiming for a planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the southern California coast on Tuesday morning. This mission marks a significant milestone as it is the first time in over 40 years that astronauts from these nations have participated in a spaceflight.
The astronauts—Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary—were accompanied by Peggy Whitson, a veteran astronaut with extensive experience in spaceflight. Whitson works for Axiom Space, the private company that chartered the flight. They launched from NASA‘s Kennedy Space Center on June 25, 2023.
During their time aboard the ISS, the crew conducted numerous scientific experiments and engaged with individuals back home, including calls with their respective prime ministers and schoolchildren. Each astronaut expressed a desire to inspire future generations. “We will spread the word in our countries that these things are within our reach. These things are possible even for smaller countries like ours,” Kapu shared during a farewell ceremony that culminated in an emotional group hug.
Uznanski-Wisniewski highlighted a unique accomplishment from their mission: preparing the first pierogies in space. The cabbage and mushroom-stuffed dumplings were freeze-dried for easy cooking in a zero-gravity environment.
The collective investment for this mission exceeded $65 million, with the costs shared among the three participating nations. This venture represents Axiom’s fourth trip to the ISS since 2022. The Houston-based company serves a diverse clientele, including affluent private individuals and national representatives seeking a presence in space.
NASA’s endorsement of commercial spaceflight has paved the way for initiatives like Axiom’s, contributing to the development of private space stations and lunar landers. Meanwhile, the ISS continues to host a full-time crew of seven, representing the US, Russia, and Japan. In the coming weeks, four of these crew members will be replaced by a new team launched for NASA by SpaceX.
This mission not only reflects the advancements in international collaboration in space exploration but also underscores the ongoing shift towards commercial participation in activities once solely managed by government space agencies.
