posted 05-25-2021 10:09 AM               

Record-holding astronaut Peggy Whitson and mission pilot John Shoffner to lead Axiom Space's Ax-2 mission to enable new research in space

Axiom Space on Tuesday (May 25) revealed the commander and pilot of its second commercial mission proposed to fly to the International Space Station and announced the proposed crew's intended research while on orbit. Axiom will compete to fly the Ax-2 mission when NASA announces the next private astronaut mission opportunity. If awarded, Ax-2 will further the Houston-based space infrastructure leader's expansion of the commercial human spaceflight market and cement the research opportunities it can make possible for private industry in low-Earth orbit.

Above: Axiom Space Ax-2 Commander Peggy Whitson and Pilot John Shoffner.

Whitson, one of the world's most revered astronauts who during a 22-year career at NASA became the ISS' first female commander, the first ISS Science Officer, and set and still holds the American record for time spent in space, will return to flight as a private citizen and commander of Ax-2. Alongside her as the planned mission pilot will be John Shoffner – a pilot, champion GT racer, and active supporter of life science research from Knoxville, Tenn.

Whitson and Shoffner will train together in Axiom's standard astronaut program to prepare them to lead the flight. In addition to their flight training, they will learn how to translate terrestrial single-cell genomic methods to an orbital science process in collaboration with Pleasanton, Calif.-based 10x Genomics, a global leader in developing products to master biology for advancing human health whose offerings are used by all of the top 100 global research institutions.

"I'm thrilled to get to fly to space again and lead one of the first of these pioneering missions, marking a new era of human spaceflight," Whitson said. "But even more than that, I'm eager for the chance on Ax-2 to open space up to the first full generation of private astronauts and directly link John to the research opportunities on the ISS. In the time we've already spent together as crewmates, it's clear to me that John will be an excellent pilot and researcher. It's a pleasure to take him under my wing."

The mission will complete an unconventional path to space for Shoffner, a lifelong athlete and health and science enthusiast.

"Growing up, I closely followed every NASA flight of Gemini and Apollo," Shoffner said. "Now to experience astronaut training teamed with Peggy is an honor. I am also excited about our upcoming work with 10x Genomics in this first step towards making their single-cell technologies available to researchers in a microgravity environment. I look forward to the process of testing and validating this technology for future groundbreaking work in low-Earth orbit."

In addition to standard training on ISS systems, Shoffner will receive specialized spacecraft operations training to assist the commander during flight as pilot of the crew capsule and develop with Whitson the protocols necessary to conduct single-cell sequencing experiments in microgravity.

Whitson and Shoffner are also currently training to serve as backup commander and pilot for Axiom's Ax-1, the first-ever fully private mission to the ISS slated for launch on a SpaceX Crew Dragon in early 2022. As with this proposed Ax-2 mission, Axiom will also compete for the opportunity to fly commercial missions to the ISS approximately every six months, subject to NASA approval and as traffic to the ISS allows.

"Humankind's expansion off the planet, and the benefits it can bring back, will only be sustained by building and serving demand for expanded life and work in Low Earth Orbit," Axiom CEO Michael Suffredini said. "There is no one better than Peggy – who would be history's second private mission commander to the ISS – to lead the way on a mission so central to that plan, and we are thrilled to have beside her a pilot as driven and committed to this vision as John to cement this new era."

posted 12-13-2021 03:50 PM               

NASA Selects Second Private Astronaut Mission to Space Station

NASA has selected Axiom Space for the second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. NASA will negotiate with Axiom on a mission order agreement for the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) targeted to launch between fall 2022 and late spring 2023.

Ax-2 will launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a mission of no more than 14 days docked to the space station. NASA and Axiom will negotiate in-orbit activities for the private astronauts to conduct in coordination with space station crew members and flight controllers on the ground. The Ax-2 mission concept includes scientific research and outreach activities.

NASA and its international partners will review private astronauts selections proposed by Axiom for the Ax-2 mission, as is standard for any space station crew. The proposed crew members would undergo NASA medical qualification testing to be approved for flight.

NASA evaluated the mission proposal based on Axiom's ability to execute it successfully, NASA's ability to support it, and its contribution to the agency's mission and goal of low-Earth orbit commercialization. This mission is subject to NASA's updated pricing policy for private astronaut missions, which reflects the full value of costs to the agency that are above space station baseline capabilities.

Progress continues toward NASA and Axiom's first private astronaut mission to the space station, Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), which is scheduled to launch no earlier than Feb. 21, 2022. Axiom's proposed crew members still are completing final evaluations by NASA and its international partners.

The agency did not make a selection for a third private astronaut mission from its June 2021 research announcement. NASA will gather lessons learned from the first private astronaut flight as well as other applicable station activities and announce a new flight opportunity in the future.

posted 12-13-2021 05:13 PM               

NASA selects Axiom for second private astronaut mission to ISS

NASA on Wednesday announced its selection of Axiom to conduct the second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-2 will be targeted for launch between Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, following on the Feb. 2022 launch of Axiom's Ax-1 – the first-ever private ISS mission.

