Ax-2 Mission to Inspire the Next Generation of Space Explorers through STEAM Outreach

Credit: Nanoracks | Liquid Fireworks Flight Hardware

During Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), the crew will dedicate time engaging with students, educators, and the public about the importance of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM). The Ax-2 crew will conduct a series of science investigations and demonstrations while working with students on Earth, including through amateur radio, a student art competition from space, educational kits, and engaging in student-led projects with universities like MIT.

The Ax-2 crew hopes to inspire youth around the world to pursue opportunities in space and educate them through STEAM demonstrations while aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)

ARISS inspires students worldwide to pursue interests and careers in STEAM through amateur radio contact opportunities with the crew on the ISS. The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of STEAM topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forums.

During Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), the crew will conduct ISS HAM Radio contacts with students around the world utilizing ARISS. Every ARISS amateur radio connection with an on-board astronaut is a hands-on experiment for the youth, educators, and public that participate. Prior to the event, the students research and learn about space, space technologies, Earth observation from space, ISS orbits, wireless technology, and radio science. Through research and communications with the crew on ISS, students will learn firsthand what it is like to live and work in space.

DreamUp Education Kits
In collaboration with the Saudi Space Commission and Nanoracks

DreamUp provides space-based educational programs to learners and educators around the globe. During the Ax-2 mission, DreamUp, in collaboration with the Saudi Space Commission and Nanoracks, will fly three experiments to be conducted in microgravity to educate students. These visual experiments will demonstrate differences in fluid behavior on Earth and in microgravity, explore the aerodynamic behavior of different kite shapes on the ISS, and showcase the effects of the external environment of space has on the available modes of heat transfer. During a live event with the Saudi crew, thousands of students across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tuning in from home and 47 official event viewing sites will participate in ground-based experiments on Earth to gather comparison data with custom-built DreamKits and, in the case of Space Kites, the general public can gather their own data using household materials and instructions provided by DreamUp and the Saudi Space Commission.

Liquid Fireworks

During Ax-2, there will be a “liquid fireworks” payload that will aim to demonstrate differences in fluid behavior on Earth and space through a visual experiment that students will recreate on the ground. In low-gravity environments, the fluids of differing viscosities and polarity will produce different results than on Earth. To execute this experiment, the Saudi crew will inject fluids and mix components into a custom-designed apparatus designed by Nanoracks.

Space Kite

The Space Kites payload aims to explore the aerodynamic behavior of kites in a microgravity environment. Three kites of different shapes will be fixed to a fan on the ISS and their movement will be tracked. The Saudi crew will host a live event with the students during which they will take videos of the experiment to share with thousands of students on the ground as part of the Saudi education outreach program in collaboration with DreamUp. Students will replicate the experiment on Earth and learn about aerodynamics. Analysis on the ground will be performed to compare the kites’ performance in space and on Earth.

Credit: DreamUp | Student Kit

Credit: Nanoracks | Flight Hardware

Heat Transfer

This experiment will demonstrate the effects of the external environment of space on heat transfer by monitoring the heat transfer of a wire as it heats and cools. Students will compare how heat transfer of the experiment on the ISS differs from control experiments that students will perform on Earth. Within special hardware, crew will take videos and perform a live event while conducting the experiment, which will be replicated by students on Earth. The heat transfer payload will mimic the external environment of space by maintaining a vacuum on the heated wire to showcase the difference in the modes of heat transfer available in space in comparison to Earth.

Credit: Nanoracks | Flight hardware

Humanity United with MIT Art and Nanotechnology (HUMANS)
In collaboration with the MIT Space Exploration Initiative

When The Golden Record was sent out on Voyager spacecraft to portray Earth for extraterrestrials in 1977, it told a story of the diversity of lives and cultures on our home planet. Today, after a pandemic that hit all of us around the globe, ongoing conflicts and wars all around our planet, humanity needs unity more than ever. We wish to send a new "Record of Our Voices" to the ISS. This time, the story is not for extraterrestrials, but for us.    

HUMANS is an MIT student-led project that combines art and nanotechnology for increasing global representation in space. HUMANS has created a record of voices from people all around the world in their native languages, sharing their thoughts on the meaning of space for themselves and humanity. Inspired by The Golden Record, a six-inch silicon wafer has     been etched using cutting-edge MIT nanotechnology and will be launched up to the ISS on Ax-2. Separately, a smaller 2" version will travel the surface of the Moon with the MIT Space Exploration Initiative’s “To The Moon To Stay” program. HUMANS creates a symbolic avenue for space access worldwide and emphasizes how space should remain a “space" for everyone. For more information, visit https://humans.mit.edu

Credit: MIT Space Exploration Initiative

Student Space Art and Poetry Contest

During Ax-2, student art and poetry will take center stage with the Space Art and Poetry Contest, hosted by Ax-2 pilot John Shoffner. Over 900 students from 26 countries showcased vivid color and curiosity, taking us on a journey into space as they envision it. Two representatives from each age division, one art and one poetry, will receive special recognition LIVE from the ISS on the Ax-2 mission. John’s story is one that proves dreams never fade and creativity knows no limits. For more information, visit www.spaceartcontest.com.

