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Robert Pearlman
Axiom Space release
Ax-2 Mission Update: May 24
Today, Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi executed their first full day of science operations and media outreach. They began sharing updates on their efforts on the ISS on their social media accounts.
Barnawi used the life science glovebox to perform DNA Nano Therapeutics operations, which she completed well ahead of the timeline, producing the first DNA Nanomaterials on the ISS. This leverages microgravity to optimize production of DNA-inspired nanomaterials and set standards for in-space manufacturing of a wide range of nanomaterial therapeutic applications, such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Axiom Space has partnered with the University of Connecticut and Eascra Biotech for the DNA Nano Therapeutics project, which is funded through the NASA In-Space Production Applications (InSPA) program.
Alqarni and Barnawi also performed a test run of the Nanoracks Space Kite payload, which will demonstrate the aerodynamic behavior of kites in microgravity. Three kites of different shapes will be fixed to a fan on the ISS and their movement will be tracked. The Saudi crew will host a live event with thousands of students on the ground as part of the Saudi education outreach program.
Whitson and Shoffner worked on the Stellar Stem Cells project that will grow stem cells on the ISS to see whether microgravity has any impact on the way the cells divide. By studying stem cells in space, it could address the challenges that currently limit using these cells as therapies in regenerative medicine. Axiom Space has partnered with the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at the University of California San Diego for this project, making it the first-time testing treatments for cancer in a space lab.
In addition to the partnership with the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, Whitson started the Cancer in Low-Earth Orbit experiment, which will study prospective therapies for colorectal and breast cancers by testing countermeasure drugs on the space station. This effort contributes to the goal of creating cellular models to predict and detect the development of cancer.
The Ax-2 crew collected samples for the Nebula Human Research investigation. This is part of a portfolio of projects that will look at how humans adapt and respond to spaceflight to better understand human physiology in microgravity, which will contribute to our understanding of how to keep humans healthy in space. The Nebula projects will utilize novel neuroscience tools to measure blood flow to the brain and the brain's electrical activity, assess intracranial pressure by non-invasive assessment of the pupil of the eye, and monitor changes in the optic nerve over time.
An exercise session was performed by the Ax-2 crew in support of the "Skinsuit" experiment. The Gravity Loading Countermeasure Skinsuit is an intravehicular activity suit for astronauts that has been developed to simulate some of the effects of Earth's gravity by providing vertical load on the body, from the shoulders to the feet. The Skinsuit is a potential spaceflight countermeasure, which aims to mitigate physiological effects of microgravity, including spinal elongation, muscle atrophy, and sensorimotor changes.
The Ax-2 crew did a test event with ICE Cubes, which is a platform that is being used during the mission to interact in real-time with the media, students, and public. The Ax-2 crew completed the first of many recordings that will be sent to the ground for use in STEAM outreach, social media, and commercial activities.
Today, John Shoffner participated in two STEAM outreach events with students from Oporto British School in Portugal and Rathmore National School in Ireland. During the events, Shoffner conducted a live Q&A with the students regarding what it is like to live and work in space. Shoffner will be conducting many outreach events and microgravity demonstrations on the space station with the goal of inspiring students around the world to pursue STEAM education. You can watch both events live on Axiom Space's YouTube channel.
Alqarni and Barnawi talked to students in Saudi Arabia via Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, known as the ARISS program. Part of a larger effort to engage students across the nation, the Saudi Space Commission posted various photos of the event on their social media accounts.
Tomorrow the Ax-2 crew will host a STEAM-focused educational outreach event with Space Center Houston along with local children and community members. This will be a live NASA PAO event and will occur at 10:35 a.m. CT. You can watch it live on Axiom Space's YouTube channel and NASA TV.
Robert Pearlman
Axiom Space update
Ax-2 Mission Update: May 25
Today, Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi are now almost halfway through their mission on the International Space Station. The Ax-2 crew had a busy day executing payload operations, conducting microgravity research, collecting biomedical samples, and participating in STEAM outreach and media engagements.
Whitson continued working on the Cancer in Low-Earth Orbit experiment, which will study prospective therapies for breast and blood cancers by testing countermeasure drugs on the space station. This project will contribute to the goal of creating cellular models to predict and detect the development of cancer and develop future therapeutics.
