Total Members Voted: 20
Voting closed: 05/24/2021 11:30 pm
There were 8 flights to the ISS between 2001 and 2009 carrying private spaceflight participants, or, Space Tourists. Nobody has flown since then except for a couple of suborbital hops on Virgin Galactic. Now the prospect of space tourism is back in force with 4 flights scheduled to orbit and more on the horizon carrying a dozen participants to one of the most exclusive destinations.
Thank you for compiling this list.If I may, I'd like to make an observation concerning Soyuz MS-19. That mission doesn't fit with the others in the list because none of the crew are paying for their seat by themselves. I'm not sure who exactly is paying for their flight. In case it is the film studio, then it is more similar to the flights of Toyohiro Akiyama and Helen Sharman to Mir in the 90's. If Roscosmos pays the bill then their roles are more similar to the payload specialists or teachers that flew on the Space Shuttle. But in any case it's not like the other tourist flights.
By the way, I looked through the Soyuz MS-19 thread, and it isn't clear if those seats were bought commercially or just provided as a government contribution to the project. So that flight might be actually in the non-commercial category.
Today marks 30 years since Helen Sharman became the first British person to go to space.Helen paved the way for so many future astronauts to boldly go where few have gone before and played a pioneering role in our understanding of the Universe.
Discovery announces competition TV series "Who Wants To Be An Astronaut?""Contestants will have the opportunity to compete for an official spot aboard an upcoming Axiom mission, expected to be AX-2."
Have you ever gazed up at the stars and wondered what it would feel like to be looking back down at Earth? Are you a space enthusiast who would give anything to travel to space, but never thought you'd have an opportunity? Welcome to WHO WANTS TO BE AN ASTRONAUT - the ultimate chance of a lifetime. Compete for a seat on a flight to the International Space Station where the winner will be able to do something only a handful of humans have ever done...travel into space.We're not looking for rocket scientists - this is an opportunity for regular people to have the chance to travel to space and share that journey with the world. (Ok, ok, if you're a rocket scientist you're welcome to apply too!)If this sounds like a mission you want to be part of, now is your chance. Fill out the application below and submit a short video (30-60 seconds) telling us about yourself, why you deserve a chance to travel to space, what it would mean to you, and why you want to participate. We can't wait to hear from you.Good luck!Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or a legal U.S. resident, be 18 years of age or older, be of a fitness level commensurate with space flight (in good health, able to withstand physical exertion, and meet other space travel related requirements. Applicants must be able to read, write and be fluent in the English language for purposes of training, as well as be willing to undergo a psychological, physical and background examination before being cleared to participate fully.
I also asked how NASA astronauts feel about the many private astronauts going to ISS--if they'll have adequate training, be disruptive. She said NASA has agreements w/the companies flying them about expected behaviors, etc.
You wanted a market for commercial human spaceflight?It's here.Ax-1, Ax-2, Ax-3, and Ax-4 – all now confirmed to fly on @SpaceX's Dragon.
https://www.spacex.com/updates/axiom-announcement/index.htmlQuoteSPACEX TO LAUNCH FOUR AXIOM MISSIONS TO ISSDeveloped by SpaceX to support NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, Dragon helped return human spaceflight capabilities in 2020 and has successfully flown three human spaceflight missions to the International Space Station (ISS) to-date. In addition to flying astronauts to space for NASA, Dragon can also carry commercial astronauts to Earth orbit, the ISS or beyond.Today, Axiom Space announced SpaceX will fly three additional private crew missions aboard Dragon to and from the Station through 2023. Axiom previously announced their first mission to the International Space Station flying aboard Dragon, currently targeted to liftoff no earlier than January 2022. In May 2021, Axiom announced that astronaut Peggy Whitson and champion GT racer John Shoffner will serve as commander and pilot on the Ax-2 mission.All four crews will receive combined commercial astronaut training from NASA and SpaceX, with SpaceX providing training on the Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon spacecraft, emergency preparedness training, spacesuit and spacecraft ingress and egress exercises, as well as partial and full simulations.The growing partnership between Axiom and SpaceX will enable more opportunities for more humans in space on the road to making humanity multiplanetary.
SPACEX TO LAUNCH FOUR AXIOM MISSIONS TO ISSDeveloped by SpaceX to support NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, Dragon helped return human spaceflight capabilities in 2020 and has successfully flown three human spaceflight missions to the International Space Station (ISS) to-date. In addition to flying astronauts to space for NASA, Dragon can also carry commercial astronauts to Earth orbit, the ISS or beyond.Today, Axiom Space announced SpaceX will fly three additional private crew missions aboard Dragon to and from the Station through 2023. Axiom previously announced their first mission to the International Space Station flying aboard Dragon, currently targeted to liftoff no earlier than January 2022. In May 2021, Axiom announced that astronaut Peggy Whitson and champion GT racer John Shoffner will serve as commander and pilot on the Ax-2 mission.All four crews will receive combined commercial astronaut training from NASA and SpaceX, with SpaceX providing training on the Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon spacecraft, emergency preparedness training, spacesuit and spacecraft ingress and egress exercises, as well as partial and full simulations.The growing partnership between Axiom and SpaceX will enable more opportunities for more humans in space on the road to making humanity multiplanetary.
Jun 11, 2021NASA Seeks Proposals for Next 2 Private Astronaut Missions to Space StationNASA is seeking proposals for two new private astronaut missions to the International Space Station as part of the agency’s efforts to open space to more people than ever before. With these opportunities, U.S. commercial companies will continue to play an essential role in establishing a sustained presence in low-Earth orbit (LEO) through the agency’s Commercial LEO Development Program.The first targeted flight opportunity will occur between fall of 2022 and mid-2023 and the second will occur between mid-2023 and the end of 2023. Proposals are due Friday, July 9, 2021 at 5 p.m. EDT. NASA will host a pre-proposer’s conference to field industry questions related to this announcement on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. EDT. To confirm attendance, please email Karen Dailey at [email protected].A private astronaut mission involves U.S. commercial spacecraft transporting private astronauts to the space station, where they conduct activities aboard the orbiting laboratory or a commercial structure attached to it. NASA is enabling up to two short-duration private astronaut missions per year.“This year is truly a renaissance for human spaceflight both as we fly NASA and international partner astronauts on U.S. commercial crew spacecraft to the International Space Station and also as we see the expansion of private astronaut missions,” said Phil McAlister, director of commercial spaceflight development at NASA Headquarters. “As more people fly to space and do more things during their spaceflights, it attracts even more people to do more activities in low-Earth orbit, and reflects the growing market we envisioned when we began the Commercial Crew Program 10 years ago.”The new targeted flight opportunities will be the second and third private astronaut missions to the International Space Station. NASA signed an agreement with Axiom Space for the first private astronaut mission, to take place no earlier than January 2022.Each of the new missions may be up to 14 days. Specific dates are dependent on spacecraft traffic to the space station and in-orbit activity planning and constraints. Private astronaut missions must be brokered by a U.S. entity and use U.S. transportation spacecraft that meet NASA’s International Space Station visiting vehicle requirements, policies, and procedures. Refer to Focus Area 4A of NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNJ13ZBG001N for additional details.Enabling private astronaut missions to the International Space Station is part of the agency's goal to develop a robust low-Earth orbit economy where NASA is one of many customers, and the private sector leads the way. This strategy will provide services the government needs at a lower cost, enabling the agency to focus on its Artemis missions to the Moon and on to Mars while continuing to use low-Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for those deep space missions.For questions about the solicitation, contact [email protected].For media assistance, please contact:Stephanie Schierholz202-358-1100[email protected]Gary Jordan281-483-5111[email protected]Last Updated: Jun 11, 2021Editor: Ana Guzman
Richard Branson believes the space market has room for 20 companies launching touristsPUBLISHED SAT, JUL 3 20218:26 AM EDTMichael Sheetz@THESHEETZTWEETZKEY POINTSSir Richard Branson believes there is plenty of opportunity in the market for companies like Virgin Galactic, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, or Elon Musk’s SpaceX.“There’s room for 20 space companies to take people up there,” Branson told CNBC.The companies of Branson, Bezos, and Musk are each flying spacecraft that can carry passengers, but in different ways, as the former two fly to the edge of space while the latter goes further, into orbit.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/03/richard-branson-space-tourism-market-has-room-for-20-companies.htmlQuoteRichard Branson believes the space market has room for 20 companies launching touristsPUBLISHED SAT, JUL 3 20218:26 AM EDTMichael Sheetz@THESHEETZTWEETZKEY POINTSSir Richard Branson believes there is plenty of opportunity in the market for companies like Virgin Galactic, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, or Elon Musk’s SpaceX.“There’s room for 20 space companies to take people up there,” Branson told CNBC.The companies of Branson, Bezos, and Musk are each flying spacecraft that can carry passengers, but in different ways, as the former two fly to the edge of space while the latter goes further, into orbit.
https://twitter.com/virgingalactic/status/1414260353131696131QuoteThe #Unity22 crew floating in zero gravity. Watch the flight at virgingalactic.com. @richardbranson
The #Unity22 crew floating in zero gravity. Watch the flight at virgingalactic.com. @richardbranson
I’m sceptical that anyone can predict likely market size before commercial flights are underway, but not long to wait now.
I do believe that long-term the market will prove large enough to support multiple providers, for both suborbital and orbital.
It’ll be interesting to see if there’s a notable difference in demand for different types of flight (such as horizontal vs vertical take-off).
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/04/2021 11:33 amIt’ll be interesting to see if there’s a notable difference in demand for different types of flight (such as horizontal vs vertical take-off).What they are marketing is the experience once they reach space, so I don't think it really matters how they get there, as long as everyone survives.
Quote from: Coastal Ron on 07/11/2021 05:16 pmQuote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/04/2021 11:33 amIt’ll be interesting to see if there’s a notable difference in demand for different types of flight (such as horizontal vs vertical take-off).What they are marketing is the experience once they reach space, so I don't think it really matters how they get there, as long as everyone survives.One thing that struck me during Richard Branson’s flight - and also mentioned on the NSF stream - was the extra time to reflect on the experience while gliding back down.A flight on New Shepard is pretty intense, including descent and landing. Total NS flight time from launch to landing is about 11 minutes. Unity22 yesterday took about 12.5 minutes from apogee to touchdown, or about 13 minutes to wheel stop.I think for some people - including myself - that difference may be significant. (Although academic in my case as I don’t have the money!)
Do more people want a traditional astronaut-like experience, in a capsule on top of a rocket? Or find a more aircraft-like vehicle and flight profile familiar and reassuring? It’s going to be fascinating to see how it plays out. I’m assuming similar ticket prices, but I guess a price war could happen at some point.
Here's what I think Richard Branson's flight really means about the future of spaceflight: It was vain. It was flamboyant. But most importantly, it completely changes the game.
Here’s why Richard Branson’s flight matters—and, yes, it really matters“I absolutely believe this is that moment."ERIC BERGER - 7/12/2021, 3:50 PM
It is also true that only the very rich can afford to go to space now, but you have to start somewhere.
I hope that someday our billionaire oligarchs will start spending their money not on regular yachts and vanity fairs, but on the development of space technologies and knowledge about space.
Interesting:https://twitter.com/rogozin/status/1414290445493018627Google translate:QuoteI hope that someday our billionaire oligarchs will start spending their money not on regular yachts and vanity fairs, but on the development of space technologies and knowledge about space.
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/12/2021 04:55 pmInteresting:https://twitter.com/rogozin/status/1414290445493018627Google translate:QuoteI hope that someday our billionaire oligarchs will start spending their money not on regular yachts and vanity fairs, but on the development of space technologies and knowledge about space.Ooooh, is that a threat or a promise...