Ax-2 Mission to Expand Microgravity Research to Combat Human Disease

First time bioprinted solid tissue constructs to be sent to the International Space Station and induced pluripotent stem cells to be manufactured in space 

Credit: WFIRM

Microgravity allows researchers to study the behavior of cells and tissues in a unique environment, which can lead to new insights and medical breakthroughs in combating disease. For the Ax-2 mission, Axiom Space is working with the University of Connecticut, Eascra Biotech, Cedars-Sinai, and the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) to learn more about how microgravity affects stem cells and thick tissue constructs. Their research will provide valuable insights into detecting diseases and developing therapies for people on Earth. Among the experiments flying on Ax-2 are bioengineered liver and kidney tissue constructs, which will assess the impact of microgravity on the vascularization of thick tissues, which could help create a solution for patients in need of organ transplants. 

Space Tissue and Regeneration 
In collaboration with WFIRM and the RegenMed Development Organization (ReMDO) 

During the Ax-2 mission, WFIRM will make history when sending the first bioprinted solid tissue constructs to the International Space Station (ISS). The Ax-2 crew will evaluate the vascularization of thick tissue in microgravity and the effectiveness of this platform technology for other tissue types. 

Previous research on ISS using cells in low-Earth orbit included both 2D and small 3D cultures. The prior experiments have shown that cells exposed to microgravity undergo both genetic and functional changes, including increased motility and proliferation. Studying these larger tissue constructs during Ax-2 will help inform the researchers not only with regards to how the liver and kidney cells respond, but also as to how an endothelial coating of blood vessel cells will react to the microgravity environment.  

To prepare for launch, liver and kidney tissue constructs will be bioprinted independently. To assist in the maturation of the tissues, samples will be placed on flow, continuously exposed to perfused media for five days prior to launch. They will then be placed in transparent cell-culture containers that provide a closed system in which to grow the cells while in orbit. 

While the research is taking place on the ISS, WFIRM research associates will be monitoring a duplicate set of samples on Earth as ground control and will undergo the same processes as those on the ISS.  

While the primary focus for the team is on creating tissue constructs that can be used as a bridge to transplantation, these tissue constructs can also be used as a model system for human disease and testing potential new therapies, as well as for studying health effects and developing potential countermeasures for astronauts who spend a significant amount of time in space. 

DNA Nano Therapeutics  
In collaboration with University of Connecticut, Eascra Biotech, and Advanced Solutions Life Sciences (ASLS) 

Arthritis currently affects one in four adults in the US, and this number is rapidly increasing. To address this problem, Eascra Biotech has collaborated with Dr. Yupeng Chen and his team at the University of Connecticut to develop a DNA-inspired Janus Base nanomaterial (JBN). This versatile material can be easily assembled to produce a range of products with multiple therapeutic applications, including a new type of nanotube (JBNt), a room temperature-stable mRNA therapeutic delivery platform (JBNp), and an injectable matrix (JBNm) for cartilage repair and regeneration. Early studies on Earth have shown promising results for both JBNp and JBNm. 

Dr. Chen and the Eascra team plan to conduct two experiments on Ax2, focusing on the formation of the foundational nanotube (JBNt) and the injectable matrix (JBNm). JBNp is planned to be produced at a later date after the Ax-2 mission has concluded aboard ISS using a handheld sonicator, and UV-vis spectrophotometer developed by Advanced Solutions Life Sciences. Validation of tools and initial manufacturing parameters in the precursor missions will inform future expanded in-space manufacturing missions. UV spectrophotometer data used initially for in-situ analysis during proof-of-concept studies, can also be incorporated into future in-line production measurement. 

As InSPA awardees, they aim to accelerate their market entry and contribute to the development of the low Earth orbit (LEO) economy. Leveraging microgravity for rapid product optimization and greater uniformity, they hope to identify compelling science and business use cases that demonstrate the efficacy of the space environment for commercial purposes. Their goal is to establish strong working partnerships with both commercial entities and government agencies, and they intend to collaborate with Axiom Space and other partners to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for in-space product development and production manufacturing of commercial-grade nanomaterials for future therapeutic applications on Earth. 

This is the team's first mission, and Axiom Space is contributing to the NASA-funded In-Space Production Applications project through the Ax-2 mission. 

Credit: University of Connecticut 

Stellar Stem Cells  
In collaboration with Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute at Cedars-Sinai 

During Ax-2, the crew will conduct research to explore whether microgravity can make it easier and more efficient to produce large batches of stem cells. This is the first of a series of missions supported by Axiom Space, for the first time, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) will be manufactured in space by astronauts. 

The Ax-2 crew will grow the stem cells on the ISS to see whether microgravity has any impact on the way the cells divide, as well as their ability to take up DNA. Subsequent missions will conduct the full iPSC production process.

An induced pluripotent stem cell is a very powerful type of cell that has been reprogrammed from an adult cell to go back in time to a powerful state of “pluripotency,” in which the cell can be turned into nearly any cell type found in the human body. Once in this state, it can then be developed into models of disease and used for tailored treatments. 