In May, Axiom revealed legendary former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and John Shoffner, a pilot, champion GT racer, and active supporter of life science research from Knoxville, Tenn., as the Ax-2 commander and pilot, respectively. The Ax-2 mission concept focuses on scientific research and outreach activities.

The award, as we near the launch of Ax-1 and build the ISS' commercial successor, further demonstrates Axiom's role as a key partner in the commercialization of low-Earth orbit. Axiom's broad human spaceflight expertise and the training, professionalism, and productivity of its historic first two crews will set a standard for all future private astronaut missions to follow. We look forward to further expanding the market for private spaceflight to LEO destinations, which Axiom Station is built to serve.

posted 08-31-2022 01:45 PM               

NASA, Axiom Sign Second Private Astronaut Mission to Space Station Order

NASA and Axiom Space have signed a mission order for the second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station to take place in the second quarter of 2023.

"With each new step forward, we are working together with commercial space companies and growing the economy in low-Earth orbit," said Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA Headquarters. "In addition to expanding access to orbit for more people, we are also hoping these private astronaut missions will help the industry learn and develop the skillset to conduct such missions, and NASA is benefitting from gaining additional capability, particularly with returning additional cargo from the space station."

The spaceflight, designated as Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), will launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and travel to the space station. Once docked, the Axiom astronauts are scheduled to spend 10 days aboard the orbiting laboratory. NASA and Axiom mission planners will coordinate in-orbit activities for the private astronauts to conduct in coordination with space station crew members and flight controllers on the ground.

"Axiom Space's Ax-2 mission builds upon the success of Ax-1, which demonstrated our team's ability to work collaboratively with our partners at NASA and SpaceX to plan and execute a complex human spaceflight mission," said Derek Hassmann, Axiom's chief of Mission Integration and Operations. "Axiom continues to fund and fly private astronaut missions to the International Space Station to build our expertise and attract new customers in preparation for the launch of our space station, Axiom Station. Our new Ax-2 crew, together with a full mission manifest of science, outreach, and commercial activities, will continue to increase utilization of the International Space Station National Laboratory and demonstrate to the world the benefits of commercial space missions for all humanity."

For the Ax-2 mission, Axiom Space will submit four proposed crew members and four back up crew to the station's Multilateral Crew Operations Panel for review. NASA is currently requiring all private astronaut mission providers to select a previously flown NASA astronaut as the spacecraft commander, and Axiom will comply with that requirement for Ax-2. Following review and approval from NASA and its international partners, the prime crew members for the mission will be named.

The Ax-2 crew members will train for their flight with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX, which Axiom has contracted as launch provider for transportation to and from the space station and who will familiarize the private astronauts with systems, procedures, and emergency preparedness for the space station and the Dragon spacecraft. Based on current mission planning, team crew training is scheduled to begin this fall.

In December 2021, NASA announced the selection of Axiom Space for negotiations for the second private astronaut mission. To conduct the mission, Axiom is obtaining NASA services via both the mission specific order and Reimbursable Space Act Agreements.

Through the mission specific order, Axiom is obtaining from NASA services such as crew supplies, cargo delivery to space, storage, and other in-orbit resources for daily use. The order also accommodates up to an additional contingency week aboard the space station. This mission is subject to NASA's updated pricing policy for private astronaut missions, which reflects the full value of services the agency is providing to Axiom that are above space station baseline capabilities.

The order also identifies capabilities NASA will obtain from Axiom, including the return of scientific samples that must be kept cold in transit back to Earth, the return of a Nitrogen/Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) tank, the capability for last-minute return of two cargo transfer bags, and up to 10 hours of the private astronaut mission commander's time during the docked mission to complete NASA science or perform tasks for NASA.

Through Reimbursable Space Act Agreements, Axiom will reimburse NASA for services to enable the mission, such as training for crew members and use of facilities at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In addition, SpaceX has a Reimbursable Space Act Agreement with Kennedy for launch services.

posted 09-22-2022 11:13 AM               

Axiom Space Partners with Saudi Space Commission to Send First Female Saudi Astronaut to Space

Axiom Space, a U.S.-based space company currently building the world's first commercial space station, is working with the Saudi Space Commission (SSC) for a future flight opportunity no earlier than 2023. The partnership will bolster SSC's exploration program through the addition of a robust human spaceflight effort. Axiom Space will collaborate with SSC to train Saudi astronauts for human spaceflight and prepare them to conduct meaningful scientific research in space, while making use of cutting-edge space technologies and scientific innovations.