While visiting the International Space Station, Space Adventures' #space flight clients orbit Earth every 90 minutes while traveling at 17,000 miles per hour. They witness 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets each day! What a view! #ISS #NewShepard #Unity22 #Soyuz
I’m sceptical that anyone can predict likely market size before commercial flights are underway, but not long to wait now. I do believe that long-term the market will prove large enough to support multiple providers, for both suborbital and orbital.>
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/04/2021 11:33 amI’m sceptical that anyone can predict likely market size before commercial flights are underway, but not long to wait now. I do believe that long-term the market will prove large enough to support multiple providers, for both suborbital and orbital.>The current joyride model is unsustainable, too many $$ for too few minutes and the distances covered you could achieve with a motor vehicle.I see suborbital Point to Point as more sustainable, be it using the Starship model, winged, lifting body, or waverider vehicle of some kind. At that point these joyrides assume the historical niche now occupied by the barnstormers.
Interesting. So officially at least, most passengers on Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic vehicles are unlikely to be deemed "astronauts" by the U.S government.
Note that won't stop these companies from pinning "astronaut wings" on their customers. That's a huge part of their marketing. But according to U.S. regulators you aren't going to be an astronaut.
The FAA has released a new order on who qualifies for Commercial Space Astronaut Wings and there are some interesting things in here.
Two ways to qualify: (1) Either you are a crewmember that meets flight crew qualifications, demonstrated flight beyond 50 miles on a licensed launch, and demonstrated activities during flight that were essential to public safety, or contributed to human space flight safety... OR
You could be an "individual whose contribution to commercial human space flight merits special recognition..." as determined by the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation. "These individuals... may not be required to satisfy all eligibility requirements."
The honorary wings can be granted posthumously and all commercial space wings will be bestowed at the "total discretion" of the AA for Commercial Space Transportation.
The AA for AST "shall be the final authority to make the determination that a crewmember is eligible to be awarded the Commercial Space Astronaut Wings. To verify that the crew has satisfied the eligibility requirements and at the discretion of AST-1."
SAS is space adaptation syndrome. Perhaps Spacely Spacelines can partially pre-screen for that by ferrying the pax out to the platforms on small Zodiacs.
Quote from: Bob Niland on 07/21/2021 11:10 pmSAS is space adaptation syndrome. Perhaps Spacely Spacelines can partially pre-screen for that by ferrying the pax out to the platforms on small Zodiacs. I can tell you from personal experience that zero-gee feels nothing at all like anything water-related, whether it's a ride across choppy waters in small boats or even underwater neutral buoyancy. The Zodiac ride hits your inner ear with continuously shifting acceleration changes while zero-gee is a constant lack of acceleration. In an underwater neutral buoyancy situation there is still a very definite up and down. While you are technically weightless, your insides aren't. You can tell if your head is pointed toward the bottom of the pool because the fluids in your inner ear pool downward. You can feel your internal organs shift position as you change from head up to head down. Breathing feels different in different positions as the compression of your diaphragm changes. In zero-gee, on the other hand, it's all the same. Whereas in 0g, unless you move something violently enough to generate centripetal accelerations everything just floats without any directional pressure (and associated sensations) at all. It's a unique situation that we don't have a chance to get used to here on the ground (or water). That's probably why experienced pilots who do not get airsick and sailors who do not get seasick have all tossed their cookies in space.
Quote from: laszlo on 07/22/2021 12:38 pmQuote from: Bob Niland on 07/21/2021 11:10 pmSAS is space adaptation syndrome. Perhaps Spacely Spacelines can partially pre-screen for that by ferrying the pax out to the platforms on small Zodiacs. I can tell you from personal experience that zero-gee feels nothing at all like anything water-related, whether it's a ride across choppy waters in small boats or even underwater neutral buoyancy. The Zodiac ride hits your inner ear with continuously shifting acceleration changes while zero-gee is a constant lack of acceleration. In an underwater neutral buoyancy situation there is still a very definite up and down. While you are technically weightless, your insides aren't. You can tell if your head is pointed toward the bottom of the pool because the fluids in your inner ear pool downward. You can feel your internal organs shift position as you change from head up to head down. Breathing feels different in different positions as the compression of your diaphragm changes. In zero-gee, on the other hand, it's all the same. Whereas in 0g, unless you move something violently enough to generate centripetal accelerations everything just floats without any directional pressure (and associated sensations) at all. It's a unique situation that we don't have a chance to get used to here on the ground (or water). That's probably why experienced pilots who do not get airsick and sailors who do not get seasick have all tossed their cookies in space.Did you enjoy it or giveup your breakfast?Sent from my SM-G570Y using Tapatalk
No commercial space astronaut wings for space tourists:...
Evolution of the spacecraft
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/21/2021 06:33 pmNo commercial space astronaut wings for space tourists:...I'm mystified by the fuss about government-certified astronaut wings. What good are they to anyone outside of a government-run space program? A 0g selfie would be a lot more useful for impressing friends and family and getting dates. Flight log entries take care of documenting experience for jobs. So what am I missing?
From the March 2, 2003 @Florida_Today ... which lists @jkelly3rd as "space team leader" ... The article predicts the need for new spacecraft to start space adventure tourism. Now that @virgingalactic and @blueorigin have flown, we'll find out if the authors were right.
In 2003, Futron predicted 60 orbital tourist flights by 2020, and tens of thousands of suborbital hops taken by pay-per-view voyagers, according to the @Florida_Today article.
... It was clearly too optimistic about the supply side of space tourism, but will be interesting to see over the next decade how good the demand side forecast was.
Jeff Foust coauthored that, BTW.
https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1421139207699959813QuoteA fascinating human spaceflight job opening at SpaceX:twitter.com/spacecareers/status/1421138581641379844QuoteSpaceX is seeking a Astronaut Operations Integrator for a full-time position in Hawthorne, CA, United States. This is requisition R020747 and more details are available at:https://boards.greenhouse.io/spacex/jobs/5429136002?gh_jid=5429136002QuoteASTRONAUT OPERATIONS INTEGRATORHawthorne, CA, United StatesSpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.ASTRONAUT OPERATIONS INTEGRATORThe Astronaut Operations Team is responsible for integrating all humans that will fly on SpaceX missions. This will include guiding our future crew members through the development, planning, training, mission and post-mission phases. With the pace of human spaceflight increasing at SpaceX, both high level and extremely detailed coordination of astronaut time is critical to mission readiness and success. As an Astronaut Operations Integrator you will be responsible for developing tools and processes to help with managing astronaut schedules all while ensuring smooth operations throughout their time at SpaceX.RESPONSIBILITIES:Manage and maintain the comprehensive schedule of all active SpaceX astronaut flight crewsDevelop the plan and schedule, integrate internal and external constraints, identify conflicts, and drive resolutionCommunicate plans and schedules to stakeholdersDevise, uphold, and improve scheduling tools or processes that identify, analyze, and brief potential constraints on a monthly, weekly, and daily basisWork closely with external customer schedulers to integrate travel and availability constraints for each crew memberEnsure that all crew members have a positive experience working with and flying on SpaceX missions from assignment to post flight[…]
A fascinating human spaceflight job opening at SpaceX:
SpaceX is seeking a Astronaut Operations Integrator for a full-time position in Hawthorne, CA, United States. This is requisition R020747 and more details are available at:
ASTRONAUT OPERATIONS INTEGRATORHawthorne, CA, United StatesSpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.ASTRONAUT OPERATIONS INTEGRATORThe Astronaut Operations Team is responsible for integrating all humans that will fly on SpaceX missions. This will include guiding our future crew members through the development, planning, training, mission and post-mission phases. With the pace of human spaceflight increasing at SpaceX, both high level and extremely detailed coordination of astronaut time is critical to mission readiness and success. As an Astronaut Operations Integrator you will be responsible for developing tools and processes to help with managing astronaut schedules all while ensuring smooth operations throughout their time at SpaceX.RESPONSIBILITIES:Manage and maintain the comprehensive schedule of all active SpaceX astronaut flight crewsDevelop the plan and schedule, integrate internal and external constraints, identify conflicts, and drive resolutionCommunicate plans and schedules to stakeholdersDevise, uphold, and improve scheduling tools or processes that identify, analyze, and brief potential constraints on a monthly, weekly, and daily basisWork closely with external customer schedulers to integrate travel and availability constraints for each crew memberEnsure that all crew members have a positive experience working with and flying on SpaceX missions from assignment to post flight[…]
More than 20 astronauts from around the world are currently going through SpaceX human spaceflight training
On a Virgin Galactic suborbital flight, passengers will look down on where they launched from. On a #Soyuz #space flight to the #ISS, our clients circle Earth every 90 min, @yousuckMZ will see sunrises and sunsets, oceans, continents and weather systems. WOW! #SpaceflightChoices
https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1421514177936453633QuoteMore than 20 astronauts from around the world are currently going through SpaceX human spaceflight training
Jefferies survey of high net worth individuals' brand recognition of space companies:SpaceX – 89%Virgin Galactic – 86%Blue Origin – 52%United Launch Alliance – 10%
Jefferies survey of high net worth individuals' priorities for booking a space tourism flight:Safety – 86%Overall experience – 50%Duration – 39%Spaceflight experience – 37%Jefferies' question for these answers: "What would be the most important attributes when you think about potentially traveling to space?"
The Space Tourists Are in Control NowSpaceX just launched four private citizens into orbit for a three-day trip.By Marina Koren
The tourism era of American spaceflight is really, truly here. Yes, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson flew to space this summer to inaugurate their space-tourism businesses and show off their high-flying services to their future customers, who will enrich the men even further. But their trips don’t compare to what the Inspiration4 crew has signed up for.
Now SpaceX isn’t just doing spaceflight as well as NASA did; it’s doing things NASA never attempted.
It made me start wondering about future tourist flights. AX-1 to AX-4 seem reasonably solid, but is there any news on the supposed Space Adventures Crew Dragon Launch?
But SpaceX could equally take that role, so I think it begs the question what can Space Adventures offer beyond what SpaceX can do?
ISS is a sarcophagus of dreams, and a sad comment on just about every aspect of traditional spaceflight.
4x Inspiration4 crewmembers4x Crew-3 (publicly announced)4x Crew-4 (publicly announced)4x Likely Crew-5 (given training time)That leaves at least another 4, potentially for Crew-6 early training, or for Axiom Mission 1.
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/31/2021 04:54 pm...QuoteMore than 20 astronauts from around the world are currently going through SpaceX human spaceflight training4x Inspiration4 crewmembers...
...QuoteMore than 20 astronauts from around the world are currently going through SpaceX human spaceflight training
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/16/2021 01:29 pmBut SpaceX could equally take that role, so I think it begs the question what can Space Adventures offer beyond what SpaceX can do?Indeed. In the days where tourists piggybacked on government launches, their value was obvious. Far less obvious now ... though perhaps for ISS flights there is still a role for them.On the broader question of orbital tourism, it feels to me that the market for purely orbital jaunts is limited and that we need more permanent destinations before it can really take off. So Axiom Hub One/Two is a good start and not far off. Hopefully Sierra Space LIFE will become more real soon as well ...--- Tony
Kind of funny that Senator Nelson is considered an astronaut and yet the Inspiration 4 folks will not, even though they commanded and piloted the mission, acted as medical specialist, and will be engaged in experiments while Nelson was referred to as “ballast.”
https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1439386793326092290QuoteBenji Reed says, in the wake of Inspiration4, the number of people approaching SpaceX about orbital flights is increasing significantly. I know they're already negotiating for missions three years from now. I'd expect demand greatly exceeds supply.https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1439388568477110282QuoteIn response to a question about Crew Dragon capacity for free-flyer missions, Benji Reed says they will look at scaling up Dragon options. Also mentions Starship is "on the horizon," and that vehicle will be able to take a lot more people into space at a time.