Alqarni continued operations for the Stellar Stem Cells project to explore whether microgravity can make it easier and more efficient to produce large batches of stem cells. In partnership with Cedars Sinai, this is the first of a series of missions supported by Axiom Space, where, for the first time, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) will ultimately be manufactured in space by astronauts.
Alqarni began setting up the cloud seeding experiment, which is a collaborative effort with Nanoracks and the Saudi Space Commission. In this experiment, cloud seeding will be examined in space under microgravity conditions. Moist air and silver iodide crystals will be mixed in a reaction chamber to examine the possibility of nucleation, where water vapor condenses around the silver crystals to form water droplets. The outcome of this experiment could help develop agricultural technologies to generate artificial rain in future human settlements on the Moon and Mars.
Shoffner and Alqarni collected more samples for the Nebula Human Research investigations, which will look at how humans adapt and respond to spaceflight to better understand human physiology in microgravity. The astronauts scanned each other's eyes with the Ultrasound 2 device and wore a cap filled with sensors, to scan their brains' oxygen levels using near-infrared light. These studies may provide insights into the effects of weightlessness on cognition and vision.
The Ax-2 astronauts had a busy day conducting STEAM outreach events. The Ax-2 crew hosted a STEAM-focused educational outreach event with Space Center Houston. Local children and community members attended the event and had the opportunity to ask the crew questions about their experience in space and the important science experiments and microgravity research they will be conducting on the International Space Station. You can watch the event on Axiom Space's YouTube channel.
Alqarni and Barnawi also conducted a STEAM outreach event with students ages 9-18 in coordination with the Ministry of Education, Mawhiba, Riyadh School, and Misk Schools part of the Saudi education outreach program. The astronauts conducted a science demonstration with the Nanoracks Space Kite payload to show how microgravity affects the aerodynamic behavior of kites.
Shoffner used the HAM radio, through an organization known as ARISS, to connect with students and show them what it is like to live and work in space. ARISS gives crew members aboard the space station the opportunity to promote the exploration of STEAM topics.
Tomorrow, Whitson will have a conversation and conduct a science experiment demonstration on surface tension with Emily Calandrelli, TV host and social media influencer. This STEAM engagement will educate viewers on what it is like to live and work in space and Whitson will have the opportunity to speak about her career. You can watch this event live at 10:15 a.m. CDT on Axiom Space's YouTube channel.
Shoffner is staying busy connecting with students around the world to inspire career paths in STEAM. Tomorrow he will host two live STEAM outreach events with students from Middlesboro Middle School and MIT graduate and undergraduate students involved in the Skinsuit project. The MIT Skinsuit event will take place at 9:45 a.m. CDT and the Middlesboro Middle School will occur at 1:40 p.m. CDT. You can watch both events live on Axiom Space's YouTube channel.
Today, Whitson and Shoffner kicked off the on-orbit media engagements for the Ax-2 mission. In one of the interviews, Shoffner did a Q&A with Men's Health Magazine on living and working in space, training for the mission, and mental health. Click here to watch the event with Men's Health Magazine.
Robert Pearlman
Axiom Space release
Ax-2 Mission Update: May 26
Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi have now been living and working aboard the International Space Station for five days. Today the crew continued their work on science experiments, microgravity research, and technology demonstrations. The astronauts also participated in media engagements and STEAM events.
Whitson successfully completed the Axiom Imagery Processing Collection tech demonstration, which is an automatic, wireless transfer application tool for downlinking imagery. This demonstration will provide insight on the feasibility and efficiency of this tool for future use on Axiom Station to reduce crew and ground time on image transferring, allowing more time to focus on science and outreach.
Whitson and Shoffner worked on different biomedical research studies exploring ways to improve life on Earth and in space. For the Cancer in Low-Earth Orbit experiment, Whitson removed tumor cell samples from a research incubator and placed them in the fluorescence microscope for imaging to learn how cancers form and possibly develop ways to predict and treat cancer on Earth.
Shoffner exercised while wearing a specialized skinsuit to demonstrate its ability to attenuate microgravity-induced physiological changes. The Skinsuit is a potential spaceflight countermeasure, which aims to mitigate the effects of microgravity on the body, including spinal elongation, muscle atrophy, and sensorimotor changes.
