[LEFT] Ax-4 Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, Commander Peggy Whitson, and Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański [RIGHT] in the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Credit: SpaceX
In August, Axiom Space welcomed a diverse group of astronauts as they arrived to begin preparations and training for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). This mission, set to launch no earlier than spring 2025, marks another significant step in commercial human spaceflight, bringing together astronauts from different corners of the globe to work toward a common goal: advancing human progress in space.
The assigned Ax-4 crew consisting of Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański from Poland, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu from Hungary, arrived in Houston with a mix of excitement and determination. Their journey began at Axiom Space headquarters, where they underwent a comprehensive onboarding process. This included familiarization with the mission objectives, safety protocols, state-of-the-art facilities at Axiom Space, and dedicated mission teams who will support them throughout the mission.
During the first month of training, the assigned crew traveled to SpaceX in Hawthorne, Calif., for suit measurements and pressurization tests. They began familiarizing themselves with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 launch vehicle ahead of additional training they’ll receive that includes orbital mechanics, operating in microgravity, emergency preparedness, spacesuit and spacecraft ingress and egress exercises, as well as partial and full mission simulations. Additionally, the crew visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center to get acquainted with the training facilities where they will spend significant time preparing for their mission.
While the crew is awaiting approval to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), they kicked off astronaut training at NASA this month. NASA’s thorough training ensures astronauts are well-prepared for missions to space. The assigned Ax-4 crew will engage in a variety of simulations, technical drills, and mission-specific training required for their stay on the International Space Station (ISS). This training covers everything from payload operations to emergency protocols, ensuring the crew can operate seamlessly in the microgravity environment of the space station.
Over the next several months, they will continue rigorous training that will equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to the mission. The Ax-4 mission not only represents a significant milestone for Axiom Space but also for the broader space community, as it continues to push the boundaries of human exploration and international cooperation.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Ax-4 crew continues preparing for their journey to space!