However, one of the main issues with producing iPSCs on Earth may involve gravity-induced tension, which makes it hard for cells to expand and grow. In a low-gravity environment, this stress may no longer present a barrier, potentially making it easier for stem cells to multiply faster. 

Credit: Cedars-Sinai 

Update: As of June 13th 2023, the Saudi Space Commission (SSC) is now known as the Saudi Space Agency (SSA)

ISS Training: Emergency Simulations

One of the most critical aspects of training for an astronaut is preparing for any situation that could arise while living aboard the International Space Station (ISS), including various emergency situations If the Ax-2 crew experiences an emergency during the time they will be on the ISS, the space station's Expedition crew will take the lead on these efforts. However, the Ax-2 crew must know how to keep themselves safe and be able to safely egress (exit) and undock their spacecraft from the space station if needed.  

The culmination of this training is known as Emergency Simulations. During these simulations, the Ax-2 crew members take what they have learned in a classroom and mockup-based training and put it to the test during a series of simulated ISS emergencies. The astronauts are in NASA’s ISS mockups while a team of instructors surprise them with a scenario such as a fire, cabin depressurization, or a toxic leak into the ISS atmosphere.  

The Ax-2 crew, led by famed astronaut Peggy Whitson, mastered these trainings highlighting their preparedness and readiness for their upcoming mission.  

Much of training is preparation, repetition, and building great teamwork. Over months of training the Ax-2 crew has been working together towards a common goal and adapting to each crew member's abilities to ensure mission success. 

Commander Whitson has served as a mentor to the Ax-2 crew preparing them for their first space mission. From mission operations to ISS Maintenace, Whitson, a two-time ISS Commander, is ensuring her crew’s success.  

Months of astronaut training with a top-rated training team has prepared the Ax-2 crew for their short-duration mission to the International Space Station. Practicing in the life-sized ISS mockup, reviewing procedures, enacting scenarios, and countless tests, help ensure their preparation.  

ISS Training: Capturing the mission

Images from space have inspired and educated millions. From Earthrise in 1968, taken during the Apollo 8 mission, to Earth observations taken from the International Space Station, space imagery has played a vital role in outreach and scientific efforts. Capturing still imagery, videos, and live events are essential to dynamic operations such as spacewalks and visiting vehicles, and in help astronauts share the unique views of Earth and space that can only be captured from the orbiting laboratory.   

The Ax-2 crew is training with various cameras and software, learning the photography and videography equipment they will find onboard the space station. This training will enable them to accurately use the unique configurations for each type of camera for many types of imagery to document their time and capture research imagery onboard the ISS, among other events.  Additionally, there are many locations aboard the ISS in which the Ax-2 crew will find themselves taking still images and videos, namely the Cupola, with its seven windows.  

Understanding what each unique piece of ISS hardware and software can do ensures the mission's success, with each Ax-2 crew member’s having different objectives. During Ax-2, the crew will capture imagery of scientific research, Earth observation studies, and document educational events, and record STEAM demonstrations from space. The astronauts train to conduct live streams as well, operating equipment for space-to-ground communications, such as media interviews, STEAM demonstrations for schoolchildren, and engaging with a myriad of academic and community organizations. They must know photography techniques for each kind of on-orbit event that is scheduled on their mission timeline.   

Ax-2 Mission to Increase Knowledge on Stem Cell Behavior in Space

Experiments to build a better life on Earth by using microgravity to help prevent or treat a wide range of diseases

Photo Courtesy of Danielle Lewis and the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego.

Our cells change as we age, which can lead to abnormal function and catalyze disease. It can take years for researchers to conduct studies on age-related stressors and disease progression on Earth. Space provides a unique environment that allows scientists to speed up this process and gain new insights into aging, leading to implications for the treatment of cancer and other age-related diseases on Earth.   

As part of the research activities taking place on the Ax-2 mission, Axiom Space is partnering with the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at the University of California San Diego to conduct two experiments that aim to increase our knowledge of how stem cells behave in space with the hope of identifying potential treatments for drug-resistant cancers and inflammatory diseases in the future. The Ax-2 crew will be the first to test treatments for human cancer in a space lab.

Through the Cancer in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) experiment, the Ax-2 crew will study prospective therapies for colorectal and breast cancers by testing countermeasure drugs on the International Space Station. This effort contributes to the goal of creating cellular models to predict and detect the development of cancer. Identifying early warning signs of cancer could lead to quicker intervention and potentially prevent disease progression. The experiment will feature an iteration of science previously flown on the Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Modeling Tumor Organoids in LEO (2022), that showed a tripling size of organoids and activation of ADAR1 – an RNA editing enzyme that allows cancer cells to clone themselves and evade the immune system.

The Space Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging (SASHA) experiment evaluates DNA- and RNA-editing enzymes involved in mutations that may be related to the development of cancer. As part of the study, samples will be collected from astronauts before, during, and after spaceflight, to understand how the unique space environment affects blood stem cell behavior and immune dysregulation in spaceflight. 