Axiom Space and SSC announced today (Sept. 22) their epoch-making partnership to fly two Saudi astronauts to space, including the first female Saudi astronaut. Saudi Arabia is celebrating its first national astronaut program dedicated to sending Saudi astronauts into space as a contribution to humanity's progress, and in line with the progressive goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

In an official press release outlining the new Saudi Astronaut Program, the Kingdom highlighted the scientific focus of the initiative, which will prioritize scientific experiments and research in areas such as health, sustainability, and space technology. The Saudi Astronaut program is part of the Kingdom's larger National Space Strategy.

"Space belongs to all of humanity, which is one of the reasons Axiom Space is pleased to welcome our new partnership with the Saudi Space Commission to train and fly Saudi astronauts, including the first female Saudi astronaut" said Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space's President & CEO while attending the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris. "This partnership highlights Axiom Space's profound commitment to expand human spaceflight opportunities to a larger share of the international community, as well as to multiply scientific and technological development on Earth and in orbit."

posted 01-23-2023 10:11 AM               

NASA, Space Station Partners Approve Next Axiom Private Mission Crew

NASA and its international partners have approved the crew for Axiom Space's second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2).

Axiom Space's Director of Human Spaceflight and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson will command the privately funded mission. Aviator John Shoffner of Knoxville, Tennessee, will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists will be announced later.

posted 02-12-2023 09:46 AM               

In Line with Vision 2030, the Kingdom Returns to Space by Sending a Male and Female Astronaut to the International Space Station

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced today (Feb. 12) sending the first Saudi female astronaut and a Saudi male astronaut (Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni), respectively, to the International Space Station during the second quarter of 2023.

This aims to empower national capabilities in human spaceflight geared towards serving humanity and benefiting from the promising opportunities offered by the space industry, as well as contributing to scientific research in many aspects such as health, sustainability, and space technology. The astronauts (Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni) will join the crew of the AX-2 space mission.

The spaceflight is scheduled to launch from the USA to the International Space Station. In addition, the Saudi Human Spaceflight Program includes the training of two more astronauts on all mission requirements (Mariam Fardous and Ali AlGamdi).

The Chairman of the Saudi Space Commission, Eng. Abdullah Bin Amer Al-Swaha, clarified today that the Kingdom's leadership is keen to give unlimited support to the space program. Through this program, the Kingdom seeks to activate scientific innovations at the level of space sciences, enhance its ability to independently conduct its own research that will reflect positively on the future of the industry and the country, increase the interest of graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and develop human capital by attracting talents and the necessary skills.

Additionally, Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Tamimi, the CEO of the Saudi Space Commission, expressed his gratitude to the leadership for the support and empowerment to the commission, which has diminished the obstacles and challenges and enabled major leaps of the Kingdom into the space sector. Human spaceflight is a symbol of countries' superiority and global competitiveness in many fields such as technology, engineering, research, and innovation. This mission is also historic as it will make the Kingdom one of the few countries in the world that brings two astronauts of the same nationality aboard the International Space Station simultaneously.

The Saudi Space Commission also states that this program comes in cooperation with a group of entities, led by the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Sport, the General Authority of Civil Aviation and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, in addition to international partners such as Axiom Space, which specializes in human spaceflights and the development of space infrastructure in the USA.

It is also to be noted that the Saudi Space Commission had previously launched the Saudi Human Spaceflight Program. 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.

posted 03-07-2023 06:12 PM               

Ax-2 crew completes Human Exploration Research Analog mission

To simulate their 12 days in space, the crew of Ax-2 participated in the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA), a training program designed to push people to the extremes and intended to prepare this team for their mission to orbit.

Above: The Ax-2 crew members - Whitson, Shoffner, Barnawi, and AlQarni - inside of the HERA habitat.

Ax-2 crew members spent about a week inside the HERA habitat, a unique 650-square-foot three-story structure at NASA Johnson Space Center. The habitat serves as a ground-based analog for isolation, confinement, and remote conditions in exploration scenarios.

As part of HERA, the Axiom Space Mission Integration and Operations (MI&O) team planned a space mission similar to what the crew will experience on Ax-2. Focused on completing several key objectives, crew members worked on completing tasks on their timeliness and trained on equipment and procedures they will be using when they visit the International Space Station. The crew worked through emergency scenarios and participated in team-building exercises ahead of their historic mission.

As a big focus of the mission is on inspiring students and STEAM engagement; the crew was excited to be part of a live outreach event speaking directly with the children of Axiom Space employees who asked curious questions about space and life as an astronaut.

Above: The Ax-2 crew members - (left to right) John Shoffner, Rayyanah Barnawi , Peggy Whitson and Ali AlQarni - inside of the HERA habitat.

posted 05-18-2023 07:05 PM               

Digital Art to be Part of Ax-2 Mission

Axiom Space Partners with Renowned Web3 Giants — Art Blocks Engine, ThankYouX

Axiom Space announced new groundbreaking partnerships with dynamic generative art platform, Art Blocks Engine and world-class artist ThankYouX to bring space exploration to Web3.