Benji Reed says, in the wake of Inspiration4, the number of people approaching SpaceX about orbital flights is increasing significantly. I know they're already negotiating for missions three years from now. I'd expect demand greatly exceeds supply.
In response to a question about Crew Dragon capacity for free-flyer missions, Benji Reed says they will look at scaling up Dragon options. Also mentions Starship is "on the horizon," and that vehicle will be able to take a lot more people into space at a time.
After Inspiration4, SpaceX sees high demand for free-flyer missions"We have interest for both Dragons and Starships, which is pretty exciting."ERIC BERGER - 9/20/2021, 2:37 PM
However, according to sources, the cost of an individual seat on future orbital flights is expected to be less than $40 million, and SpaceX will seek to drive prices down further for human orbital flights.
Russian Gov't allocates $60Mln to build Soyuz for tourist flightsby Staff WritersMoscow (Sputnik) Sep 17, 2021The Russian government has allocated more than 4.4 billion rubles ($60.6 million) to space company Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of the Roscosmos state corporation, for the production of a rocket and spaceship for tourist flights by 2024.
https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Russian_Govt_allocates_60Mln_to_build_Soyuz_for_tourist_flights_999.htmlQuoteRussian Gov't allocates $60Mln to build Soyuz for tourist flightsby Staff WritersMoscow (Sputnik) Sep 17, 2021The Russian government has allocated more than 4.4 billion rubles ($60.6 million) to space company Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of the Roscosmos state corporation, for the production of a rocket and spaceship for tourist flights by 2024.
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/20/2021 09:42 pmhttps://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Russian_Govt_allocates_60Mln_to_build_Soyuz_for_tourist_flights_999.htmlQuoteRussian Gov't allocates $60Mln to build Soyuz for tourist flightsby Staff WritersMoscow (Sputnik) Sep 17, 2021The Russian government has allocated more than 4.4 billion rubles ($60.6 million) to space company Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of the Roscosmos state corporation, for the production of a rocket and spaceship for tourist flights by 2024.Wow, so we were subsidizing their cosmonauts flights at 70-90 million per seat. One seat was paying for the whole flight. At 30-60 million a seat would give them a cash flow positive on their flights.
Soyuz MS-19 is launching within the next 24 hours, carrying with it the first serious movie production on the ISS with Director Klim Shipenko and actress Yulia Perselid. By coincidence, while they're in space shooting a movie, Star Trek star William Shatner will fly to space for a few minutes on New Shepard, becoming the oldest person to fly to space.And in another unrelated story that's oddly related, a Kazakh businessman wants to trade one of the only surviving Buran shuttles for the skull of Khaaaaaan... oh wait I mean the skull of the last Kazakh Khan.
Q-have you connected w/the Ax-1 crew and the Japanese tourists who will visit ISS while you're there?Chari: yes, we've met all of them. This is great time in spaceflight.
Friday, December 10, 2021WASHINGTON – With the advent of the commercial space tourism era, starting in 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will now recognize individuals who reach space on its website instead of issuing Commercial Space Astronaut Wings. Any individual who is on an FAA-licensed or permitted launch and reaches 50 statute miles above the surface of the Earth will be listed on the site. “The U.S. commercial human spaceflight industry has come a long way from conducting test flights to launching paying customers into space,” FAA Associate Administrator Wayne Monteith said. “The Astronaut Wings program, created in 2004, served its original purpose to bring additional attention to this exciting endeavor. Now it’s time to offer recognition to a larger group of adventurers daring to go to space.”The FAA expects the commercial human spaceflight industry to continue to grow and the number of people launching to space to increase dramatically in the coming years.The Wings program was created by the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation’s former Associate Administrator, the late Patti Grace Smith. Its purpose was to recognize pilots and flight crew who furthered the FAA’s mission to promote the development of vehicles designed to carry humans into space. With three commercial space companies now licensed by the FAA to fly spaceflight participants, and companies conducting operations, her vision is largely fulfilled. Before the Wings program ends, the FAA will award Commercial Space Astronaut Wings to those who had qualifying space travel in 2021, including 15 individuals who have already travelled beyond 50 statute miles above the surface of the Earth on a FAA-licensed launch. Individuals on qualifying flights occurring prior the end of the year are also eligible to receive Wings.In addition, the FAA is making an honorary award of Commercial Space Astronaut Wings to two individuals who flew on a FAA-permitted experimental test flight in a space launch vehicle that broke up during flight in 2014.For a complete list of FAA Commercial Space Astronaut Wings recipients, click here.
Private human spaceflight has advanced tremendously in the last year, but many ordinary people aren't ready to visit the Moon themselves, according to a new Axios/Momentive poll.Why it matters: Private space tourism today caters to an ultra-rich clientele, but eventually, the companies making a business out of sending people to space want to widen their reach to many more people.Driving the news: The new poll found 61% of adults surveyed wouldn't be interested in taking a trip to the Moon even if money weren't a factor.
Majority of Americans don't want to travel to the MoonQuote from: axiosPrivate human spaceflight has advanced tremendously in the last year, but many ordinary people aren't ready to visit the Moon themselves, according to a new Axios/Momentive poll.Why it matters: Private space tourism today caters to an ultra-rich clientele, but eventually, the companies making a business out of sending people to space want to widen their reach to many more people.Driving the news: The new poll found 61% of adults surveyed wouldn't be interested in taking a trip to the Moon even if money weren't a factor.Actually 39% (or 37% if you read the bar chart) wanting to go to the Moon sounds like a pretty good number.
A comment I read elsewhere pointed out that if you asked people if they want to go to the top of Mount Everest if money weren't a factor, you'd probably get a much lower number, despite that being a thing you already can do with probably a lesser or equal amount of training (Inspiration4 got six months of training just to be in orbit for three days). I suppose Everest is less cool, but I wonder how many of those 37-39% are making certain assumptions about "a trip to the Moon" that wouldn't bear out.
The Axiom-1 crew launches today—are these guys tourists, astronauts, or what? The reality is that they are something new: an important part of the transition from spaceflight as primarily a government-led activity to one led by commercial space companies.https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/04/the-axiom-1-crew-launches-today-are-these-guys-tourists-astronauts-or-what/
https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1512414175628300296QuoteThe Axiom-1 crew launches today—are these guys tourists, astronauts, or what? The reality is that they are something new: an important part of the transition from spaceflight as primarily a government-led activity to one led by commercial space companies.https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/04/the-axiom-1-crew-launches-today-are-these-guys-tourists-astronauts-or-what/
Quote from: su27k on 04/09/2022 03:10 amhttps://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1512414175628300296QuoteThe Axiom-1 crew launches today—are these guys tourists, astronauts, or what? The reality is that they are something new: an important part of the transition from spaceflight as primarily a government-led activity to one led by commercial space companies.https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/04/the-axiom-1-crew-launches-today-are-these-guys-tourists-astronauts-or-what/Anyone travelling in space is an astronaut.That extra tag you use (if any) is the question.
Some of my personal definitions. Also that because of the definitions the result is that there has emerged 4 types of astronaut.My Definitions:astronaut - Someone who has orbited the Earth several times or has traveled beyond Earth orbit (BEO).Government professional astronaut - Someone who is trained and sent to orbit and those costs covered by a government to perform professional space tasks to achieve goals for that government.Government tourist astronaut - Someone who is trained and sent to orbit and those costs covered by a government as a guest visitor in space under a government political goal.Commercial professional astronaut - Someone who is trained and sent to orbit and those costs covered by a non-government entity to perform professional space tasks to achieve goals for that entity.Commercial tourist astronaut - Someone who is trained and travels to orbit and those costs covered personally or by a non-profit non-government entity as a guest visitor in space.There is a blurring as to where the designation of professional and tourist is divided. And that can cause some confusion. So if you stick to Government Astronaut vs Commercial Astronaut it is more straight cut. This blurring of professional vs tourists is most pronounced when the person is sponsored and trained to perform in space tasks that achieve goals for the sponsoring organization. Recent history of the Inspiration 4 and the Axiom 1 missions have produced significant blurring since both crews have or will perform significant space tasks for achieving goals for other entities besides themselves.
Quote from: su27k on 01/05/2022 04:03 amMajority of Americans don't want to travel to the MoonQuote from: axiosPrivate human spaceflight has advanced tremendously in the last year, but many ordinary people aren't ready to visit the Moon themselves, according to a new Axios/Momentive poll.Why it matters: Private space tourism today caters to an ultra-rich clientele, but eventually, the companies making a business out of sending people to space want to widen their reach to many more people.Driving the news: The new poll found 61% of adults surveyed wouldn't be interested in taking a trip to the Moon even if money weren't a factor.Actually 39% (or 37% if you read the bar chart) wanting to go to the Moon sounds like a pretty good number.Only need 50-100 that can afford the trip to make it via business for 4-6 man crew vehicle. Thats enough trips to justify setting up ISRU plant to dramatically reduce needed tanker launches and mission costs. Sent from my SM-G570Y using Tapatalk
Quote from: TrevorMonty on 04/09/2022 09:23 pmQuote from: su27k on 01/05/2022 04:03 amMajority of Americans don't want to travel to the MoonQuote from: axiosPrivate human spaceflight has advanced tremendously in the last year, but many ordinary people aren't ready to visit the Moon themselves, according to a new Axios/Momentive poll.Why it matters: Private space tourism today caters to an ultra-rich clientele, but eventually, the companies making a business out of sending people to space want to widen their reach to many more people.Driving the news: The new poll found 61% of adults surveyed wouldn't be interested in taking a trip to the Moon even if money weren't a factor.Actually 39% (or 37% if you read the bar chart) wanting to go to the Moon sounds like a pretty good number.Only need 50-100 that can afford the trip to make it via business for 4-6 man crew vehicle. Thats enough trips to justify setting up ISRU plant to dramatically reduce needed tanker launches and mission costs. Sent from my SM-G570Y using TapatalkI don't see the logical step to setting up an ISRU plant.Did you put numbers on the cost of setting up and operating an ISRU plant of sufficient capability? How dramatic is the reduction in cost?Me thinks you'll achieve a reduction in Earth-side launches (which at that point are cheap due to full reusability) and pay for a very expensive lunar infrastructure that in itself will require support launches and probably personnel.It'll take a lot more than some tens of tourist flights to make it a profitable proposition.
