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Author Topic:   Axiom Space Ax-4 private mission to ISS
Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 53878
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 08-03-2023 03:08 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Axiom Space release
NASA Selects Axiom Space for Fourth Private Astronaut Mission to International Space Station

NASA and Axiom Space have signed a mission order for the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), marking the Houston-based company and space industry leader as the only full-service mission provider to carry out end-to-end commercial astronaut missions to the orbiting laboratory.

Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is targeted to launch no earlier than August 2024 from the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and is expected to spend up to 14 days docked to the space station. The Ax-4 crew members will train with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX for their flight. Axiom Space has contracted SpaceX as launch provider for transportation to and from the space station and to familiarize the private astronauts with systems, procedures, and emergency preparedness for the Dragon spacecraft.

"Our Axiom Space team is looking forward to a fourth mission to the ISS," said Michael Suffredini, CEO and president of Axiom Space. "Each mission allows us to build on the foundation we have set for the world's first commercial space station, Axiom Station, preparing our teams and orbital platform to succeed ISS operations in low-Earth orbit (LEO). These missions are instrumental in expanding commercial space activities and access to space for individuals and nations around the world, as well as developing the knowledge and experience needed to normalize living and working in microgravity."

The first mission order for a private astronaut mission to the ISS was signed by NASA and Axiom Space in May 2021. Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), which launched on April 8, 2022, successfully demonstrated Axiom Space's ability to integrate with the ISS program and processes and conduct meaningful research in LEO. In August 2022, a second NASA mission order was signed with Axiom Space for Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2). Ax-2 successfully launched on May 21, 2023, to include the first female to command a commercial human spaceflight mission, the first Saudi astronauts to live and work on the ISS, and the first Saudi female astronaut to go to space. And just a few months ago, in March 2023, NASA and Axiom Space signed a mission order for a third private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3), which is targeted to launch no earlier than January 2024 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Axiom Space's broad range of human spaceflight services include access to training facilities and instructors, hardware and safety certification, and operational on-orbit management. Candidates for flight complete Axiom Space's rigorous training curriculum over many months in preparation to live and conduct meaningful work in space. The expert team at Axiom Space is helping nations and organizations build human spaceflight programs, develop astronaut selection processes, and expand the community of space explorers to a larger and more diverse representation of humanity.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 53878
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 08-04-2024 08:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Axiom Space release
Axiom Space Announces Agreement to Send Indian Astronaut to International Space Station on Ax-4 Mission

Axiom Space signed a historic spaceflight agreement (SFA) with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) of the Republic of India, announcing the intent to fly an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4).

The signing of this SFA represents a pivotal moment for both the United States and India, exemplifying a shared commitment to expanding collaboration and capabilities, fueling invention and innovation, and inspiring a new generation of space explorers. It is a strategic partnership, symbolizing the spirit of international cooperation in low-Earth orbit (LEO) and the advancement of commercial space activities.

"India's journey through space is filled with incredible achievements," said Matt Ondler, president of Axiom Space. "From the successful Chandrayaan missions to the ambitious Gaganyaan project, India has become a beacon of inspiration in the global space community.

"As space becomes a key arena for commercial and scientific efforts," Ondler added. "India, with its rich history in space exploration and clear leadership in technology and entrepreneurship, will be crucial in shaping the domain and advancing humanity's presence in space. We look forward to working together with ISRO on this next mission."

The Indian astronaut selected to be a part of the Ax-4 crew will focus on scientific research and educational outreach while on orbit.

"Signing of the Space Flight Agreement is a significant milestone toward the goal of mounting a joint ISRO-NASA effort to the International Space Station, as envisioned in the India-USA Joint Statement during the Official State visit of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to the United States in June 2023," according to an ISRO statement. "This joint mission will strengthen human spaceflight cooperation between ISRO and NASA and provide opportunities for the Indian scientific community to undertake cutting-edge research experiments on board the ISS."

Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate, stated, "Through NASA's efforts, we are opening space to more nations, more people, and more opportunities than ever before and look forward to welcoming the first ISRO astronaut to the International Space Station. The space station continues to serve as humanity's home in microgravity where we are advancing human spaceflight, enabling science, and improving life on Earth for the benefit of humanity."

The name of the Indian astronaut assigned to Ax-4 will be announced upon the astronaut's arrival in Houston for initial training.

