10/15/2023 0 Comments Axiom space crew“This flight is an integral milestone of a comprehensive program aiming to train and qualify experienced Saudis to undertake human spaceflight, conduct scientific experiments, participate in international research, and future space-related missions contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” reads a statement from the country. With this mission, KSA will become only the sixth country to have two astronauts working on the ISS at the same time. Ax-2 Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi will be the first Saudi astronauts to visit the ISS after Axiom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached an agreement in 2022. “Ax-2 moves Axiom Space one step closer toward the realization of a commercial space station in low-Earth orbit and enables us to build on the legacy and achievements of the ISS, leveraging the benefits of microgravity to better life on Earth.”Įxpected to launch this spring, it's the second ISS mission for the commercial aerospace company founded in 2016. “Axiom Space’s second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station cements our mission of expanding access to space worldwide and supporting the growth of the low-Earth orbit economy as we build Axiom Station,” says Michael Suffredini, president and CEO of Axiom Space, in a news release. It will also be the first private mission commanded by a woman: Peggy Whitson, Axiom's director of human spaceflight and former NASA astronaut. A Canadian flew to the station on Russia's Soyuz capsule for a private 11-day stay on the station back in 2009.A Houston-based company is making history with its next commercial flight mission.Īxiom Space announced that Axiom Mission 2, or Ax-2, the second all-private mission to the International Space Station, will have members of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's national astronaut program aboard. While Axiom is sending the first group of space tourists to the station, it's not the first time the ISS hosted private visitors. The company said it's finalizing that approval ahead of the launch opportunity with SpaceX. The launch will serve a a "precursor" private astronaut mission and is subject to NASA and other ISS approval before the 2022 launch. Axiom said the group will conduct some science and philanthropic activities while on board the station. The Ax-1 mission comes as NASA relaxed its guidelines for commercial uses of the International Space Station. The most recent mission launched three NASA astronauts and a JAXA astroanut from Kennedy Space Center back in November, with the crew remaining on the station for a six-month mission before splashing down off Florida's coast. SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule already transports NASA astronauts to the International Space Station through a partnership called Commercial Crew. “This is just the first of several Axiom Space crews whose private missions to the International Space Station will truly inaugurate an expansive future for humans in space – and make a meaningful difference in the world when they return home,” said Axiom Space president & CEO Michael Suffredini. Canadian Mark Pathy and Israeli Eytan Stibbe will serve as Ax-1 mission specialists. The three other crew members flying on the Ax-1 mission - an American, Canadian and an Israeli - are all investors and philanthropists who paid the $55 million each for the ride.Īlong with commander López-Alegría, Larry Conner will serve as the Ax-1 pilot. Recently retired NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who spent 665 days in space, was named his backup commander. The crew could launch from Kennedy Space Center as early as January 2022.Īxiom Space said three private individuals and a former NASA astronaut will fly aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule for an eight-day stay on the station.įormer NASA astronaut and Axiom space vice president Michael López-Alegría is the mission’s commander. A commercial space company announced the first group of private astronauts slated to visit the International Space Station.
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