Quote from: meekGee on 04/10/2022 12:01 amQuote from: TrevorMonty on 04/09/2022 09:23 pmQuote from: su27k on 01/05/2022 04:03 amMajority of Americans don't want to travel to the MoonQuote from: axiosPrivate human spaceflight has advanced tremendously in the last year, but many ordinary people aren't ready to visit the Moon themselves, according to a new Axios/Momentive poll.Why it matters: Private space tourism today caters to an ultra-rich clientele, but eventually, the companies making a business out of sending people to space want to widen their reach to many more people.Driving the news: The new poll found 61% of adults surveyed wouldn't be interested in taking a trip to the Moon even if money weren't a factor.Actually 39% (or 37% if you read the bar chart) wanting to go to the Moon sounds like a pretty good number.Only need 50-100 that can afford the trip to make it via business for 4-6 man crew vehicle. Thats enough trips to justify setting up ISRU plant to dramatically reduce needed tanker launches and mission costs. Sent from my SM-G570Y using TapatalkI don't see the logical step to setting up an ISRU plant.Did you put numbers on the cost of setting up and operating an ISRU plant of sufficient capability? How dramatic is the reduction in cost?Me thinks you'll achieve a reduction in Earth-side launches (which at that point are cheap due to full reusability) and pay for a very expensive lunar infrastructure that in itself will require support launches and probably personnel.It'll take a lot more than some tens of tourist flights to make it a profitable proposition.For 10t lander 360ISP need 12t of fuel ( 2.64t CH4 +9.36 LOX) for 2.78km/s ie Gateway to surface.39t fuel for round trip. Allows a little for boiloff.With ISRU LOX (9.36t) refuelling on surface the down mass fuel is 17.5t + 2.64t CH4 for return. That 20.14t to earth fuel needed compared to 39t without ISRU. The fuel savings would be greater than that as tanks are about half size so reducing dry mass considerably. 10t LOX a year isn't that big an ask of a ISRU and only needs access to regolith not ice. Things get better for hydrolox lander and ISRU water. Can even consider fuelling most of round trip from LEO by lunar fuel. This using OTV for LEO -Gateway-LEO trip.Sent from my SM-G570Y using Tapatalk
Quote from: TrevorMonty on 04/10/2022 09:44 amQuote from: meekGee on 04/10/2022 12:01 amQuote from: TrevorMonty on 04/09/2022 09:23 pmQuote from: su27k on 01/05/2022 04:03 amMajority of Americans don't want to travel to the MoonQuote from: axiosPrivate human spaceflight has advanced tremendously in the last year, but many ordinary people aren't ready to visit the Moon themselves, according to a new Axios/Momentive poll.Why it matters: Private space tourism today caters to an ultra-rich clientele, but eventually, the companies making a business out of sending people to space want to widen their reach to many more people.Driving the news: The new poll found 61% of adults surveyed wouldn't be interested in taking a trip to the Moon even if money weren't a factor.Actually 39% (or 37% if you read the bar chart) wanting to go to the Moon sounds like a pretty good number.Only need 50-100 that can afford the trip to make it via business for 4-6 man crew vehicle. Thats enough trips to justify setting up ISRU plant to dramatically reduce needed tanker launches and mission costs. Sent from my SM-G570Y using TapatalkI don't see the logical step to setting up an ISRU plant.Did you put numbers on the cost of setting up and operating an ISRU plant of sufficient capability? How dramatic is the reduction in cost?Me thinks you'll achieve a reduction in Earth-side launches (which at that point are cheap due to full reusability) and pay for a very expensive lunar infrastructure that in itself will require support launches and probably personnel.It'll take a lot more than some tens of tourist flights to make it a profitable proposition.For 10t lander 360ISP need 12t of fuel ( 2.64t CH4 +9.36 LOX) for 2.78km/s ie Gateway to surface.39t fuel for round trip. Allows a little for boiloff.With ISRU LOX (9.36t) refuelling on surface the down mass fuel is 17.5t + 2.64t CH4 for return. That 20.14t to earth fuel needed compared to 39t without ISRU. The fuel savings would be greater than that as tanks are about half size so reducing dry mass considerably. 10t LOX a year isn't that big an ask of a ISRU and only needs access to regolith not ice. Things get better for hydrolox lander and ISRU water. Can even consider fuelling most of round trip from LEO by lunar fuel. This using OTV for LEO -Gateway-LEO trip.Sent from my SM-G570Y using TapatalkJust to make sure, you want to support 1 landing a year, by producing 10t/yr of oxygen, yes?How much regolith do you need to process, how much power is needed? I'm trying to understand how little of a deal it is.For example if you need to process 100 tons of rock (just a guess), you need to gather some 300 kg per day.You're envisioning a remote controlled front loader type of device? And a kiln, reaction chamber, gas separation, compression and liquification, yes?And some way to get the 10t of lox to the lander?It just seems like a lot in order to save an Earth-side launch or two.
Quote from: meekGee on 04/10/2022 03:31 pmQuote from: TrevorMonty on 04/10/2022 09:44 amQuote from: meekGee on 04/10/2022 12:01 amQuote from: TrevorMonty on 04/09/2022 09:23 pmQuote from: su27k on 01/05/2022 04:03 amMajority of Americans don't want to travel to the MoonQuote from: axiosPrivate human spaceflight has advanced tremendously in the last year, but many ordinary people aren't ready to visit the Moon themselves, according to a new Axios/Momentive poll.Why it matters: Private space tourism today caters to an ultra-rich clientele, but eventually, the companies making a business out of sending people to space want to widen their reach to many more people.Driving the news: The new poll found 61% of adults surveyed wouldn't be interested in taking a trip to the Moon even if money weren't a factor.Actually 39% (or 37% if you read the bar chart) wanting to go to the Moon sounds like a pretty good number.Only need 50-100 that can afford the trip to make it via business for 4-6 man crew vehicle. Thats enough trips to justify setting up ISRU plant to dramatically reduce needed tanker launches and mission costs. Sent from my SM-G570Y using TapatalkI don't see the logical step to setting up an ISRU plant.Did you put numbers on the cost of setting up and operating an ISRU plant of sufficient capability? How dramatic is the reduction in cost?Me thinks you'll achieve a reduction in Earth-side launches (which at that point are cheap due to full reusability) and pay for a very expensive lunar infrastructure that in itself will require support launches and probably personnel.It'll take a lot more than some tens of tourist flights to make it a profitable proposition.For 10t lander 360ISP need 12t of fuel ( 2.64t CH4 +9.36 LOX) for 2.78km/s ie Gateway to surface.39t fuel for round trip. Allows a little for boiloff.With ISRU LOX (9.36t) refuelling on surface the down mass fuel is 17.5t + 2.64t CH4 for return. That 20.14t to earth fuel needed compared to 39t without ISRU. The fuel savings would be greater than that as tanks are about half size so reducing dry mass considerably. 10t LOX a year isn't that big an ask of a ISRU and only needs access to regolith not ice. Things get better for hydrolox lander and ISRU water. Can even consider fuelling most of round trip from LEO by lunar fuel. This using OTV for LEO -Gateway-LEO trip.Sent from my SM-G570Y using TapatalkJust to make sure, you want to support 1 landing a year, by producing 10t/yr of oxygen, yes?How much regolith do you need to process, how much power is needed? I'm trying to understand how little of a deal it is.For example if you need to process 100 tons of rock (just a guess), you need to gather some 300 kg per day.You're envisioning a remote controlled front loader type of device? And a kiln, reaction chamber, gas separation, compression and liquification, yes?And some way to get the 10t of lox to the lander?It just seems like a lot in order to save an Earth-side launch or two.Regolith by volume is approaching 45% oxygen. There are a couple companies building pilot plants to do electrolysis of regolith,. Oxygen is near term product with metal being byproduct for construction in long term. See link below for one example. https://www.space.com/esa-oxygen-from-lunar-regolith-demonstration.htmlGoogle Electrolysis of Lunar Regolith for others. Most have some government funding. As rough rule of thumb 10kwh of power will produce 1kg of Hydrolox from lunar ice. Electrolysis of regolith should be similar for 890gm of LOX. (LOX from kg of ice).Sent from my SM-G570Y using Tapatalk
NASA will require private missions to the ISS to be commanded by former NASA astronauts, something Axiom Space was already doing for its initial missions (but had talked about flying customers only in later missions.)
…They won't be able to pull this crap in the future. Enjoy it while it lasts, I guess.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1554446208629891073QuoteNASA will require private missions to the ISS to be commanded by former NASA astronauts, something Axiom Space was already doing for its initial missions (but had talked about flying customers only in later missions.)https://spacenews.com/nasa-revises-requirements-for-iss-private-astronaut-missions/NASA details are here:https://sam.gov/opp/23b1521f8c154f1caa2f3b2b0e551f28/view
All this new NASA requirement does is to remove one commercial vehicle seat available to paying customers per flight.
They likely will, at some point, revisit the requirement for the mission commander from a NASA astronaut, down to just someone who has previously had spaceflight experience on the ISS. It's not a huge burden for the first few missions, but NASA should be able to relax that requirement, in particular when Axiom has its own module(s) on the ISS and doesn't need to continually rely on use of the main USOS.
Quote from: Zed_Noir on 08/02/2022 09:14 pmAll this new NASA requirement does is to remove one commercial vehicle seat available to paying customers per flight.NASA sold companies like Nanoracks and Axiom on a commercial business model for the ISS, drawing a considerable amount of private investment in things like the Bishop airlock, but just as soon as these ventures came online, they dramatically jacked up the pricing structure for ISS resources and claimed 25% of the passenger capacity for alumni emeritus. Excellent business partners, these NASA folks. Makes you just want to put more skin in the game and bid more aggressively on Commercial LEO Destinations, dunnit.
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/02/2022 01:02 pmQuoteNASA will require private missions to the ISS to be commanded by former NASA astronauts, something Axiom Space was already doing for its initial missions (but had talked about flying customers only in later missions.)https://spacenews.com/nasa-revises-requirements-for-iss-private-astronaut-missions/NASA details are here:https://sam.gov/opp/23b1521f8c154f1caa2f3b2b0e551f28/viewThey are just making sure Jared Issacman don't get any ideas of buying a command ride to the ISS. Somewhat amusing that Issacman with 2 flights as Crew Dragon commander after the first Polaris Dawn mission isn't allowed to command a commercial mission to the ISS.All this new NASA requirement does is to remove one commercial vehicle seat available to paying customers per flight.
QuoteNASA will require private missions to the ISS to be commanded by former NASA astronauts, something Axiom Space was already doing for its initial missions (but had talked about flying customers only in later missions.)https://spacenews.com/nasa-revises-requirements-for-iss-private-astronaut-missions/NASA details are here:https://sam.gov/opp/23b1521f8c154f1caa2f3b2b0e551f28/view
From SpaceX press conference post Inspiration 4 splashdown:Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/19/2021 07:12 amhttps://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1439386793326092290QuoteBenji Reed says, in the wake of Inspiration4, the number of people approaching SpaceX about orbital flights is increasing significantly. I know they're already negotiating for missions three years from now. I'd expect demand greatly exceeds supply.
https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1439386793326092290QuoteBenji Reed says, in the wake of Inspiration4, the number of people approaching SpaceX about orbital flights is increasing significantly. I know they're already negotiating for missions three years from now. I'd expect demand greatly exceeds supply.
Benji Reed says he thinks SpaceX can support about six Crew Dragon flights a year; so 50 percent more than it currently does. Likely breakdown:• Two NASA flights (until Starliner becomes operational)• Two Axiom/ISS private astronaut missions• Two free-flyers (Polaris, etc)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance will jointly develop insurance products for space travelers as they expect more civilians will venture beyond the Earth in the future.The new products will likely cover travelers against damage to possessions — like existing travel insurance — as well as bodily damage before and after the adventure, the two organizations said last month.JAXA will provide information such as the causes of accidents observed during its space missions or related training, while Mitsui Sumitomo will offer insurance-related expertise such as risk assessment.
Quote from: Zed_Noir on 08/02/2022 09:14 pmQuote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/02/2022 01:02 pmQuoteNASA will require private missions to the ISS to be commanded by former NASA astronauts, something Axiom Space was already doing for its initial missions (but had talked about flying customers only in later missions.)https://spacenews.com/nasa-revises-requirements-for-iss-private-astronaut-missions/NASA details are here:https://sam.gov/opp/23b1521f8c154f1caa2f3b2b0e551f28/viewThey are just making sure Jared Issacman don't get any ideas of buying a command ride to the ISS. Somewhat amusing that Issacman with 2 flights as Crew Dragon commander after the first Polaris Dawn mission isn't allowed to command a commercial mission to the ISS.All this new NASA requirement does is to remove one commercial vehicle seat available to paying customers per flight.I can imagine the companies who manage to put up a commercial station giving NASA a requirement to use one of their personnel on every flight.For those complaining about that decision a few things of note:Since 1977, there has been a rule in the Soviet Union, and later adopted by Russia that stated something along the lines of 'every crew had to have at least one person aboard who had previously flown in space.'As far as I'm aware, neither China nor NASA has that rule, although that appears to be their de facto current policy.China only has had three missions entirely comprised of rookies. The last NASA mission comprised entirely of astronauts who had not been on a previous orbital mission was STS-2.