Barnawi and Alqarni measured their blood pressure, blood oxygen, and heart rate levels, as well as performed some brain imaging studies for the Nebula Human Research investigations, which will look at how humans adapt and respond to spaceflight to better understand human health in microgravity. These human research studies are assessing tools that monitor brain and eye health and may offset the long-term effects of living in weightlessness.
Barnawi dedicated a lot of time today conducting studies on different cells in the life science glovebox. Firstly, she treated human immune cells with a substance that mimics an inflammatory response for a study on mRNA response and stability, which will inform researchers on the immune system's response to microgravity. In addition, Barnawi serviced stem cell samples for the Stellar Stem Cell study to see how microgravity affects the way the cells divide, as well as their ability to absorb DNA – a crucial step in stem cell manufacturing. Earlier in the morning, Alqarni also supported the Stellar Stem Cell project by inserting the samples into a fluorescence microscope for imaging.
Whitson had a conversation and conducted a science experiment demonstration on surface tension with science TV host and aeronautics and astronautics engineer Emily Calandrelli, known as the Space Gal. During the event, Whitson talked about what it is like to live and work in space and her career as an astronaut. The event will be shared at a later date.
Shoffner hosted two live STEAM outreach events with students from Middlesboro Middle School and MIT graduate and undergraduate students involved in the Skinsuit project. You can watch both events live on Axiom Space's YouTube channel.
Tomorrow, Shoffner will host a STEAM event in coordination with the Odyssey Scholarship Program. He will conduct a science demonstration on inertia and Q&A with students ages 8-12 located in Miami, FL. The event will take place at 1:00 p.m. CDT. You can watch it live on Axiom Space's YouTube channel.
Robert Pearlman
Axiom Space release
Ax-2 Mission Update: May 27
Today Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi had a great day and completed not only their scheduled work but also a couple bonus activities from the task list. The crew spent the day gathering data and conducting studies for the research projects and hosting STEAM outreach events with students around the world.
Whitson continued observing tumor cell samples in the fluorescence microscope for the Cancer in Low-Earth Orbit experiment, which will help us learn how cancers form and possibly develop ways to predict and treat cancer on Earth.
Whitson also set up Axiom Space's Stowage Tracking & Inventory Intelligent Video System (STIIVS) in the cupola, which uses computer vision to identify and track items for inventory management, stowage location tracking, and associated analytics. Results could provide insight into the feasibility and efficiency of this tool for use on Axiom Habitation Module 1 (AxH1) once it is attached to the ISS.
Shoffner did another exercise wearing the skinsuit to demonstrate its ability to attenuate microgravity-induced physiological changes. The Skinsuit is a potential spaceflight countermeasure, which aims to mitigate the effects of microgravity on the body, including spinal elongation, muscle atrophy, and sensorimotor changes.
Barnawi and Alqarni measured their blood pressure, blood oxygen, and heart rate levels, as well as performed some brain imaging studies for the Nebula Human Research investigations, which will look at how humans adapt and respond to spaceflight to better understand human health in microgravity. These human research studies are assessing tools that monitor brain and eye health and may offset the long-term effects of living in weightlessness.
Alqarni continued operations for the Stellar Stem Cells project to explore whether microgravity can make it easier and more efficient to produce large batches of stem cells. In partnership with Cedars Sinai, this is the first of a series of missions supported by Axiom Space, where, for the first time, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) will ultimately be manufactured in space by astronauts.
Barnawi is now a pro when it comes to using the life science glovebox as she continues the study on mRNA response. Today she treated human immune cells with a substance that mimics an inflammatory response for the RNA response project.
Shoffner hosted a STEAM event in coordination with the Odyssey Scholarship Program. He conducted a science demonstration on inertia and Q&A with students ages 8-12 located in Miami, FL. You can watch it on Axiom Space's YouTube channel.
Alqarni and Barnawi conducted a science demonstration with the "liquid fireworks" payload to show differences in fluid behavior on Earth and in space, which students recreated on the ground. To execute this experiment, the Saudi crew injected fluids and mixed components into a custom-designed apparatus designed by Nanoracks.
Tomorrow, Alqarni and Barnawi will conduct a STEAM event with the Nanoracks Space Kite payload, which will demonstrate the aerodynamic behavior of kites in microgravity. Three kites of different shapes will be fixed to a fan on the ISS and their movement will be tracked. The Saudi crew will host a live event with thousands of students on the ground as part of the Saudi education outreach program.