The findings from these experiments could inform the development of predictive models for cancer and immune dysfunction-related diseases, which could have implications for space exploration and terrestrial health care. The results could also lead to the development of new drugs that could help to prevent or treat a wide range of diseases that are currently difficult to treat, such as relapsed cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Preparing Food in Space

Food Selection 

Preparing food in the unique conditions imparted by microgravity and selecting foods to appropriately meet nutritional needs is an important part of astronaut training. Not only is eating an integral part of each individual astronaut's physical well-being, it is also vital for their mental well-being. This is because the selection of appropriate food products can function to maintain crew morale while providing an opportunity to share cultural traditions.   

Axiom Space has worked with the Ax-2 crew members during food-tasting sessions to inform crew preferences and address their individual dietary requirements. Axiom Space's food scientist selected various commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) food products, like nutrition bars, candies, snacks, and shelf-stable entrées, and prepared samples of these products for the tasting sessions. The goal of these sessions was focused on examining food products in terms of overall flavor, texture, aroma, and other product-specific attributes. The entrées selected for these sessions are Halal-certified and were sourced by Axiom Space’s food scientist to meet the centric dietary requirements of several of the crewmembers.  

The Axiom Space food scientist implements these procedures to address how food may taste in space, since many former astronauts have said that food often tastes different or bland when in orbit. This is primarily due to how the reduced gravity environment impacts the fluids in an astronaut's body, while also affecting their sense of taste and smell.    

The sensory acceptability data gathered by Axiom Space's food scientist enables the team to develop a path to simultaneously provide an acceptable nutritional profile while also ensuring that the food is enjoyable to the crew.   

Preparing Food in Space 

We've come a long way from the early days of space travel when NASA's Mercury astronauts mostly ate food from tubes and in cubes. Today's modern astronauts consume food that smells and tastes like home-cooked meals. The crew of Ax-2 worked with a food scientist to develop meals and snacks that meet each individual's nutritional needs and to ensure that the food provided would be something they enjoyed eating during the mission.   

Astronaut food is specially prepared, processed, and packaged for microgravity conditions that can withstand space travel. During astronaut training, the Ax-2 crew learns how to prepare meals when exposed to the unique conditions experienced during flight and while on the International Space Station (ISS).  

On the ISS, astronauts use the "galley" as the primary area to prepare and consume food. Most space food comes in flexible packaging or cans to minimize up-mass volume and maintain the quality of the food. Astronauts use hook-and-loop fasteners, to affix food to surfaces and ensure it doesn't float away during mealtimes.   

Space food is processed in a way so that it does not require refrigeration. As a result, it is ready to eat and easy to prepare. Some food and snacks can be eaten right out of the package, or in their natural form, like fruit and nuts. Other meals, like pasta, may require adding water from a rehydration station on the ISS. Crew members can also heat the food product in a food warmer, which, in addition to the process of rehydration, may take 20 to 30 minutes. 

Watch the Science on the Mission Press Conference

Today, Axiom Space hosted a virtual press conference with the company’s in-space manufacturing and science team, the Saudi Space Commission, and select principal investigators representing the more than 20 different experiments that will be conducted during Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2).

During the press conference, leaders highlighted the science research, technology demonstrations, and in-space manufacturing projects that will occur on the mission, as well as touched upon Axiom Station and the future of in-space solutions. The speakers included:

• Dr. Lucie Low, Chief Scientist, Axiom Space

• Jana Stoudemire, Director of In-Space Manufacturing, Axiom Space  

• Mishaal Ashemimry, Microgravity Research Lead, Saudi Space Agency

• Mari Anne Snow, Chief Executive Office, Eascra Biotech

• Dr. Clive Svendsen, Executive Director of Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai

• Dr. Catriona Jamieson, Director, Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center at UC San Diego Health

• Dr. Anthony Atala, Director, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine

• Dava Newman, Director, MIT Media Lab

Ax-2 is now targeted to launch to the International Space Station NET May 8 at 10:43 p.m. EDT aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Ax-2 Crew Participates in Centrifuge Training

To break through the Earth's atmosphere and travel to space, astronauts must travel very fast. An essential part of human spaceflight training is experiencing and familiarizing astronauts with the physical feeling of g-forces – the rapid acceleration and heavy pull of gravity on a human’s body.  

The Ax-2 crew trained in a human centrifuge to simulate the various phases of spaceflight, including the gravitation forces, called g-forces, that will be experienced during launch and the crew’s return to Earth. Testing the reaction and tolerance of astronauts and how gravity affects the body in multiple ways is vital to their training. The crew worked with Axiom Space and SpaceX at the National AeroSpace Training And Research (NASTAR) Center, a state-of-the-art flight simulation facility located in Pennsylvania. 

Watch the Ax-2 Mission Overview Press Conference

Today Axiom Space hosted a virtual press conference with NASA, SpaceX, and the Saudi Space Commission to provide an overview of Axiom Mission (Ax-2), the second all private mission to the International Space Station.  

During the press conference, CEO and President of Axiom Space Michael Suffredini announced Ax-2 is now targeted to launch to the ISS NET May 8 at 10:43 p.m. EDT aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

During the event, the leaders provided a high-level review of mission operations and objectives to officially kick off major media efforts for the upcoming Ax-2 mission. The speakers included:

• Michael Suffredini, CEO & President of Axiom Space  

• Peggy Whitson, Ax-2 Commander, and Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space 

• Mishaal Ashemimry, Microgravity Research Lead for the Saudi Space Commission 

• Angela Hart, Commercial LEO Development Program Manager at NASA 

• Joel Montalbano, International Space Station Program Manager at NASA 

• Sarah Walker, Director of Dragon Mission Management at SpaceX

Follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #Ax2.  