Richard Branson won the space tourism battle, but his company lost the war"Blue Origin already won the suborbital space tourism race on July 20, 2021."ERIC BERGER - 7/11/2022, 8:25 PMIt has been 12 months to the day since Sir Richard Branson briefly departed this world, only to make a feathery return back to Earth, landing on a hot, dusty runway in rural New Mexico.The flight marked a triumphant moment for Branson, who, just a week before turning 71 years old, fulfilled a childhood dream of going to space. In doing so, Branson beat fellow space-obsessed billionaire Jeff Bezos to the punch.
Its not really about Blue Origin beating them though. At current New Shepard flight rates it would take ages to fly everyone who signed up for SpaceShipTwo, so I don't think Blue Origin has stolen the whole market.SpaceshipTwo just didn't prove reliable enough. That's a problem unrelated to any contest with BO.
Yeah.I don't get why NS flight rate is so low. Difficulties with hydrogen? Not really trying to operate it as a moneymaking business (vs PR value) in fear of a fatal accident?
Quote from: Vultur on 09/01/2022 04:12 pmYeah.I don't get why NS flight rate is so low. Difficulties with hydrogen? Not really trying to operate it as a moneymaking business (vs PR value) in fear of a fatal accident?Their flightrate will build over time as they gain experience. Look at how long its take SpaceX to build up F9 Starlink launch rate.
Quote from: Marcia SmithHarris assigned three tasks to Council members regarding human spaceflight:-NASA is to develop a plan for a new microgravity National Lab as part of the transition from the ISS to commercial space stations;-NASA is to finalize a plan for an initial lunar surface architecture within 150 days including consideration for commercial and international partnerships; and-the Department of Transportation (DOT) is to identify interim steps within the next year to use existing authorities to ensure the safety of humans in spaceflight. DOT regulates commercial human spaceflight through the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation. By law, companies flying private passengers to space are required only to obtain the customer’s “informed consent” and the FAA is prohibited from promulgating additional regulations for a certain period of time. That period has been extended several times and currently expires next year.https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/space-council-discusses-stem-human-spaceflight-and-commercial-space-regulation/
Harris assigned three tasks to Council members regarding human spaceflight:-NASA is to develop a plan for a new microgravity National Lab as part of the transition from the ISS to commercial space stations;-NASA is to finalize a plan for an initial lunar surface architecture within 150 days including consideration for commercial and international partnerships; and-the Department of Transportation (DOT) is to identify interim steps within the next year to use existing authorities to ensure the safety of humans in spaceflight. DOT regulates commercial human spaceflight through the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation. By law, companies flying private passengers to space are required only to obtain the customer’s “informed consent” and the FAA is prohibited from promulgating additional regulations for a certain period of time. That period has been extended several times and currently expires next year.
I am not crazy about this but it seems that the Biden Administration is thinking of lifting the moratorium on adding new regulations to human spaceflight transportation. Quote from: yg1968 on 09/11/2022 12:09 amQuote from: Marcia SmithHarris assigned three tasks to Council members regarding human spaceflight:-NASA is to develop a plan for a new microgravity National Lab as part of the transition from the ISS to commercial space stations;-NASA is to finalize a plan for an initial lunar surface architecture within 150 days including consideration for commercial and international partnerships; and-the Department of Transportation (DOT) is to identify interim steps within the next year to use existing authorities to ensure the safety of humans in spaceflight. DOT regulates commercial human spaceflight through the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation. By law, companies flying private passengers to space are required only to obtain the customer’s “informed consent” and the FAA is prohibited from promulgating additional regulations for a certain period of time. That period has been extended several times and currently expires next year.https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/space-council-discusses-stem-human-spaceflight-and-commercial-space-regulation/
https://www.nasa.gov/leo-economy/nasa-wants-to-open-space-to-more-people-supports-private-missions/QuoteSep 14, 2022NASA Wants to Open Space to More People, Supports Private MissionsNASA is seeking proposals for two new private astronaut missions to the International Space Station as part of the agency’s efforts to open space to more people than ever before. With these opportunities, U.S. commercial companies will continue to play an essential role in establishing a sustained presence in low-Earth orbit (LEO) through the agency’s Commercial LEO Development Program.The targeted flight opportunities will occur between late 2023 and 2024. A private astronaut mission involves U.S. commercial spacecraft transporting private astronauts to the space station, where they conduct activities aboard the orbiting laboratory or a commercial structure attached to it. NASA is enabling up to two short-duration private astronaut missions per year.“We are truly in an exciting era, witnessing a significant increase in access to space and expansion of the commercial marketplace in low-Earth orbit,” said Angela Hart, manager of the Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. “We recognize the importance of NASA’s continued support, and are dedicated to working with industry to identify areas where our expertise and unique capabilities support expansion, as with private astronaut missions. These provide a unique opportunity for industry to gain critical experience needed to select, train, and manage crews on future commercial low-Earth orbit destinations, as well as work with new science partners, future commercial partners and grow this non-traditional market.”The new targeted flight opportunities will be the third and fourth private astronaut missions to the International Space Station coordinated by NASA. The first mission was accomplished by Axiom Space in April 2022. Axiom Space was also selected by NASA for the second private astronaut mission, scheduled for the second quarter of 2023.Each of the new missions may be up to 14 days while docked to the space station. Specific dates are dependent on spacecraft traffic to the space station and in-orbit activity planning and constraints. Private astronaut missions must be brokered by a U.S. entity and use U.S. transportation spacecraft that meet NASA’s International Space Station visiting vehicle requirements, policies, and procedures. Refer to Focus Area 4A of NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNJ13ZBG001N for additional details.Enabling private astronaut missions to the International Space Station is part of the agency's goal to develop a robust low-Earth orbit economy where NASA is one of many customers, and the private sector leads the way. This strategy will provide services the government needs at a lower cost, enabling the agency to focus on its Artemis missions to the Moon ahead of human missions to Mars, while continuing to use low-Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for deep space exploration.Proposals are due at 5 p.m. EDT on Oct. 27, 2022. NASA will host a pre-proposal conference to address questions related to the solicitation at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. To confirm attendance, please email Kelly Rubio at [email protected] no later than 4 p.m. Sept. 15, 2022.
Sep 14, 2022NASA Wants to Open Space to More People, Supports Private MissionsNASA is seeking proposals for two new private astronaut missions to the International Space Station as part of the agency’s efforts to open space to more people than ever before. With these opportunities, U.S. commercial companies will continue to play an essential role in establishing a sustained presence in low-Earth orbit (LEO) through the agency’s Commercial LEO Development Program.The targeted flight opportunities will occur between late 2023 and 2024. A private astronaut mission involves U.S. commercial spacecraft transporting private astronauts to the space station, where they conduct activities aboard the orbiting laboratory or a commercial structure attached to it. NASA is enabling up to two short-duration private astronaut missions per year.“We are truly in an exciting era, witnessing a significant increase in access to space and expansion of the commercial marketplace in low-Earth orbit,” said Angela Hart, manager of the Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. “We recognize the importance of NASA’s continued support, and are dedicated to working with industry to identify areas where our expertise and unique capabilities support expansion, as with private astronaut missions. These provide a unique opportunity for industry to gain critical experience needed to select, train, and manage crews on future commercial low-Earth orbit destinations, as well as work with new science partners, future commercial partners and grow this non-traditional market.”The new targeted flight opportunities will be the third and fourth private astronaut missions to the International Space Station coordinated by NASA. The first mission was accomplished by Axiom Space in April 2022. Axiom Space was also selected by NASA for the second private astronaut mission, scheduled for the second quarter of 2023.Each of the new missions may be up to 14 days while docked to the space station. Specific dates are dependent on spacecraft traffic to the space station and in-orbit activity planning and constraints. Private astronaut missions must be brokered by a U.S. entity and use U.S. transportation spacecraft that meet NASA’s International Space Station visiting vehicle requirements, policies, and procedures. Refer to Focus Area 4A of NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNJ13ZBG001N for additional details.Enabling private astronaut missions to the International Space Station is part of the agency's goal to develop a robust low-Earth orbit economy where NASA is one of many customers, and the private sector leads the way. This strategy will provide services the government needs at a lower cost, enabling the agency to focus on its Artemis missions to the Moon ahead of human missions to Mars, while continuing to use low-Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for deep space exploration.Proposals are due at 5 p.m. EDT on Oct. 27, 2022. NASA will host a pre-proposal conference to address questions related to the solicitation at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. To confirm attendance, please email Kelly Rubio at [email protected] no later than 4 p.m. Sept. 15, 2022.
Hungary is in final review of eight candidate astronauts to fly to @Space_Station via @Axiom_Space, with announcement expected in November. #IAC2022
https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1571832432801845254QuoteThe government of Turkey signed an agreement with Axiom Space to send the first Turkish astronaut, who will be selected and announced later, on a future spaceflight:twitter.com/varank/status/1571821692346826753QuoteWe signed a historical agreement on the first manned space mission to be carried out in the 100th anniversary of our Republic.We will cooperate with @Axiom_Space for the training and flight service of the Turkish space traveler whose selection process is ongoing.With #MilliUzayProgramı , dreams turn into pride. 🇹🇷🚀
The government of Turkey signed an agreement with Axiom Space to send the first Turkish astronaut, who will be selected and announced later, on a future spaceflight:
We signed a historical agreement on the first manned space mission to be carried out in the 100th anniversary of our Republic.We will cooperate with @Axiom_Space for the training and flight service of the Turkish space traveler whose selection process is ongoing.With #MilliUzayProgramı , dreams turn into pride. 🇹🇷🚀
https://www.axiomspace.com/news/ssc-partnershipQuoteSeptember 22, 2022Axiom Space Partners with Saudi Space Commission to Send First Female Saudi Astronaut to SpaceNews, ReleaseAxiom 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 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". Axiom Space is the commercial space industry's only full-service orbital mission provider, conducting end-to-end crewed missions. Axiom's broad range of services includes training and flying private astronauts, access to training facilities and instructors, hardware and safety certification, and operational on-orbit management. Candidates for flight complete Axiom'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 programs, and provide the expertise needed to expand the international community of space explorers to a larger and more diverse representation of humanity.
September 22, 2022Axiom Space Partners with Saudi Space Commission to Send First Female Saudi Astronaut to SpaceNews, ReleaseAxiom 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 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". Axiom Space is the commercial space industry's only full-service orbital mission provider, conducting end-to-end crewed missions. Axiom's broad range of services includes training and flying private astronauts, access to training facilities and instructors, hardware and safety certification, and operational on-orbit management. Candidates for flight complete Axiom'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 programs, and provide the expertise needed to expand the international community of space explorers to a larger and more diverse representation of humanity.
🎙 Today on the podcast: some thoughts on @NASA changing the requirements for future Private Astronaut Missions, how that puts pressure on the market to focus on a certain customer base, and how it changes the math for providers like @Axiom_Space.
https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1580174983464357888QuoteSpaceX is flying a second private Starship mission around the Moon, and Dennis and Akiko Tito are its first customers.https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/10/spacex-announces-a-second-private-flight-to-the-moon-aboard-starship/Edit to add: from the articleQuoteThe Titos announced Wednesday that they purchased two of a dozen seats on a second SpaceX circumlunar flight around the Moon later this decade. The other 10 seats are currently unsold.
