America's most experienced space flier and her three private astronaut crewmates undocked from the International Space Station and plunged back to Earth late Tuesday.
Multiple videos were posted showing the spacecraft's eye-catching re-entry, prompting amazement and curiosity about what was causing the spectacular sky show. For some reason, SpaceX did not provide any guidance on the capsule's path across the United States.
SpaceX crews were stationed nearby by and within minutes, personnel reached the slowly bobbing capsule, on the lookout for propellant leaks or any other safety issues. But the spacecraft was in good shape and the team pressed ahead with hauling the Crew Dragon aboard a recovery ship. Unlike returning long-duration station fliers, who are carried to stretchers after exiting their capsules, all four Ax-2 crew members were able to walk away under their own power, albeit with assistance from support crews, after their relatively short mission. Here, Saudi astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi waves and flashes a thumbs up before leaving the area.
Despite the complexity of carrying out their agenda in the midst of on-going research by the station's full-time crew, the Axiom-SpaceX-NASA teams managed to make it all work and all 11 station fliers appeared to enjoy their time together. "These guys, they welcomed us on board, and they've helped us a lot," she said."But they've also just been so courteous and kind, and we really appreciate all of that. We felt at home while we were here. Thank you. And I will be back!"
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