Science Research on Ax-2 to Build Better Life on Earth

Sprite observed near French Caledonia, 15 April 2022 08:32:54.48 UT. | Credit: Eytan Stibbe/Rakia Mission/ILAN-ES Science Team

Among the more than 20 experiments that will be conducted on Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), Axiom Space has partnered with the Rakia Mission, Cosmic Shielding Corporation, and King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, in collaboration with the Saudi Space Commission and Nanoracks, to advance physical science research aboard the International Space Station (ISS). These experiments will help us better understand atmospheric activity, protection against space radiation, and how weather modification works in low-gravity conditions.

Imaging of Lightning and Nocturnal Emissions from Space
In collaboration with the Rakia Mission

During Ax-2, a night-time experiment will image thunderstorms, lightning, and transient luminous events (TLEs) that occur at high altitudes above thunderstorms, which are a marker of severe weather and extremely powerful lightning,

All kinds of electrical events take place in Earth’s upper atmosphere. This experiment engages students in different places on Earth to take pictures of lightning and natural phenomena, while the same observations are occurring on the ISS.  

Sprites, or red sprites, are discharges that take place in the mesosphere (~50-100km above sea level) and occur above thunderstorm clouds all over the planet. They can look like huge carrots, columns, and jellyfish and are sometimes preceded by sprite-haloes, brief oval-shaped emissions of red light.

ELVES (“Emission of Light and Very Low Frequency perturbations due to Electromagnetic Pulse Sources” ) are reddish, ultra-fast bursts of electricity and are ring-shaped that can spread to more than 185 miles (300 kilometers) wide.

Copyright: DTU Space, TGF: NASA

Collectively sprites, haloes, and ELVES are known as TLEs. They are observed above the center of lightning activity on Earth, and usually accompany very powerful lightning flashes.

Observations of the Earth from space offer unique vantage points to monitor large-scale weather events. The benefit of observing TLEs from space is that this unique view can overcome many limitations of observing these high-altitude events from the ground because it can be often very difficult to have a clear line-of site. Images of weather phenomena from space continue to inform scientists about the Earth’s atmosphere and enable us to better understand changes in climate.

The ILAN-ES (Imaging of Lightning and Nocturnal Emissions from Space) experiment was first conducted in April 2022 as part of the Ax-1 mission, in the framework of Rakia Mission, an Israeli set of experiments selected for flight by the Ramon Foundation. The ILAN-ES objective was to record lightning and TLEs from the ISS, based on preliminary thunderstorm forecasts uploaded to the crew 24-36 hours in advance. During the 12-day mission, a total of 45 TLEs were observed, including red sprites and ELVES.

As part of the science objectives of the mission, the ILAN-ES project was augmented by a wide network of ground-based observations to attempt simultaneous space-ground TLE and lightning observations. TLE detection networks run by citizen scientists conduct optical observations from ground-based cameras operating in central Europe (centered in Hungary and Croatia), the Caribbean (Puerto Rico), and South America. The global coverage offered by the various amateur networks enhances the chance for space-ground detection.

During the Ax-2 mission, schools in Israel, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Hong Kong will be equipped with digital low-light cameras and will attempt to observe thunderstorms at the same time that the ISS observes them from above, thus joining NASA's new "Spritacular" citizen science project (https://spritacular.org/).

A sideways look at an ELVE source produced a couple of minutes later by the same storm. | Eytan Stibbe/Rakia Mission/ILAN-ES Science Team

Multifunctional Shielding Polymer Demo
In collaboration with Cosmic Shielding Corporation

To help us live safely and utilize advanced robotics, artificial intelligence and computing technologies in space, protective shielding must be used to prevent humans and electronics from being harmed from ionizing radiation.

Cosmic Shielding Corporation (CSC) has developed the multifunctional nanocomposite called “Plasteel,” which can protect both electronics and humans from the primary and secondary components of cosmic radiation, solar energetic particles and trapped protons and electrons. CSC's Plasteel has already been tested at particle accelerator facilities on Earth, and the Ax-2 mission will represent the first major on-orbit demonstration of the technology. During the mission, Plasteel will be tested in the internal radiation environment of the ISS to validate the shielding ability of the material and to compare with results seen during ground-based testing. Passive and active radiation detector systems will measure the radiation field behind the shield, which along with the data gained from testing on Earth will accelerate the design of highly effective protection systems for electronics and future crewed space missions.

The Ax-2 mission will also act as a demonstration of a new market-ready shielding product, the Aegis Conformal Shielding System. The Aegis system will provide standard commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic components with resilience and save up to 40 times the mass required for currently available shielding options. 

CSC AEGIS Conformal Shielding

Cloud Seeding in Microgravity
In collaboration with King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Space Commission, and Nanoracks

 What is cloud seeding?

