In Shubhanshu Shukla’s case, a splashdown made sense. SpaceX missions are designed for water landings. The Pacific Ocean provides flexibility, comfort and recovery access. The crew’s safety comes first. Recovery vessels wait in position, and helicopters are often deployed to reach the crew within minutes of touchdown.

It was Axiom’s fourth mission to the orbiting outpost since 2022, part of NASA’s ongoing effort to open up space to more businesses and people.