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.

The International Space Station (ISS) is a cutting-edge, habitable satellite orbiting Earth, serving as a global research lab for science, technology, and space exploration.

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.

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.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) took time out for an informal soirée 260 miles above Earth. Amazingly, the crew was able to whip up delicious canapés, including shrimp cocktails and fajitas for a bash on Thursday, July 10.

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

Their capsule undocked from the orbiting lab Monday and is scheduled for splashdown at 5:31 a.m. Tuesday. Watch live here.