The Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) astronauts are part of the latest class of space pioneers and Axiom Space's next crew to expand access to the International Space Station (ISS) and low-Earth orbit. Aboard the orbiting laboratory, the four-person, multinational crew conducted extensive research, investigated novel technologies, and engaged with audiences around the world as champions of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. Their efforts continued to lay the groundwork and establish the key capabilities needed to build out and operate Axiom Station, the world's first commercial space station.
Relive the excitement of the Ax-2 Mission - a 10 day research and outreach packed mission laying the groundwork for expanded access to low-Earth orbit
The Ax-2 crew aboard the SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft safely splashed down off the coast of Florida at 11:04 p.m. on May 30, 2023
Ax-2 Crew undocked from the Harmony module at 11:05 a.m. ET after completing 10 days in space conducting scientific experiments and outreach activities.
The hatch between the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and the ISS closed at 9:20 a.m. EDT, readying the vehicle for undocking and the Ax-2 crew's return to Earth.
Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) was Axiom Space’s second all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), marking another pivotal step toward Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station and successor to the ISS.
The Ax-2 crew launched May 21, 2023. The four-person Axiom Space crew flew to space in SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft atop its Falcon 9 rocket to participate in the mission, including working and living on the orbiting laboratory to implement a full manifest of science, outreach, and commercial activities.
Axiom Space’s Director of Human Spaceflight Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and ISS commander, led the mission. Aviator John Shoffner of Knoxville, Tennessee, served as pilot. The two mission specialists are Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Axiom Space’s Ax-2 mission continues progress toward the Axiom Station and a sustainable low-Earth orbit economy as humans venture farther for longer duration in space.
Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) expanded access for users to conduct robust scientific research, biomanufacturing, technology demonstrations in low-Earth orbit. As the second private mission to the International National Space station, Ax-2 is an important step for Axiom Space and its academic and industrial partners to perform proof-of-concept studies and cutting-edge advancements in microgravity.
The four-person multinational astronaut crew of Ax-2 conducted more than 20 different experiments while aboard the space station, made possible by Axiom Space’s full-service integration into the NASA process for science and technology activities onboard the ISS. Data collected in-flight will impact understanding of human physiology on Earth and on-orbit, as well as establish the utility of novel technologies that could be used for future human spaceflight pursuits and humankind on Earth. Axiom Space’s partnerships offer the opportunity to expand the commercial space economy and support commercial innovations and manufacturing of biomedical products and advanced materials in low-Earth orbit.
Axiom Space is facilitating exciting and impactful scientific research and in-space manufacturing via Axiom Space missions, and on Axiom Station in the future, to help expand knowledge to benefit life on Earth in areas such as healthcare, materials, technology development, and enable industrial advances.
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