Launch webcast, extended coverage will feature an in-depth mission overview ahead of launch and during docking
Axiom Space, a leader in human spaceflight and architect of the world’s first commercial space station, has set pre-launch and launch coverage for Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), the second all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
The Ax-2 mission is targeted to launch no earlier than 5:37 p.m. ET on May 21, 2023. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Ax-2 crew aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the ISS from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once docked, the Axiom Space astronauts plan to spend their time aboard the orbiting laboratory implementing a full mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities.
Axiom Space’s Director of Human Spaceflight Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut, will lead the privately funded mission, and aviator John Shoffner of Knoxville, Tennessee, will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists, Ali AlQarni and Rayyanah Barnawi from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are members of the inaugural Saudi Astronaut Program.
The Ax-2 mission will make history on many fronts, including the first private space mission with both private individuals and astronauts representing a foreign government, the first Saudi woman astronaut, and the first private mission commanded by a woman. Ax-2 is the second of multiple proposed Axiom Space missions to the orbiting laboratory and an important step along Axiom Space’s journey toward building Axiom Station. Axiom Space is expanding access to space through the practice of human spaceflight, educating the global community on how to leverage microgravity to gain a broader perspective needed to advance civilization.
Coverage of the Ax-2 launch will be available as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change based on operations):
NASA FRR
Monday, May 15 at 5:00 p.m. ET
During the NASA Flight Readiness Review (FRR), leaders from NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX will discuss the mechanics and readiness of the Ax-2 mission, including rendezvous, docking, on-orbit operations, and undocking at the ISS orbital complex.
Participants include:
Derek Hassmann, chief of mission integration and operations, Axiom Space
Ken Bowersox, associate administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA
Joel Montalbano, manager, International Space Station Program, NASA
Angela Hart, manager, Commercial LEO Development Program, NASA
William Gerstenmaier, vice president, Build and Flight Reliability, SpaceX
Click here for more information and to RSVP. The event will be livestreamed on NASA.gov.
Ax-2 Crew Press Conference
Tuesday, May 16 at 11:00 a.m. ET
The press conference will give the Ax-2 crew an opportunity to highlight their experiences leading up the mission, preparedness, and important mission objectives; this will be the first opportunity for reporters to engage with the full Ax-2 crew. During the event, the Ax-2 crew will be in quarantine in Florida making final preparations ahead of the mission.
Participants include:
Peggy Whitson, Ax-2 commander, Axiom Space
John Shoffner, Ax-2 pilot, Ax-2 crew
Ali AlQarni, Ax-2 mission specialist, Ax-2 crew
Rayyanah Barnawi, Ax-2 mission specialist, Ax-2 crew
Media must register to participate in this briefing and must RSVP by 12:00pm ET on May 15. After registering, media will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. The event will be livestreamed on axiomspace.com.
Register here for the crew press conference:
https://axiomspace.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nRqBqZ7vRe6M8RpTxHjOFQ
Reporters unable to participate may submit questions by emailing media@axiomspace.com by noon the day before the event.
Ax-2 Pre-launch Press Conference
Saturday, May 20, at approximately 6:00 p.m. ET (targeted for one hour following the Launch Readiness Review)
The pre-launch press conference will focus on final preparations for the Ax-2 mission and leaders will discuss the results of the Launch Readiness Review (LRR), which evaluates the mission hardware and its readiness for launch.
Participants include:
Derek Hassmann, chief of mission integration and operations, Axiom Space
Joel Montalbano, manager, International Space Station Program, NASA
Benji Reed, senior director, Human Spaceflight Programs, SpaceX
Brian Cizek, 45th Weather Squadron, U.S. Space Force
Mishaal Ashemimry, microgravity research lead, Saudi Space Agency
The pre-launch press conference will be a teleconference. Media must register to ask questions during the press event. Please RSVP by Wednesday, May 17, by 12:00 p.m. ET, to media@axiomspace.com. More details to follow for participants. The event will be livestreamed on axiomspace.com.
Launch Webcast Begins
Sunday, May 21 at 2:10 p.m. ET
The webcast will follow the journey of the four-person, multinational Ax-2 crew from crew walkout to liftoff from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s KSC in Florida at 5:37 p.m. ET. It will continue until roughly 15 minutes after launch with stunning views of the spacecraft traveling to the ISS. Watch live at axiomspace.com.
Post-Launch Press Conference
Sunday, May 21, at approximately 7:00 p.m. ET (targeted one and a half hours following launch)
Leadership from Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX will participate in a post-launch media briefing to provide an update on the launch and mission operations.
Participants include:
Matt Ondler, chief technology officer, Axiom Space
Joel Montalbano, manager, International Space Station Program, NASA
Benji Reed, Senior director, Human Spaceflight Programs, SpaceX
This briefing is a media teleconference. Media must register to participate in this briefing. Please RSVP by Friday, May 19, by 12:00 p.m. ET, to media@axiomspace.com. More details to follow for participants. The event will be livestreamed on axiomspace.com.
Docking Coverage Begins
Monday, May 22
7:30 a.m. ET – Webcast resumes
9:24 a.m. ET – Docking
11:13 a.m. ET – Hatch opening
11:45 a.m. ET – Crew welcome ceremony
The Ax-2 webcast will resume approximately two hours in advance of the Ax-2 crew and SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docking with the ISS. Watch the crew arrive at the ISS live at axiomspace.com, NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website. The Ax-2 webcast will cover events as the crew docks to the ISS and is greeted by NASA’s Expedition Crew for the arrival ceremony. This will begin their mission on the orbiting laboratory conducting science, education, and commercial activities.
This advisory will be updated as times are confirmed for events related to mission operations.
The window to submit media credentials has closed. Reporters who have been approved for credentials will receive notice and further guidance from Axiom Space.
This advisory will be updated with more information regarding media opportunities as updates occur.
Follow along for mission updates with #Ax2 on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.