Cloud seeding, or artificial rainmaking, is the process of artificially generating rain by implanting clouds with particles such as silver iodide (AgI) crystals. Cloud seeding has been adopted by many countries to increase precipitation in areas suffering from droughts.

In this experiment, cloud seeding will be examined for the first time in space under microgravity conditions. Moist air and AgI crystals will be mixed in a reaction chamber to examine the possibility of nucleation, where water vapor condenses on AgI crystals to form water droplets.

The outcome of this experiment will help develop weather control technology to generate artificial rain in future human settlements on the Moon and Mars.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Axiom Space Mission Overview and Science on the Mission for Ax-2

Axiom Space, architect of the world’s first commercial space station, will hold two upcoming virtual press conferences to provide an overview of the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) and discuss research on the mission.

First, the mission overview virtual press conference will feature leaders from Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, the Saudi Space Commission to provide a high-level review of mission operations and objectives for the Ax-2 mission.

The following week, the science on the mission virtual press conference, featuring select principal investigators for Ax-2 research, will highlight the more than 20 different experiments crew members will conduct while aboard the space station.

The Ax-2 mission is targeted for launch in early May 2023 and will be the first private space mission to include both private astronauts and astronauts representing foreign governments, as well as the first private mission commanded by a woman. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Ax-2 crew aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once docked, the Axiom Space astronauts plan to spend 10 days 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 national astronaut program.  

Briefings include:

AX-2 MISSION OVERVIEW PRESS CONFERENCE
Thursday, April 6 at 11:00am CT

During this virtual press conference, Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, and the Saudi Space Commission will provide an overview of the Ax-2 mission. The event will provide a high-level review of mission operations and objectives and officially kicks off major media effort for the Ax-2 mission.  

Participants include:

• Michael Suffredini, CEO & President, Axiom Space

• Peggy Whitson, Ax-2 Commander, Axiom Space

• Mishaal Ashemimry, Microgravity Research Lead, Saudi Space Commission

• Angela Hart, Commercial LEO Development Program Manager, NASA

• Joel Montalbano, International Space Station Program Manager, NASA

• Sarah Walker, Director of Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX

This press conference will be held virtually. Media must register to participate in this briefing and must RSVP by 12:00pm CT on April 5.

Register here for the mission overview press conference:
https://axiomspace.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MFpSNDdPQmO2WseLZ1Xorg

SCIENCE ON THE MISSION PRESS CONFERENCE
Tuesday, April 11 at 1:30pm CT

The Axiom Space In-Space Manufacturing and Science Team and select principal investigators will highlight the science research, technology demonstrations, and in-space manufacturing projects that will occur on the Ax-2 mission, as well as touch upon Axiom Station and the future on in-space solutions. 

Participants include:

• Dr. Lucie Low, Chief Scientist, Axiom Space

• Jana Stoudemire, Director of In-Space Manufacturing, Axiom Space  

• Mishaal Ashemimry, Microgravity Research Lead, Saudi Space Agency

• Mari Anne Snow, Chief Executive Office, Eascra Biotech

• Dr. Clive Svendsen, Executive Director of Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai

• Dr. Catriona Jamieson, Director, Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center at UC San Diego Health

• Dr. Anthony Atala, Director, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine

• Dava Newman, Director, MIT Media Lab

This press conference will be held virtually. Media must register to participate in this briefing and must RSVP by 12:00pm CT on April 10.

Register here for the science on the mission press conference: https://axiomspace.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OJkpOADlSTycrUfj5XfI_g

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Reporters unable to attend in person may submit questions by emailing media@axiomspace.com by noon the day before the event. Those wishing to submit a question on social media may do so using #AskAx2

The public can watch the press conferences live at https://www.youtube.com/axiomspace.

Follow along for mission updates with #Ax2 on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and on our website.

Operator Solutions Training assists the Ax-2 crew for anything that could happen during mission

Ax-2 Commander Peggy Whitson is pictured next to aquatic apparatus’ inside the Operator Solutions facility in Melbourne, FL. 

Axiom Space crews train a lot and for any event that could happen. Axiom Space has chosen Operator Solutions as the provider for crew rescue and recovery operations and to serve as operational support during launch. This is to ensure that if the crew experience an anomaly in flight and require support at an off-nominal landing location, they will know what to expect and perform in an efficient and safe manner. Operator Solutions has developed and tested tactics, techniques, and procedures for training, rigging, alert, response, command and control for human spaceflight missions and spacecraft.    

Previous training exercises started with locating the private astronaut crew and spacecraft in the open ocean, initiating the next step of the search and rescue procedures. After airdropping recovery rescue equipment and an inflatable rescue vessel, four pararescue jumpers were airdropped into the recovery zone to prepare their rescue vessel for transport to the crewmembers and spacecraft. In addition, a fully operational Rescue Operations Center — located at the Operator Solutions facilities in Melbourne, FL – monitored and communicated through several critical communications channels, including connectivity to Axiom’s Mission Control Center, personnel at the recovery site, SpaceX, NASA, and ground and air crews. Once the rescue team reached the crewmembers and their spacecraft, helicopter air support hoisted the crewmembers with the pararescue jumpers for transport to a nearby hospital for additional medical support ensuring the health and safety for each crewmember, ending the validation exercise.     