Shoffner will do a live event tomorrow with the Humanity United with MIT Art and Nanotechnology (HUMANS) project. HUMANS is a MIT student-led project that combines art and nanotechnology for increasing global representation in space. HUMANS has created a record of voices from people all around the world in their native languages, sharing their thoughts on the meaning of space for themselves and humanity. This six-inch record, inspired by The Golden Record, has been etched using cutting-edge MIT nanotechnology to be launched up to the ISS. HUMANS creates a symbolic avenue for space access worldwide and emphasizes how space should remain a "space" for everyone. You can watch the event on Axiom Space's YouTube channel.
Finally, tomorrow the Ax-2 astronauts and Axiom Space's Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low will do a science briefing. The crew will do a Q&A with Dr. Low to provide updates on the science and research they have been conducting during their time on the space station. The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. CT. You can watch it live on Axiom Space's YouTube channel and NASA TV.
The Ax-2 crew now has two more days on the International Space Station before they head back to Earth. You can find information on how to watch the live coverage of the undocking and departure of the Ax-2 crew from the ISS, here.
Robert Pearlman
Axiom Space release
Ax-2 Mission Update: May 28
Today Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi successfully completed the last full day of science research and STEAM outreach.
Whitson executed another run of the Axiom Space Comm Systems tech demo, testing communication with the ground team. This capability will potentially allow crew members more flexibility in communicating with mission control and loved ones on the ground.
Whitson also performed the Space Tissue and Regeneration research in the life sciences glovebox. Axiom Space partnered with the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and BioServe Space Technologies to send tissue-engineered liver and kidney constructs on the Ax-2 mission to assess the impact of microgravity on vascularization of thick tissues. The outcome of this study could lead to the in-space bioengineering of 'building blocks' of tissue that can serve as a bridge to transplantation in patients awaiting a limited supply of donor organs.
Shoffner did a final exercise wearing the MIT skinsuit to demonstrate its ability to attenuate microgravity induced physiological changes. The skinsuit is a potential spaceflight countermeasure, which aims to mitigate the effects of microgravity on the body, including spinal elongation, muscle atrophy, and sensorimotor changes.
Barnawi had another day of life sciences glovebox operations supporting the RNA response payload, which will inform researchers on the immune system's response to microgravity.
Alqarni conducted the JAMSS Odor Visualization tech demo by gathering odor data in various locations on the space station, which researchers on the ground can then analyze and use to build a visual representation of the odors on the space station.
In addition, Barnawi and AlQarni continued gathering data for the Nebula research investigations, which look at how humans adapt and respond to spaceflight.
Tomorrow, the Ax-2 crew will spend most of the time packing the return cargo and preparing for undocking. Barnawi will utilize the life sciences glovebox one last time for the DNA Nano Therapeutics study.
Shoffner conducted a live event with the Humanity United with MIT Art and Nanotechnology (HUMANS) project. HUMANS is an MIT student-led project that combines art and nanotechnology to increase global representation in space. HUMANS has created a record of voices from people all around the world in their native languages, sharing their thoughts on the meaning of space. HUMANS creates a symbolic avenue for space access worldwide and emphasizes how space should remain a "space" for everyone. You can watch the event on Axiom Space's YouTube channel.
Today, Alqarni and Barnawi conducted a STEAM event with thousands of Saudi students on the ground featuring the Nanoracks Space Kite payload to demonstrate the aerodynamic behavior of kites in microgravity.
The Ax-2 crew and Axiom Space's Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low participated in a live, on-orbit science briefing. The crew did a Q&A with Dr. Low to provide updates on the science and research they have been conducting during their time on the space station. You can watch the event on Axiom Space's YouTube channel.
Tomorrow, Barnawi and Alqarni will perform their final STEAM outreach event with the Nanoracks Heat Transfer payload, demonstrating heat transfer in space. During this event, Barnawi and Alqarni will monitor the heat transfer of a wire as it heats and cools. Students will compare how heat transfer on the ISS differs from control experiments performed on Earth.
Tomorrow, the Ax-2 and NASA Expedition 69 crews will hold a joint farewell ceremony. Inspired by the traditional "change of command" conducted by long-duration ISS crews, this event provides an opportunity for the crew to share some words as they conclude their time in space. You can watch the event live on Axiom Space's YouTube channel at 10:50 a.m. EDT.
