posted 02-21-2023 10:27 AM               

Axiom Space releases patch for Ax-2 Crew, second private crew to ISS

Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) is the second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and, furthers Axiom Space’s mission to improve life on Earth and foster possibilities beyond it by building and operating the world's first commercial space station. 

The Ax-2 mission patch highlights the beauty of space, hope for the future, and the important role of the ISS to unite the best aspects of humanity. The Ax-2 patch is a classic triangular shape, which represents stability and power.  

A sea of bright stars and constellations shine through the black canvas honoring the mission’s focus on inspiration, education and teaching, symbolized by the five S.T.E.A.M symbols. Science represented by a DNA strand, Technology represented by a set of connected circles, Engineering represented by a cog, Arts represented by a brush, and Math represented by the Pi symbol. 

At the center of the patch is the ISS with a lavender ascent and path from Earth to space.

The color lavender has a special cultural meaning in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), representing the color of the nation’s deserts and plateaus in the spring when they are covered in flower blooms. Lavender is also the color used in KSA’s ceremonial events and a symbol of hospitality. In the patch, the color reflects the nation’s desire to be a part of the space sector and position itself as a contributor to the global space community. 

Linear lines inside the lavender path represent the motion used to reach the ISS. The technical style visually expresses the cutting-edge technology of the mission. There are five lines, which represent the five pillars of S.T.E.A.M. with each line representing education: science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

At the bottom of the patch is, the Earth and the horizon, which symbolize hope and inspiration. The bright white and energetic orange colors denote the optimism of Axiom Space’s effort to expand access to low Earth orbit. 

Surrounding the inner components of the patch, are the flags of the two countries flying as part of the Ax-2 mission, Commander Peggy Whitson and, Pilot John Schoffner of the United States of America, and the two Mission Specialists, Ali AlQarni and Rayyanah Barnawi from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who are members of the inaugural Saudi national astronaut program. Together, the four crew members make up the second private astronaut mission to the ISS, a mission that is expanding access to low-Earth orbit for individuals and nations around the world.

Visit the Axiom Space store to purchase Ax-2 merchandise.