Ax-2 Pilot and STEM advocate John Shoffner meets with colleagues at the Operator Solutions facility in Melbourne, FL. 

While NASA relies on the Department of Defense for rescue support, commercial human spaceflight launches, like ones by Axiom Space, fall outside the parameters of what the Secretary of Defense has agreed to support, therefore leaving Operator Solutions to help fill the void in rescue capabilities. Highly trained rescue specialists from within the Department of Defense as well as medical doctors, human spaceflight experts, and fixed and rotary-wing capable aircrews assist with the training to ensure the crew can handle anything that comes their way.  

Ax-2 Mission to Expand Robust Scientific Research, Biomanufacturing, Technology Demonstrations in Low-Earth Orbit

Applications for future space habitats, cancer research, and biomanufacturing are among investigations headed to the International Space Station on second all-private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory

Axiom Space, a leader in human spaceflight and architect of the world’s first commercial space station, announced today further details on the groundbreaking research planned for the upcoming Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) – including initial studies focused on developing future therapeutic applications, studying immune dysfunction in tumor organoid models that can help to predict and prevent cancer, understanding how commercial spaceflight crew members adapt to microgravity, and exploring how weather modification works in low-gravity conditions.

Axiom Space’s crew of four astronauts will conduct more than 20 different experiments while aboard the space station. Data collected in flight will impact understanding of human physiology on Earth and on orbit, as well as establish the utility of novel technologies that could be used for future human spaceflight pursuits and improving life on Earth.  

Unique to this mission, there is a strong focus on projects developing in-space biomanufacturing applications. Four experiments flying on Ax-2 are part of larger partnerships between Axiom Space and academic and industrial partners to perform proof-of-concept studies for in-space biomanufacturing, which has the potential to address current roadblocks in regenerative medicine, drug development, and technology advancement.

"It is exciting to see the wide range of important research that will be conducted on this mission and to be taking the first steps in developing future in-space manufacturing applications for some of our biomedical products," said Christian Maender, executive vice president of in-space solutions at Axiom Space. "We are pleased to have the opportunity with our private astronaut missions to advance this important work as we build a future commercial space economy. 

Axiom Space’s Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low echoed Maender’s excitement for the science on the mission, “We’re delighted to support these scientific and research and manufacturing projects on the Ax-2 mission, as well as provide opportunities to conduct research in microgravity for partner countries and nations with limited access.” said Low. “The projects flying on this mission will advance the use of low-Earth orbit as a manufacturing platform for technologies that could advance human health on Earth, add to our understanding of health in space, and demonstrate how to best operate safely and effectively on orbit.”

The Ax-2 crew members are Commander Peggy Whitson and Pilot John Shoffner, both from the United States, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Ax-2 crew aboard a Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station no earlier than spring 2023 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 

Select Ax-2 Mission Investigations 

The following are some of the investigations and demonstrations flying on Ax-2, more information will be available on axiomspace/ax2-research.

DNA nano therapeutics in collaboration with University of Connecticut, Eascra Biotech, and Advanced Solutions Life Sciences (ASLS)

DNA inspired Janus-based nanomaterials are biologically inspired nanotubes that can be used for therapeutic mRNA delivery or other therapeutics at room temperature, and as a first-in-kind injectable scaffold for cartilage repair. This project will leverage microgravity to optimize the assembly of DNA-based nanomaterials for multiple therapeutic uses and ultimately develop standards for in-space manufacturing of nanomaterials for a wide range of therapeutic applications. Axiom Space is contributing to the NASA-funded In-Space Production Applications project through the Ax-2 mission.

Stellar stem cells in collaboration with Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute at Cedars-Sinai

This project seeks insights into the impact of microgravity on producing stem cells and stem cell-derived products in space. Using space to evaluate the steps used in terrestrial manufacturing to reprogram skin cells (fibroblasts) into stem cells capable of producing a variety of tissue types (heart, brain, and blood), could support regenerative medicine uses on Earth.  Axiom Space is contributing to the NASA-funded In-Space Production Applications project through the Ax-2 mission.

Cancer in low-Earth orbit in collaboration with Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego

As a follow-on project flown on Ax-1 (Modeling Tumor Organoids), this effort will expand the tumor organoid model to include triple-negative breast cancer cells in order to study immune dysfunction and drug challenge with countermeasures for ADAR1-fueled cancer proliferation and immune evasion: fedratinib and rebecsinib, for the further development of stem cell models that can help predict and prevent cancer. These models can be tools for detection of and therapies for pre-cancer, cancer, and a variety of other diseases on Earth. This project is part of the expanded Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research (ISSCOR) collaboration between the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, JM Foundation, and Axiom Space.

Space tissue and regeneration in collaboration with Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the RegenMed Development Organization (ReMDO)

Bioengineered liver and kidney tissue constructs will be sent to space to assess the impact of microgravity on vascularization of thick tissues. If successful, this platform technology and approach could lead to the in-space bioengineering of ‘building blocks’ of tissue that can serve as a bridge to transplants in patients awaiting a limited supply of donor organs. This project is part of the Axiom Space collaboration with Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the ReMDO to develop an In-Space Biomanufacturing Hub for regenerative medicine. 