SpaceX is flying a second private Starship mission around the Moon, and Dennis and Akiko Tito are its first customers.
The Titos announced Wednesday that they purchased two of a dozen seats on a second SpaceX circumlunar flight around the Moon later this decade.
WowQuote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/12/2022 12:34 pmhttps://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1580174983464357888QuoteSpaceX is flying a second private Starship mission around the Moon, and Dennis and Akiko Tito are its first customers.https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/10/spacex-announces-a-second-private-flight-to-the-moon-aboard-starship/Edit to add: from the articleQuoteThe Titos announced Wednesday that they purchased two of a dozen seats on a second SpaceX circumlunar flight around the Moon later this decade. The other 10 seats are currently unsold.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1587450126758445056QuoteNASA confirms that the two people yet to be named on the upcoming Ax-2 private astronaut mission will be from Saudi Arabia. Names not released, but it appears they have already been selected and have started training.
NASA confirms that the two people yet to be named on the upcoming Ax-2 private astronaut mission will be from Saudi Arabia. Names not released, but it appears they have already been selected and have started training.
https://twitter.com/sarwatnasir/status/1624742985211559938Quote#Breaking: Saudi Arabia names Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni as the two astronauts who will fly on the AX-2 mission in Q2 of this yearhttps://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2425562#2425562QuoteIn Line with Vision 2030, the Kingdom Returns to Space by Sending a Male and Female Astronaut to the International Space StationSunday 1444/7/21 - 2023/02/12Riyadh, February 12, 2023, SPA -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced today sending the first Saudi female astronaut and a Saudi male astronaut (Rayyanah Barnawi & 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 & 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& 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.--SPA15:04 LOCAL TIME 12:04 GMT 0010
#Breaking: Saudi Arabia names Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni as the two astronauts who will fly on the AX-2 mission in Q2 of this year
In Line with Vision 2030, the Kingdom Returns to Space by Sending a Male and Female Astronaut to the International Space StationSunday 1444/7/21 - 2023/02/12Riyadh, February 12, 2023, SPA -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced today sending the first Saudi female astronaut and a Saudi male astronaut (Rayyanah Barnawi & 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 & 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& 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.--SPA15:04 LOCAL TIME 12:04 GMT 0010
Quote from: Jeff FoustIn his talk last night, @CommanderMLA said Axiom is now in contract negotiations with NASA for the Ax-3 and 4 missions. Ax-3 could launch as soon as November and, like Ax-2, would likely have 2 gov't astronauts and one private astronaut. Ax-4 would be mid-2024, crew TBD.https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1630221114600488962
In his talk last night, @CommanderMLA said Axiom is now in contract negotiations with NASA for the Ax-3 and 4 missions. Ax-3 could launch as soon as November and, like Ax-2, would likely have 2 gov't astronauts and one private astronaut. Ax-4 would be mid-2024, crew TBD.
I could never be an astronaut because I would just go WOAH!!! WOWWWWWW!!! OH MY GOD!!!!!! HOOOOOOOOOOO BOYYYYYYYYYY!!!! WOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH OH MY GOD!!!!! WOWWWWWWWW! WOAH!!!!!!! and a crewmate would stab me in the neck with a plastic fork nine hours into our mission
This is my greatest fear... 😂🙈 It's bound to happen
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-axiom-space-for-third-private-astronaut-station-missionQuoteMar 14, 2023RELEASE 23-028NASA Selects Axiom Space for Third Private Astronaut Station MissionNASA and Axiom Space have signed a mission order for the third private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch no earlier than November 2023 from the agency’s NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.“The diversity of currently available commercial orbital human spaceflight opportunities is truly astounding. NASA’s commercial crew flights to the space station for our government astronauts paved the way for fully private missions to space like Inspiration4 and Polaris as well as private astronaut missions to the orbiting laboratory like the one we are announcing today,” said Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “We are starting to see the incorporation of space into our economic sphere, and it is going to revolutionize the way people see, use, and experience space.” Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) is expected to spend 14 days docked to the space station. A specific launch date is dependent on spacecraft traffic to the space station and in-orbit activity planning and constraints. NASA and Axiom Space 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 selection to lead the next private astronaut mission to the International Space Station enables us to continue expanding access to nations, academia, commercial entities, and emerging industries to research, test, and demonstrate new technologies in microgravity,” said Michael Suffredini, CEO and president of Axiom Space. “As NASA’s focus shifts back to the Moon and on to Mars, we are committed to transforming low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace, where access to space moves beyond the partners of the space station to nations, institutions and individuals with new ideas fueling a thriving human economy beyond Earth.”Axiom Space will submit four proposed crew members and two back up crew for the Ax-3 mission to the station’s Multilateral Crew Operations Panel for review. NASA is requiring all private astronaut mission providers to select a previously flown NASA astronaut as the spacecraft commander. Following review and approval from NASA and its international partners, the prime crew members for the mission will be named.The Ax-3 crew members will train for their flight with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX, which Axiom Space has contracted 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 space station and the Dragon spacecraft. Based on current mission planning, team crew training is scheduled to begin this spring.Axiom Space is obtaining NASA services to conduct the mission via both the mission specific order and Reimbursable Space Act Agreements.Through the mission specific order, Axiom Space is obtaining services from NASA 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 pricing policy for the services the agency is providing to Axiom Space for in-orbit activities that are above space station baseline capabilities.The order also identifies capabilities NASA may obtain from Axiom Space, including the return of scientific samples that must be kept cold in transit to and from Earth, return cargo capability, and the capability to use 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 Space 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.NASA made the selection for the third private astronaut mission from proposals received in response to its September 2022 NASA Research Announcement and evaluated the mission proposals based on the provider’s ability to execute a mission successfully, NASA’s ability to support the proposed mission, and the mission’s contribution to the agency’s goal of low-Earth orbit commercialization. NASA also solicited proposals for a fourth private astronaut mission opportunity in 2024 and will announce the mission after successful completion of negotiations results in an award.For more than 22 years, NASA has supported a continuous U.S. human presence in low-Earth orbit. The agency's goal is a low-Earth orbit marketplace where NASA is one of many customers, and the private sector leads the way. This strategy will provide services the government needs at a lower cost, enabling the agency to focus on its Artemis missions to the Moon and on to Mars while continuing to use low-Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for those deep space missions.Learn more about how NASA is fostering a robust commercial low-Earth orbit economy at:https://www.nasa.gov/leo-economy-end-Photo caption:QuoteThe SpaceX Dragon Endeavour crew ship is pictured docked to the Harmony module's space-facing international docking adapter. Endeavour carried four Axiom Mission 1 astronauts, Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria, Pilot Larry Connor, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe and Mark Pathy, to the International Space Station for several days of research, education, and commercial activities.Credits: NASA
Mar 14, 2023RELEASE 23-028NASA Selects Axiom Space for Third Private Astronaut Station MissionNASA and Axiom Space have signed a mission order for the third private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch no earlier than November 2023 from the agency’s NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.“The diversity of currently available commercial orbital human spaceflight opportunities is truly astounding. NASA’s commercial crew flights to the space station for our government astronauts paved the way for fully private missions to space like Inspiration4 and Polaris as well as private astronaut missions to the orbiting laboratory like the one we are announcing today,” said Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “We are starting to see the incorporation of space into our economic sphere, and it is going to revolutionize the way people see, use, and experience space.” Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) is expected to spend 14 days docked to the space station. A specific launch date is dependent on spacecraft traffic to the space station and in-orbit activity planning and constraints. NASA and Axiom Space 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 selection to lead the next private astronaut mission to the International Space Station enables us to continue expanding access to nations, academia, commercial entities, and emerging industries to research, test, and demonstrate new technologies in microgravity,” said Michael Suffredini, CEO and president of Axiom Space. “As NASA’s focus shifts back to the Moon and on to Mars, we are committed to transforming low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace, where access to space moves beyond the partners of the space station to nations, institutions and individuals with new ideas fueling a thriving human economy beyond Earth.”Axiom Space will submit four proposed crew members and two back up crew for the Ax-3 mission to the station’s Multilateral Crew Operations Panel for review. NASA is requiring all private astronaut mission providers to select a previously flown NASA astronaut as the spacecraft commander. Following review and approval from NASA and its international partners, the prime crew members for the mission will be named.The Ax-3 crew members will train for their flight with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX, which Axiom Space has contracted 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 space station and the Dragon spacecraft. Based on current mission planning, team crew training is scheduled to begin this spring.Axiom Space is obtaining NASA services to conduct the mission via both the mission specific order and Reimbursable Space Act Agreements.Through the mission specific order, Axiom Space is obtaining services from NASA 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 pricing policy for the services the agency is providing to Axiom Space for in-orbit activities that are above space station baseline capabilities.The order also identifies capabilities NASA may obtain from Axiom Space, including the return of scientific samples that must be kept cold in transit to and from Earth, return cargo capability, and the capability to use 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 Space 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.NASA made the selection for the third private astronaut mission from proposals received in response to its September 2022 NASA Research Announcement and evaluated the mission proposals based on the provider’s ability to execute a mission successfully, NASA’s ability to support the proposed mission, and the mission’s contribution to the agency’s goal of low-Earth orbit commercialization. NASA also solicited proposals for a fourth private astronaut mission opportunity in 2024 and will announce the mission after successful completion of negotiations results in an award.For more than 22 years, NASA has supported a continuous U.S. human presence in low-Earth orbit. The agency's goal is a low-Earth orbit marketplace where NASA is one of many customers, and the private sector leads the way. This strategy will provide services the government needs at a lower cost, enabling the agency to focus on its Artemis missions to the Moon and on to Mars while continuing to use low-Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for those deep space missions.Learn more about how NASA is fostering a robust commercial low-Earth orbit economy at:https://www.nasa.gov/leo-economy-end-
The SpaceX Dragon Endeavour crew ship is pictured docked to the Harmony module's space-facing international docking adapter. Endeavour carried four Axiom Mission 1 astronauts, Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria, Pilot Larry Connor, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe and Mark Pathy, to the International Space Station for several days of research, education, and commercial activities.Credits: NASA