Art Blocks Engine will see the minting of a space-infused digital art collection, "Imagine," by Nadieh Bremer initiated from the International Space Station (ISS) during the Ax-2 mission. This unique partnership spearheaded by Kalos Labs brings together two industries – space and generative art – to create interest in space exploration and celebrate out-of-this world creativity.

Bremer's "Imagine" is an historic 484-piece Non-Fungible Token (NFT) collection that will be initiated by Ax-2 Commander Peggy Whitson and will showcase imaginary star maps that transport viewers to worlds yet to be discovered. Given Bremer's background as an astronomer, data visualization designer, and artist, she is the perfect collaboration partner to highlight the wonderment of space through beautiful code-generated constellations. The collection is set to go live on May 24, 2023.

ThankYouX, who is sending a painting, "Urge for Perfection," to space on the Ax-2 mission will be releasing a special commemorative NFT beginning May 21, 2023, ensuring ThankYouX fans and followers can celebrate this epic milestone.

ThankYouX began his artistic journey on the streets of Los Angeles, spray painting stencils in homage to Andy Warhol. His unique aesthetic has captured the art world's attention and earned him international acclaim. ThankYouX has exhibited his work in London, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York. Recently, he has gained renewed attention for his contributions to the NFT world. His piece will be photographed alongside Whitson and embodies the creativity and bravery integral to space exploration and human spaceflight.

"We are thrilled to partner with world-class artists like ThankYouX and Nadieh Bremer of Art Blocks, who both beautifully push art and humanity forward with their unique style and creativity," said Mina Salib, Axiom Space's Head of Web3 Growth. "These missions to the ISS represent the pinnacle of human technological and scientific achievement, and we are excited to continue to spotlight this platform and its benefits to the world through the power of blockchain and generative art."

Axiom Space3 is a token-gated community network that allows members to collect premium space-inspired collectibles and engage with astronauts, space technology professionals, and Web3 entrepreneurs building at the intersection of these deep-tech industries.

To learn more about the Axiom Space Web3 program, please visit nft.axiomspace.com.

posted 05-21-2023 04:51 PM               

600th person to orbit Earth lifts off on Ax-2 private mission to space station

The 600th person to enter Earth orbit is now on her way to the International Space Station aboard the second commercial mission to fly there.

Rayyanah Barnawi on Sunday (May 21) lifted off with fellow Saudi Space Commission (SSC) astronaut Ali AlQarni, privately-funded astronaut John Shoffner of Tennessee and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson on the second mission organized by Houston-based space services company Axiom Space. The four Axiom 2 (Ax-2) crewmates launched at 5:37 p.m. EDT (2137 GMT) on the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft "Freedom" atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

posted 05-22-2023 09:10 AM               

Dragon Freedom docks to space station

Ax-2 astronauts Peggy Whitson, John Shoffner, Ali AlQarni and Rayyanah Barnawi arrived at the International Space Station at 9:12 a.m. EDT (1312 GMT) on Monday (May 22) aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft "Freedom."

At a mission elapsed time of 15 hours and 35 minutes, it was the fastest Dragon docking to the space station yet.

"That's the softest docking I've ever had," radioed Whitson, Ax-2 commander.

posted 05-23-2023 10:37 PM               

Ax-2 Mission Update: May 23

Now on flight day three, the Ax-2 crew jumped right into their tasks and activities for today. They completed the handover activities with the USOS crew early and finished transferring equipment and cargo out of Dragon.

Ali and Ray started setting up the Nanoracks Liquid Fireworks payload and performed a test run in preparation for an event with the students later in the week. This STEAM demonstration will show differences in fluid behavior on Earth and space through a visual experiment that students will recreate on the ground.

The Ax-2 crew also reviewed ISS emergency roles and responsibilities, and received on-board training to make sure all 11 crew members on the space station can execute emergency procedures as a team.

Tomorrow, John Shoffner will be participating in two STEAM outreach events with students from Oporto British School in Portugal and Rathmore National School in Ireland. The Oporto British School STEAM event will occur at 6:30 a.m. CDT and the Rathmore National School event will follow at 7:30 a.m. CDT. You can watch both events live on Axiom Space's YouTube channel.

posted 05-24-2023 07:50 PM               

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.

posted 05-25-2023 07:13 PM               

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.

posted 05-26-2023 06:46 PM               

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.

posted 05-27-2023 09:45 PM               

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.

posted 05-28-2023 07:37 PM               

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.

posted 05-29-2023 07:13 PM               

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.

posted 05-30-2023 09:02 AM               

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.

posted 05-30-2023 10:28 AM               

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.

posted 05-30-2023 10:20 PM               

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.