The first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), is scheduled for launch on April 8 by NASA and Axiom Space. The mission will launch from Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Space X has deployed the “Crew Dragon” spacecraft and the “Falcon9” rocket on the launch pad in preparation for Friday’s launch. The crew of the Ax-1 heads to the orbiting outpost as part of its 10-day mission to conduct scientific research, outreach and commercial activities.
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The crew consists of Commander Michael López-Alegra from Spain and the US, Pilot Larry Connor from the US and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe from Israel and Mark Pathy from Canada. One day after launch, the “Dragon spacecraft” will dock at the space station and connect itself to the space-facing port of the Harmony module.
Former CEO Michael Suffredini who was previously in charge of NASA’s ISS Program stated, “This historic flight will be a defining moment on the road to universal access to space. The purchase of a seat marks significant progress toward our goal, and we are excited to partner with SpaceX in that direction. “
The four astronauts will be launched on a refurbished Falcon 9 rocket, which has previously launched GPS III Space Vehicle 04, GPS III Space Vehicle 05, Inspiration4 and one Starlink mission. The astronauts will conduct more than 20 experiments during their stay in microgravity, including investigating the secrets of chronic pain and sleep disorders in space.
“Data acquired in flight will affect our understanding of human physiology on Earth and in orbit, as well as the usefulness of new technology that could be used for future human spaceflights and humans on Earth” , says Axiom Space.
As part of its ambition to build a robust and competitive economy in low Earth orbit, NASA has opened the International Space Station to commercial operations, including private astronaut travel.
Welcome to America’s multi-user spaceport! Can be seen here @SpaceX‘s Falcon 9 rocket for #Ax1 on Pad 39A & our #Artemis I shoot at 39B. This is the first time that two different types of rockets and spacecraft made to transport people have been on the sister cushions at the same time.
📷NASA/Jamie Peer pic.twitter.com/MsJYAiZWsO
— NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (@NASAKennedy) Apr 7, 2022
Private astronaut missions are largely commercial spaceflights that are privately funded and aim to facilitate tourism, outreach, commercial research, and approved commercial and marketing activities on the International Space Station.
Cover Image:Axiom Space/Twitter