https://www.vastspace.com/updates/vast-announces-the-haven-1-and-vast-1-human-spaceflight-mission-launched-by-spacex-on-a-dragon-spacecraftQuoteVAST Announces the Haven-1 and VAST-1 Missions.MAY 10, 2023LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIASCHEDULED TO BE THE WORLD’S FIRST COMMERCIAL SPACE STATION, HAVEN-1 AND SUBSEQUENT HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT MISSIONS WILL ACCELERATE ACCESS TO SPACE EXPLORATION.LONG BEACH, Calif. — May 10, 2023 — Vast, a pioneer in space habitation technologies, announced today their plans to launch the world’s first commercial space station, called Haven-1. Scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to low-Earth orbit no earlier than August 2025, Haven-1 will initially act as an independent crewed space station prior to being connected as a module to a larger Vast space station currently in development. The mission will be quickly followed by Vast-1, the first human spaceflight mission to Haven-1 on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The vehicle and its four-person crew will dock with Haven-1 for up to 30 days while orbiting Earth. Vast also secured an option with SpaceX for an additional human spaceflight mission to Haven-1.This represents the first time in history that a commercial space station company has both a contracted launch for its space station and a visiting human spaceflight mission.“Vast is thrilled to embark on this journey of launching the world's first commercial space station, Haven-1, and its first crew, Vast-1,” said Jed McCaleb, CEO of Vast. “We are grateful to SpaceX for this exciting partnership that represents the first steps in Vast’s long-term vision of launching much larger, artificial gravity space stations in Earth orbit and beyond.”“A commercial rocket launching a commercial spacecraft with commercial astronauts to a commercial space station is the future of low-Earth orbit, and with Vast we’re taking another step toward making that future a reality,” said Tom Ochinero, Senior Vice President of Commercial Business at SpaceX. “The SpaceX team couldn’t be more excited to launch Vast’s Haven-1 and support their follow-on human spaceflight missions to the orbiting commercial space station.”Vast’s long-term goal is to develop a 100-meter-long multi-module spinning artificial gravity space station launched by SpaceX’s Starship transportation system. In support of this, Vast will explore conducting the world’s first spinning artificial gravity experiment on a commercial space station with Haven-1.Vast is selling up to four crewed seats on the inaugural mission to Haven-1. Expected customers include domestic and international space agencies and private individuals involved in science and philanthropic projects. Visit vastspace.com/reserve for more details.SpaceX will also provide crew training on Falcon 9 and the Dragon spacecraft, emergency preparedness, spacesuit and spacecraft ingress and egress exercises, as well as partial and full mission simulations including docking and undocking with Haven-1 for return to Earth.HAVEN-1 FEATURES:Compatible docking with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraftExtend the on-orbit duration of commercial Dragon spacecraft human spaceflight missions for up to 30 days for four astronautsScience, research, and in-space manufacturing opportunities - 1000 W of power, 24/7 communications, and up to 150 kg of pre-loaded cargo mass in Haven-1. Opportunities for lunar artificial gravity by spinning.Fully independent space station providing life support functions and consumables for the full mission’s duration.Privacy and control of your crew scheduleLarge window dome for viewing and photographyAlways-on internet via onboard Wi-FiRoom to stretch and restVAST-1 - OUR FIRST EXPEDITION TO HAVEN-1Fly to Haven-1 in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched by the Falcon 9 rocketFor space agencies and private individualsFly four crew members to Haven-1 for up to 30 daysBe the first crew to visit the world’s first commercial space stationAvailable per seat or as a full, four-person crew missionAdvanced science, research, and in-space manufacturing opportunities
VAST Announces the Haven-1 and VAST-1 Missions.MAY 10, 2023LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIASCHEDULED TO BE THE WORLD’S FIRST COMMERCIAL SPACE STATION, HAVEN-1 AND SUBSEQUENT HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT MISSIONS WILL ACCELERATE ACCESS TO SPACE EXPLORATION.LONG BEACH, Calif. — May 10, 2023 — Vast, a pioneer in space habitation technologies, announced today their plans to launch the world’s first commercial space station, called Haven-1. Scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to low-Earth orbit no earlier than August 2025, Haven-1 will initially act as an independent crewed space station prior to being connected as a module to a larger Vast space station currently in development. The mission will be quickly followed by Vast-1, the first human spaceflight mission to Haven-1 on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The vehicle and its four-person crew will dock with Haven-1 for up to 30 days while orbiting Earth. Vast also secured an option with SpaceX for an additional human spaceflight mission to Haven-1.This represents the first time in history that a commercial space station company has both a contracted launch for its space station and a visiting human spaceflight mission.“Vast is thrilled to embark on this journey of launching the world's first commercial space station, Haven-1, and its first crew, Vast-1,” said Jed McCaleb, CEO of Vast. “We are grateful to SpaceX for this exciting partnership that represents the first steps in Vast’s long-term vision of launching much larger, artificial gravity space stations in Earth orbit and beyond.”“A commercial rocket launching a commercial spacecraft with commercial astronauts to a commercial space station is the future of low-Earth orbit, and with Vast we’re taking another step toward making that future a reality,” said Tom Ochinero, Senior Vice President of Commercial Business at SpaceX. “The SpaceX team couldn’t be more excited to launch Vast’s Haven-1 and support their follow-on human spaceflight missions to the orbiting commercial space station.”Vast’s long-term goal is to develop a 100-meter-long multi-module spinning artificial gravity space station launched by SpaceX’s Starship transportation system. In support of this, Vast will explore conducting the world’s first spinning artificial gravity experiment on a commercial space station with Haven-1.Vast is selling up to four crewed seats on the inaugural mission to Haven-1. Expected customers include domestic and international space agencies and private individuals involved in science and philanthropic projects. Visit vastspace.com/reserve for more details.SpaceX will also provide crew training on Falcon 9 and the Dragon spacecraft, emergency preparedness, spacesuit and spacecraft ingress and egress exercises, as well as partial and full mission simulations including docking and undocking with Haven-1 for return to Earth.HAVEN-1 FEATURES:Compatible docking with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraftExtend the on-orbit duration of commercial Dragon spacecraft human spaceflight missions for up to 30 days for four astronautsScience, research, and in-space manufacturing opportunities - 1000 W of power, 24/7 communications, and up to 150 kg of pre-loaded cargo mass in Haven-1. Opportunities for lunar artificial gravity by spinning.Fully independent space station providing life support functions and consumables for the full mission’s duration.Privacy and control of your crew scheduleLarge window dome for viewing and photographyAlways-on internet via onboard Wi-FiRoom to stretch and restVAST-1 - OUR FIRST EXPEDITION TO HAVEN-1Fly to Haven-1 in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched by the Falcon 9 rocketFor space agencies and private individualsFly four crew members to Haven-1 for up to 30 daysBe the first crew to visit the world’s first commercial space stationAvailable per seat or as a full, four-person crew missionAdvanced science, research, and in-space manufacturing opportunities
Angela Hart, manager of NASA's Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program, says NASA is evaluating proposals for a fourth private astronaut mission and expects to make a selection in the next month or two.
https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/ESA_proposes_Marcus_Wandt_from_Sweden_to_fly_on_a_future_Axiom_space_missionQuoteN° 28–2023: ESA proposes Marcus Wandt from Sweden to fly on a future Axiom space mission15 June 2023Media representatives are invited to a press event on Friday 16 June at 16:00 CEST in Stockholm with Marcus Wandt, member of the ESA astronaut reserve, and learn more about a future spaceflight with Axiom Space.Marcus Wandt was selected in November 2022 as a member of the ESA astronaut reserve after a year-long selection process. The 2022 ESA recruitment campaign received more than 22500 applications from across its Member States.The Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA), together with other partners, is cooperating with ESA and commercial space company Axiom Space to support a future mission to space with Marcus Wandt. ESA is currently in the process of coordinating this mission.ESA and SNSA are working on a proposal for an ambitious scientific, technological, and educational programme for Marcus that can be carried out inside Europe’s Columbus laboratory. Marcus joined the European Astronaut Corps on 1 June as an ESA project astronaut for the duration of his mission duties.The Swedish astronaut is following intensive training program to meet the high standards required for space flight.Marcus Wandt was born in 1980 and has an extensive experience as a military jet and test pilot for the Swedish Air Force.Media registrationJournalists who would like to attend the press conference in person or via Zoom need to register no later than Friday 16 June at 14:30 CEST. Please contact Linnea Ilbring ([email protected]) with your name, affiliation and whether you wish to join in person or virtually. Press Conference detailsTime: 16:00 (doors open at 15:30)Venue: Rödbodgatan 6, Stockholm or via ZoomESA Web TV offers a livestreaming of the complete event (from 16:00): www.esa.int/ESA_Web_TVParticipants- David Parker, ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration- Mats Persson, Swedish Minister for Education- Anna Rathsman, Director General of Swedish National Space Agency- Marcus Wandt, ESA Project AstronautFor interviews with Dr David Parker and Mr Marcus Wandt, please contact [email protected] .
N° 28–2023: ESA proposes Marcus Wandt from Sweden to fly on a future Axiom space mission15 June 2023Media representatives are invited to a press event on Friday 16 June at 16:00 CEST in Stockholm with Marcus Wandt, member of the ESA astronaut reserve, and learn more about a future spaceflight with Axiom Space.Marcus Wandt was selected in November 2022 as a member of the ESA astronaut reserve after a year-long selection process. The 2022 ESA recruitment campaign received more than 22500 applications from across its Member States.The Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA), together with other partners, is cooperating with ESA and commercial space company Axiom Space to support a future mission to space with Marcus Wandt. ESA is currently in the process of coordinating this mission.ESA and SNSA are working on a proposal for an ambitious scientific, technological, and educational programme for Marcus that can be carried out inside Europe’s Columbus laboratory. Marcus joined the European Astronaut Corps on 1 June as an ESA project astronaut for the duration of his mission duties.The Swedish astronaut is following intensive training program to meet the high standards required for space flight.Marcus Wandt was born in 1980 and has an extensive experience as a military jet and test pilot for the Swedish Air Force.Media registrationJournalists who would like to attend the press conference in person or via Zoom need to register no later than Friday 16 June at 14:30 CEST. Please contact Linnea Ilbring ([email protected]) with your name, affiliation and whether you wish to join in person or virtually. Press Conference detailsTime: 16:00 (doors open at 15:30)Venue: Rödbodgatan 6, Stockholm or via ZoomESA Web TV offers a livestreaming of the complete event (from 16:00): www.esa.int/ESA_Web_TVParticipants- David Parker, ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration- Mats Persson, Swedish Minister for Education- Anna Rathsman, Director General of Swedish National Space Agency- Marcus Wandt, ESA Project AstronautFor interviews with Dr David Parker and Mr Marcus Wandt, please contact [email protected] .
Not clear yet who is paying for this flight, but Axiom is clearly tapping into a market for paid flights to ISS: Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/16/2023 05:07 amhttps://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/ESA_proposes_Marcus_Wandt_from_Sweden_to_fly_on_a_future_Axiom_space_missionQuote
https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/ESA_proposes_Marcus_Wandt_from_Sweden_to_fly_on_a_future_Axiom_space_missionQuote
According to NASA's internal schedule, the Axiom-3 crew mission to the ISS is slipping into the 1Q of 2024. The flight is expected to include the first astronaut from Turkey, Alper Gezeravci.
Aschbacher: Poland will provide an addl 290 M Euros to ESA for a variety of programs and in addn will pay for a commercial flight to the ISS for a Polish astronaut similar to arrangement for ESA/Sweden astronaut Marcus Wandt who will fly w/Axiom late this yr or early nxt.
didn't know where else to post this, but a private spaceport is to be built West of Las Vegas. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/ready-for-liftoff-company-files-sec-paperwork-for-las-vegas-spaceport/ar-AA1ddWbT
https://twitter.com/virgingalactic/status/1680895930961371136Quote Who will crew #Galactic02 on August 10? Meet our first private astronauts who will also become the first Olympian and first Caribbean astronauts in space: Jon Goodwin | Astronaut 011 | 🇬🇧Keisha Schahaff | Astronaut 012 | 🇦🇬Anastatia Mayers | Astronaut 013 | 🇦🇬Follow their journeys and sign up for livestream updates →https://www.virgingalactic.com/news/virgin-galactic-broadens-access-to-space-with-first-private-astronautEdit to add:QuoteMEET THE CREWJON GOODWINVirgin Galactic Astronaut 011 and First Olympian to travel to spaceAn 80-year old adventurer and first Olympian to travel to space (Jon competed in the 1972 Munich games).Diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2014, Jon will be only the second person to travel to space with the condition.KEISHA SCHAHAFFVirgin Galactic Astronaut 012 and First Astronaut from the Caribbean IslandsA 46-yeor-old mother of two daughters, entrepreneur and health and wellness couch from Antigua and Barbuda.Beneficiary of two spaceflight seats in an historic draw which raised $1.7m in grants for non-profit Space for HumanityPassionate about empowering women to livetheir best lives.ANASTATIA MAYERSVirgin Galactic Astronaut 013 andSecond Youngest Person to Travel to SpaceAn I8-year-old university student who was born and raised in Antigua and Barbuda.Student at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland in her second year studying Philosophy and Physics.Together with Keisha, the two will become the first mother and daughter to travel to space together.BETH MOSESVirgin Galactic Astronaut 002 and Chief Astronaut InstructorLead astronaut instructor carrying out all training and preparation for 'Galactic 02'; Beth will fly with the crew to assess the inflight experience while continuing to refine Virgin Galactic's training program.Beth was the first woman to fly to space aboard commercial space vehicle, earning her FAA commercial astronaut wings in 2019.'Galactic 02' marks Beth's fourth flight to space with Virgin Galactic.