As Axiom Space continues to lead the way in commercial space exploration, its partnership with India underscores the company's ongoing efforts to expand access to space for countries, institutions, industries, and individuals with innovative ideas fueling an economy beyond Earth.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 53878
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 08-05-2024 07:57 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Axiom Space release
Axiom Mission 4 to ISS will include India, Poland, Hungary

Astronaut Peggy Whitson to be mission commander

Axiom Space officially announced today that it is partnering with India, through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Poland, with European Space Agency (ESA) support, and Hungary to send three national astronauts to the space station on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), the company's next commercial human spaceflight mission to the orbiting laboratory.

The Ax-4 crewmembers arrived in Houston today to begin training with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX.

The crew assigned to Ax-4 includes Commander Peggy Whitson, Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of India, Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański of ESA/Poland, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The assigned crewmembers are pending approval to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). MCOP decisions are made in consensus by representatives from all five-space station international partners: NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency.

"Ax-4 represents Axiom Space's continued efforts to build opportunity for countries to research, innovate, test, and engage with people around the world while in low-Earth orbit," said Michael Suffredini, CEO of Axiom Space. "This mission broadens horizons for nations with ambitious goals of advancing scientific, technological, and economic pursuits. Our collaboration with ESA for a second time and the inclusion of Hungary and India underscores Axiom Space's ability to cultivate global partners, expand the scope of exploration, and open up new avenues to grow a global space economy."

The mission will place significant emphasis on scientific research, technology demonstrations, and the commercialization of space. Additionally, the mission aims to foster cooperation by sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities with our partners, solidifying these nations as leaders within the growing space community.

"I look forward to commanding my second commercial human spaceflight mission with Axiom Space," said Peggy Whitson, Ax-4 commander. "With a culturally diverse crew, we are not only advancing scientific knowledge but also fostering international collaboration. Our previous missions set the stage. Axiom Mission 1 was the first all-private mission to the space station, Axiom Mission 2 launched the first Saudi female to space, and Axiom Mission 3 included both the first Turkish astronaut and first ESA astronaut to fly on a commercial space mission. Now, with Ax-4, we ascend even higher, bringing even more nations to low-Earth orbit and expanding humanity's reach among the stars."

Ax-4 will launch to the orbiting laboratory aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from Florida, and the crew is expected to spend up to 14 days on the space station.

Of note, Ax-4 will be the second Axiom Space mission to include an ESA astronaut. Marcus Wandt became ESA's first-ever project astronaut on Ax-3 and the second ESA astronaut of Swedish nationality to travel to the space station. During Ax-4, Axiom Space will continue to build on its partnership with ESA by sending a Polish astronaut to space for the first time in more than 40 years.

Additionally, in July 2022, Axiom Space and the Hungarian government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further the Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) program, Hungary's astronaut program, and advance opportunities in space research and technology development. Building on that MOU, in Sept. 2023, Axiom Space signed a spaceflight framework agreement (SFA) with the Ministry to facilitate the launch of a Hungarian astronaut.

Most recently, in July, Axiom Space signed an SFA with ISRO. This is a significant milestone toward India's goal of mounting a joint ISRO-NASA effort on board the International Space Station.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 53878
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 01-29-2025 04:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
NASA release
NASA, Partners to Welcome Fourth Axiom Space Mission to Space Station

NASA and its international partners have approved the crew for Axiom Space's fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, launching from the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida no earlier than spring 2025.

Above: The Axiom Mission 4, or Ax-4, crew will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida no earlier than Spring 2025. From left to right: Tibor Kapu of Hungary, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland. (SpaceX)

Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the commercial mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.

"I am excited to see continued interest and dedication for the private astronaut missions aboard the International Space Station," said Dana Weigel, manager of NASA's International Space Station Program at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "As NASA looks toward the future of low Earth orbit, private astronaut missions help pave the way and expand access to the unique microgravity environment."

The Axiom Mission 4, or Ax-4, crew will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and travel to the space station. Once docked, the private astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. The mission will send the first ISRO astronaut to the station as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency. The private mission also carries the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the space station.

"Working with the talented and diverse Ax-4 crew has been a deeply rewarding experience," said Whitson. "Witnessing their selfless dedication and commitment to expanding horizons and creating opportunities for their nations in space exploration is truly remarkable. Each crew member brings unique strengths and perspectives, making our mission not just a scientific endeavor, but a testament to human ingenuity and teamwork. The importance of our mission is about pushing the limits of what we can achieve together and inspiring future generations to dream bigger and reach farther."

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