Robert Pearlman
Axiom Space release
Ax-2 Mission Update: May 29
Today, Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi finished up all science and media outreach events and started packing the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft for their return home.Whitson worked on the emergency equipment transfer and Dragon cargo packing. Shoffner also focused on cargo packing and finished up recording activities for media engagement and STEAM outreach.
After working in the life sciences glovebox for six days in a row, Barnawi utilized the glovebox one last time for the DNA Nano Therapeutics study, producing the final set of DNA-inspired Janus base nanomaterials on-orbit.
In addition, the Ax-2 crew members participated in a SpaceX briefing about undocking and the weather conditions at the splashdown sites. All conditions including weather are a GO for undocking tomorrow around 11:00 a.m. EDT.
The Ax-2 crew will complete approximately 10 days in space by the conclusion of their mission. During their time on the orbiting laboratory, the Ax-2 astronauts successfully executed over 20 STEAM outreach engagements and more than 20 research studies in microgravity, as well as eight media events. The SpaceX Dragon will return to Earth with more than 300 pounds of cargo and important data that 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 benefit humankind on Earth.
Today, Alqarni and Barnawi performed their final STEAM outreach event with the Nanoracks Heat Transfer payload, demonstrating heat transfer in space. During this event, Barnawi and Alqarni monitored the heat transfer of a wire as it heated and cooled. Students then compared how heat transfer on the ISS differs from control experiments performed on Earth.
As the Ax-2 crew prepares to depart from the International Space Station, today the Ax-2 astronauts joined the Expedition 69 crew members for a joint farewell ceremony. During the event, the Ax-2 crew shared words of appreciation and stories about their experience on the space station, and the ISS crew had an opportunity to celebrate the historic Ax-2 mission. You can watch the event on Axiom Space's YouTube channel.
Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. EDT, the hatch closure will be livestreamed on Axiom Space's website, NASA Television, and the agency's website. Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX will resume joint coverage at 10:45 a.m. EDT with undocking. Coverage of the Dragon's re-entry and splashdown will be available on Axiom Space's website and SpaceX's website beginning about an hour ahead of splashdown, which is now targeted at 11:09 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 30. You find updates on hatch closure, undocking, and splashdown here.
Mission teams will continue to monitor weather at the possible splashdown sites prior to undocking to ensure conditions are acceptable for a safe recovery of the spacecraft and Ax-2 astronauts.
The four-person multinational crew has made history as the first Axiom Space mission with both private and government sponsored astronauts, opening access to low-Earth orbit to a broader population. Ax-2 is another pivotal step along the journey along the journey toward Axiom Station, the world's first commercial space station.
Robert Pearlman
Axiom Space release
Crew Dragon Hatch Has Closed, Ax-2 Prepares to Undock from International Space Station
The hatch between the SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft and the International Space Station (ISS) closed at 9:20 a.m. EDT on Tuesday (May 30), the start of readying the vehicle for undocking for the Ax-2 crew's return to Earth.
The vehicle is anticipated to undock from the ISS no earlier than 11:05 a.m. EDT.
The Ax-2 crew, Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali AlQarni and Rayyanah Barnawi, will splash down off the coast of Florida at approximately 11:09 p.m. EDT. Mission teams will monitor weather at the possible splashdown sites prior to undocking to ensure conditions are acceptable for a safe recovery of the spacecraft and Ax-2 astronauts.
Robert Pearlman
Axiom Space release
Ax-2 Crew Undocks from International Space Station
The Ax-2 crew is currently on their journey back to Earth after 10 days in space conducting scientific experiments and outreach activities.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Ax-2 crew undocked from the ISS at 11:05 a.m. EDT. The vehicle is anticipated to splash down off the coast of Florida approximately at 11:09 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 30.
Robert Pearlman
Axiom Space release
Ax-2 Astronauts Splash Down, Completing Second Private Mission to ISS
The Ax-2 crew aboard the SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft safely splashed down off the coast of Florida at 11:04 p.m. EDT on May 30, 2023. The crew's return officially concludes the second all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Axiom Space plans to launch its third mission, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3), to the International Space Station no earlier than November 2023 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
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