Aug 3, 2023RELEASE 23-085NASA Selects Axiom Space for Another Private Space Mission in 2024NASA and Axiom Space have signed an order for the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch no earlier than August 2024 from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.“I am pleased to see another milestone in our efforts to transition low Earth orbit from primarily a government-sponsored activity to one where NASA is one of many customers,” said Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “NASA has been directed to develop commercial platforms to sustain a continuous United States presence in low Earth orbit and to transition beyond International Space Station operations. These private astronaut missions are helping to pave the way for that transition.”Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is expected to spend up to 14 days docked to the space station. A specific launch date depends on overall spacecraft traffic to the orbital outpost, and other planning constraints. NASA and Axiom Space mission planners will coordinate in-orbit activities for the private astronauts as they work with station crew members and flight controllers on the ground."Our Axiom Space team is looking forward to a fourth mission to the International Space Station,” said Michael Suffredini, CEO and president of Axiom Space. “Each mission allows us to build on the foundation we have set for the world's first commercial space station, Axiom Station, preparing our teams and orbital platform to succeed the International Space Station operations in low Earth orbit. These missions are instrumental in expanding commercial space activities and access to space for individuals and nations around the world, as well as developing the knowledge and experience needed to normalize living and working in microgravity.”Axiom Space will submit four proposed crew members for the Ax-4 mission to NASA and its international partners for review. If approved, the prime crew members for the mission will be confirmed.The Ax-4 crew members will train with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX for their flight. Axiom Space has contracted SpaceX as launch provider for transportation to and from the space station, and to familiarize the private astronauts with systems, procedures, and emergency preparedness for the Dragon spacecraft.Axiom Space is obtaining NASA services via both a mission-specific order and a reimbursable Space Act Agreement.Through the mission-specific order, Axiom Space is obtaining from NASA crew supplies, cargo delivery to space, storage, and in-orbit resources for daily use. The order also accommodates up to seven contingency days aboard the space station. This mission is subject to NASA’s pricing policy for the services 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 and other cargo, and the capability to use the private astronaut mission commander’s time to complete NASA science or perform tasks for the agency.Through 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 the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In addition, SpaceX has a reimbursable agreements with NASA Kennedy for launch services.NASA announced its selection of Axiom Space for the third private astronaut mission in March. NASA and its international partners are reviewing the proposed crew members now, and an announcement is expected later this year. The mission is now targeted to launch no earlier than January 2024.NASA made the selection for the third and fourth private astronaut missions 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.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 eventually 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-Josh FinchHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1100[email protected]Rebecca WickesJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111[email protected]Alexis DeJarnetteAxiom Space850-368-9446[email protected]Last Updated: Aug 3, 2023Editor: Abbey DonaldsonTags: Commercial Crew, Commercial Space, International Space Station (ISS)
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is pictured docked to the space-facing port on the International Space Station's Harmony module. Dragon carried four Axiom Mission 2 astronauts to the orbital laboratory on May 22, 2023.Credits: NASA
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.
Researcher Alysson Muotri from the University of California in San Diego (UCSD) will become the first Brazilian scientist to go to space, specifically to the International Space Station (ISS). Muotri is one of the most respected scientists in the world in the field of neurological developmental disorders, particularly autism.Muotri will be considered the first scientist in space, as Marcos Pontes, the first Brazilian in space, is an engineer by training and a military officer. The researcher's travel forecast was announced by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who met with Muotri on Tuesday (27).In an interview with G1, the researcher revealed that he is expected to travel to space in November 2024 on a highly special and ambitious mission, the results of which may even assist in the colonization of other planets (read more below).
With Axiom Mission 3 scheduled to liftoff from Florida no earlier than January 2024, @NASA, @Axiom_Space, & @SpaceX teams are now targeting no earlier than October 2024 to launch Axiom Mission 4 to the @Space_Station. Learn more: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-partners-clear-axiom-spaces-third-private-astronaut-crew/
1º cientista brasileiro escalado para ir ao espaço conduzirá estudo que pode mudar a colonização interplanetáriaQuoteResearcher Alysson Muotri from the University of California in San Diego (UCSD) will become the first Brazilian scientist to go to space, specifically to the International Space Station (ISS). Muotri is one of the most respected scientists in the world in the field of neurological developmental disorders, particularly autism.Muotri will be considered the first scientist in space, as Marcos Pontes, the first Brazilian in space, is an engineer by training and a military officer. The researcher's travel forecast was announced by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who met with Muotri on Tuesday (27).In an interview with G1, the researcher revealed that he is expected to travel to space in November 2024 on a highly special and ambitious mission, the results of which may even assist in the colonization of other planets (read more below).Can this be Ax-4 crew ?
We are about seven months from October 2024 ; any sign of someone training for this mission or of an upcoming crew announcement ? or will the launch be later than October, like early 2025 ?
https://www.axiomspace.com/news/koichi-wakataApril 8, 2024Japanese Astronaut Koichi Wakata Joins Axiom SpaceNewsAxiom Space welcomes recently retired Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata as a newly appointed Astronaut and Chief Technical Officer for the Asia-Pacific region. Wakata, a veteran astronaut with decades of human spaceflight experience, will lead the expansion of Axiom Space's business and strategic presence in the Asia-Pacific region and contribute to the advancement of Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station. "Koichi is a recognized leader in the global space community and a true pioneer of space exploration,” said Axiom Space Chief Astronaut Michael López-Alegría. “We’re honored and excited to have him join the team as a future commander of private astronaut missions, as well as a technical expert and leader, advancing commercial space development and promoting global partnership. I believe his incredible journey will be a source of inspiration for generations to come.” <snip>
I had the impression that Koichi Wakata would be selected to command missions with crew from the Asia-Pacific region. The only known probable astronaut on this mission is Sławosz Uznański who is an ESA astronaut from Poland. So I think Peggy remains the likely choice.
Could I ask for the source of this information?
