NASA retiree turned private astronaut Peggy Whitson splashed down safely in the Pacific early on Tuesday after her fifth trip to the International Space Station, joined by crewmates from India, Poland and Hungary returning from their countries' first ISS mission.

During his time aboard the International Space Station, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carried out seven India-specific microgravity experiments, highlighting the country's advancing expertise in space science and technology.

It was Axiom's fourth mission to the space station, part of NASA's effort to open up space to more businesses and people.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -NASA retiree turned private astronaut Peggy Whitson and three crewmates from India, Poland and Hungary departed the International Space Station early on Monday and embarked on their return flight to Earth.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed Shubhanshu Shukla's return from space, marking a milestone in India's space journey. Shukla's 20-day mission to the International Space Station was celebrated nationwide,

The private crew included Ax-4 mission commander and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. It was her fifth trip to space and extended her record-setting duration to 695 days, the most of any American.

The four private visitors to the International Space Station of the Axiom Space Ax-4 mission are set to head back to Earth riding home on the newest SpaceX Crew Dragon making its first return home.

India celebrates the homecoming of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla after his 18-day mission at the International Space Station. The mission is a milestone for India's space exploration, inspiring aspirations in the country's future space endeavors.

CNN’s Wolf Blitzer talks with NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain about their important mission on board the International Space Station.