Who will crew #Galactic02 on August 10? Meet our first private astronauts who will also become the first Olympian and first Caribbean astronauts in space: Jon Goodwin | Astronaut 011 | 🇬🇧Keisha Schahaff | Astronaut 012 | 🇦🇬Anastatia Mayers | Astronaut 013 | 🇦🇬Follow their journeys and sign up for livestream updates →
MEET THE CREWJON GOODWINVirgin Galactic Astronaut 011 and First Olympian to travel to spaceAn 80-year old adventurer and first Olympian to travel to space (Jon competed in the 1972 Munich games).Diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2014, Jon will be only the second person to travel to space with the condition.KEISHA SCHAHAFFVirgin Galactic Astronaut 012 and First Astronaut from the Caribbean IslandsA 46-yeor-old mother of two daughters, entrepreneur and health and wellness couch from Antigua and Barbuda.Beneficiary of two spaceflight seats in an historic draw which raised $1.7m in grants for non-profit Space for HumanityPassionate about empowering women to livetheir best lives.ANASTATIA MAYERSVirgin Galactic Astronaut 013 andSecond Youngest Person to Travel to SpaceAn I8-year-old university student who was born and raised in Antigua and Barbuda.Student at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland in her second year studying Philosophy and Physics.Together with Keisha, the two will become the first mother and daughter to travel to space together.BETH MOSESVirgin Galactic Astronaut 002 and Chief Astronaut InstructorLead astronaut instructor carrying out all training and preparation for 'Galactic 02'; Beth will fly with the crew to assess the inflight experience while continuing to refine Virgin Galactic's training program.Beth was the first woman to fly to space aboard commercial space vehicle, earning her FAA commercial astronaut wings in 2019.'Galactic 02' marks Beth's fourth flight to space with Virgin Galactic.
For those wondering, these are the current costs for private ISS use - $10,000,000 per mission. Bring your own food, supplies and take your own trash or you'll be paying ~$88K-164K per day.But - life support, power and 12GB of data transfer per day is free.
The $2000/day cost for food is presumably the cost of buying ISS approved food from NASA. Sorry, you can't just make a bunch of corned beef sandwiches and bring them in your suit pocket.
https://www.axiomspace.com/news/poland-esa-agreementQuoteAugust 9, 2023Axiom Space, ESA Sign Agreement with Poland for Future Human Spaceflight MissionNews, ReleaseHouston-based company Axiom Space and Poland, with support from the European Space Agency (ESA), have signed an agreement to send an ESA astronaut to space on a future Axiom Space mission. The exact mission and name of the Polish astronaut will be officially announced at a later date, following approval by NASA and its international partners. “Poland will be the second ESA-sponsored nation to send an astronaut on a commercial human spaceflight mission, establishing a growing network of nations in Europe eager to explore the benefits of microgravity and positioning the region as pioneers of commercial space,” said Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space president and CEO. “We are excited to work with Poland and ESA to build a comprehensive mission plan in support of both national and agency objectives, and we look forward to bringing on additional partner nations around the world in an effort to build the human experience in low-Earth orbit.”The ESA astronaut selected for the mission will focus on scientific research and educational outreach while on orbit. In coordination with ESA, Axiom Space will manage all aspects required for the preparation and completion of the mission, including access to training facilities and instructors, hardware and safety certification, on-orbit management, and post-mission support. As the crew provider, ESA will sign an agreement with Axiom Space to define and implement the mission objectives and prepare for all the operational services needed. “Cooperation with ESA and Axiom Space is an important step in the development of both the Polish space sector and science,” said Waldemar Buda, Minister of Economic Development and Technology of Poland. “A Polish astronaut will have the opportunity to test the most advanced Polish technologies. For our companies, this is a unique opportunity to gain flight heritage, which will be a proof of the quality of Polish products. The educational aspect is also important for us, as we hope it will result in the interest of many young people in the space sector.”ESA’s Director General Josef Asbacher praised Poland’s decision to invest funds in not only the ESA astronaut program, but also several other ESA activities. “This reinforced engagement will enable new possibilities for Poland to lift its capabilities in the fast-emerging domain of space,” Asbacher said, “while the cooperation with Axiom Space opens new opportunities for our ESA astronauts.”In April 2023, Axiom Space and the Swedish National Space Agency signed a letter of intent to send an ESA astronaut to the ISS. Through this agreement, the upcoming Axiom Space mission, Ax-3 now targeting launch in January 2024, will be the first commercial mission to the ISS to include an ESA project astronaut. Axiom Space is the commercial space industry’s only full-service orbital mission provider, conducting end-to-end crewed missions to the ISS. The expert team at Axiom Space is helping nations and organizations build human spaceflight programs, develop astronaut selection programs, and provide the expertise needed to expand the international community of space explorers to a larger and more diverse representation of humanity.
August 9, 2023Axiom Space, ESA Sign Agreement with Poland for Future Human Spaceflight MissionNews, ReleaseHouston-based company Axiom Space and Poland, with support from the European Space Agency (ESA), have signed an agreement to send an ESA astronaut to space on a future Axiom Space mission. The exact mission and name of the Polish astronaut will be officially announced at a later date, following approval by NASA and its international partners. “Poland will be the second ESA-sponsored nation to send an astronaut on a commercial human spaceflight mission, establishing a growing network of nations in Europe eager to explore the benefits of microgravity and positioning the region as pioneers of commercial space,” said Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space president and CEO. “We are excited to work with Poland and ESA to build a comprehensive mission plan in support of both national and agency objectives, and we look forward to bringing on additional partner nations around the world in an effort to build the human experience in low-Earth orbit.”The ESA astronaut selected for the mission will focus on scientific research and educational outreach while on orbit. In coordination with ESA, Axiom Space will manage all aspects required for the preparation and completion of the mission, including access to training facilities and instructors, hardware and safety certification, on-orbit management, and post-mission support. As the crew provider, ESA will sign an agreement with Axiom Space to define and implement the mission objectives and prepare for all the operational services needed. “Cooperation with ESA and Axiom Space is an important step in the development of both the Polish space sector and science,” said Waldemar Buda, Minister of Economic Development and Technology of Poland. “A Polish astronaut will have the opportunity to test the most advanced Polish technologies. For our companies, this is a unique opportunity to gain flight heritage, which will be a proof of the quality of Polish products. The educational aspect is also important for us, as we hope it will result in the interest of many young people in the space sector.”ESA’s Director General Josef Asbacher praised Poland’s decision to invest funds in not only the ESA astronaut program, but also several other ESA activities. “This reinforced engagement will enable new possibilities for Poland to lift its capabilities in the fast-emerging domain of space,” Asbacher said, “while the cooperation with Axiom Space opens new opportunities for our ESA astronauts.”In April 2023, Axiom Space and the Swedish National Space Agency signed a letter of intent to send an ESA astronaut to the ISS. Through this agreement, the upcoming Axiom Space mission, Ax-3 now targeting launch in January 2024, will be the first commercial mission to the ISS to include an ESA project astronaut. Axiom Space is the commercial space industry’s only full-service orbital mission provider, conducting end-to-end crewed missions to the ISS. The expert team at Axiom Space is helping nations and organizations build human spaceflight programs, develop astronaut selection programs, and provide the expertise needed to expand the international community of space explorers to a larger and more diverse representation of humanity.
https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1701581621810307126QuoteBlue Origin is working toward flying its New Shepard spacecraft early next month for the first time since an in-flight failure a year ago.https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/09/a-year-after-new-shepards-accident-blue-origin-may-return-to-flight-next-month/From the article:QuoteThe company's tentative plans call for an uncrewed test flight to occur in early October. If all goes well, Blue Origin is then planning its first crewed mission since August 4, 2022, to take place in mid-February of next year.
Blue Origin is working toward flying its New Shepard spacecraft early next month for the first time since an in-flight failure a year ago.
The company's tentative plans call for an uncrewed test flight to occur in early October. If all goes well, Blue Origin is then planning its first crewed mission since August 4, 2022, to take place in mid-February of next year.
From Walter Isaacson’s new Elon biography:QuoteIt was good, he [Jared Isaacman] remarked, that Musk decided not to go to space himself after Branson and Bezos did."That would have been strike three," he said. It would have looked like billionaire-boys narcissism. "We were one strike away from Americans saying 'Screw space.'""Yes," Musk said with a rueful laugh, "it was better to send up four people out of central casting."
It was good, he [Jared Isaacman] remarked, that Musk decided not to go to space himself after Branson and Bezos did."That would have been strike three," he said. It would have looked like billionaire-boys narcissism. "We were one strike away from Americans saying 'Screw space.'""Yes," Musk said with a rueful laugh, "it was better to send up four people out of central casting."
5/ Mike LA says following the first two Axiom missions, they've focused on optimizing training."I also think the SpaceX training has evolved to become more efficient."
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1722378334141603901QuoteVirgin Galactic CEO Michael Colglazier says they will be moving to a quarterly cadence of VSS Unity flights starting in January, and pausing flights entirely in mid-2024 to focus on Delta-class spaceplane development. So, only a couple more flights left for Unity.Wow. Despite hundreds of paid customers in their backlog. Suggests Unity can’t handle too many flights?Delta ships don’t come on-line until 2026, so about a 2 year gap … !
Virgin Galactic CEO Michael Colglazier says they will be moving to a quarterly cadence of VSS Unity flights starting in January, and pausing flights entirely in mid-2024 to focus on Delta-class spaceplane development. So, only a couple more flights left for Unity.
Max Haot, CEO of Vast, says his space station company will be bidding to fly the Private Astronaut Missions 5 and 6 for NASA. (To date, Axiom Space has flown the first three).
Book your flight to start exploring Earth orbit. Seats and on-orbit research opportunities available starting late 2024. Inquire below.
https://www.spacex.com/humanspaceflightQuoteBook your flight to start exploring Earth orbit. Seats and on-orbit research opportunities available starting late 2024. Inquire below.
The Dragon spacecraft is capable of carrying up to 7 passengers to and from Earth orbit and beyond.
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/02/2024 06:51 amhttps://www.spacex.com/humanspaceflightQuoteBook your flight to start exploring Earth orbit. Seats and on-orbit research opportunities available starting late 2024. Inquire below.This might make Axiom and Vast ... unhappy.
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/02/2024 06:51 amhttps://www.spacex.com/humanspaceflightQuoteBook your flight to start exploring Earth orbit. Seats and on-orbit research opportunities available starting late 2024. Inquire below.Hmmm...QuoteThe Dragon spacecraft is capable of carrying up to 7 passengers to and from Earth orbit and beyond.
Quote from: HMXHMX on 05/02/2024 03:40 pmQuote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/02/2024 06:51 amhttps://www.spacex.com/humanspaceflightQuoteBook your flight to start exploring Earth orbit. Seats and on-orbit research opportunities available starting late 2024. Inquire below.This might make Axiom and Vast ... unhappy.Once they get their stations up and runing (assuming the make it that far) it might not be a bad thing for SpaceX to be operating the flights to/from these stations directly. But for the nearer term, I'm not sure how Axiom is supposed to compete with SpaceX if SpaceX is offering the same services i.e. 10-day ISS flights.
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