Space hematopoietic stem cell aging in collaboration with Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego

In this project, the activity of DNA and RNA-editing enzymes involved in mutations that may be related to development of immune dysfunction-related disease states and cancer will be evaluated by analyzing blood samples taken from the crew before, during, and after spaceflight. This will help better understand changes in editing activity of these enzymes in blood stem cells due to spaceflight. This project is part of the expanded Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Reseach (ISSCOR) collaboration between the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, JM Foundation, and Axiom Space.

mRNA response and stability in Space in collaboration with King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Saudi Space Commission (SSC)   

The set of experiments investigates the inflammatory response of human immune cells in microgravity, specifically the changes in mRNA decay, a process that can turn inflammation off. Moreover, response to therapy is mimicked by utilizing the same cellular model. The crew will take RNA samples for analysis on the ground, where the investigators will monitor RNA expression patterns, and excitedly thousands of mRNA half-lives will be measured. Results could contribute to a better understanding of space health and uncover biomarkers or potential therapies for inflammatory diseases in both Space and Earth. The project is funded by SSC, where one of their astronauts will perform the experiments at the ISS.

Nebula human research biosamples and biodata in collaboration with Nebula Research & Development Company, Keele University, and Weill Cornell Medicine

This portfolio of projects will look at how humans adapt and respond to spaceflight to better understand human physiology in microgravity, which will contribute to our understanding of how to keep humans healthy in space. Projects utilizing novel neuroscience tools include measuring blood flow to the brain and the brain’s electrical activity, assessing intracranial pressure by non-invasive assessment of the pupil of the eye, and monitoring changes in the optic nerve over time. Improved monitoring of neurological health may help make spaceflight safer in the future and allow for the development of rapid, non-invasive monitoring, as well as early interventions and the development of countermeasures. Blood and bio-sample specimens will also be taken to examine multi-omic biomarkers related to spaceflight and also to map changes in the length, structure, and epigenetics of chromosomes and telomeres. This project is in collaboration with the Saudi Space Commission.

TRISH essential measures

The Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) is developing a battery of tests to be completed by the crew that will inform how commercial spaceflight crew members adapt to microgravity and how countermeasures can be developed to keep crew healthy and enable peak performance during missions. This battery of tests will include physical assessments, questionnaires, taking biological samples from the crew, and wearing devices that sense and measure physiological responses to spaceflight. The tests will be analyzed to determine how quickly and how well crew adapt to moving in space, study how the eye changes during spaceflight, how well the crew can perform cognitively demanding tasks, and what changes the body undergoes in microgravity. Measurements will be added to TRISH’s EXPAND (Enhancing eXploration Platforms and ANalog Definition) program, which seeks to increase understanding of human health and performance through data collected from commercial spaceflight participants.

Gravity loading countermeasure in collaboration with MIT

The Gravity Loading Countermeasure Skinsuit is an intravehicular activity suit for astronauts that has been developed to simulate some of the effects of Earth’s gravity and mitigate some of the physiological effects of microgravity, including spinal elongation, muscle atrophy, and sensorimotor changes. This wearable system is intended to supplement exercise during future missions to the Moon and Mars and to further attenuate microgravity induced physiological effects in future low-Earth orbit mission scenarios. The purpose of this study is to characterize the Skinsuit and its physiological effects on a short-duration low-Earth orbit mission.

Multifunctional shielding polymer demo in collaboration with Cosmic Shielding Corporation

A newly developed polymer nanocomposite, commercially known as Plasteel, is being tested for its ability to protect against space radiation, which consists of heavy charged particles and secondary photons, electrons, and neutrons. During the Ax-2 mission, the newly developed nanocomposite will be tested in the internal radiation environment of the ISS to validate the shielding ability of the material for both electronics and future astronauts. CSC's Plasteel has been tested at particle accelerator facilities on Earth, and this mission will represent the first major on-orbit demonstration of the technology.

Cloud seeding in microgravity in collaboration with King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Space Commission, and Nanoracks

Cloud seeding is the process of artificially generating rain by implanting clouds with particles such as silver iodide (AgI) crystals. Cloud seeding has been adopted by many countries to increase precipitation in areas suffering from droughts. In this experiment, cloud seeding will be examined for the first time in space under microgravity conditions. Moist air and AgI crystals will be mixed in a reaction chamber to examine the possibility of nucleation, where water vapor condenses on AgI crystals to form water droplets.  The outcome of this experiment will help develop weather control technology to generate artificial rain in future human settlements on the Moon and Mars.

Imaging of Lightning and Nighttime Electrical Phenomena from Space (ILAN-ES) in collaboration with the Rakia Mission

This night-time experiment will image thunderstorms, lightning, and transient luminous events (TLEs) known as sprites, blue jets, and elves. These electrical phenomena occur at high altitudes above thunderstorms and are a marker of severe weather and extremely powerful lightning, called superbolts. By taking video images from the ISS Cupola, the interactions between the upper and lower atmosphere can be studied. Observations from space will be augmented by ground-based observations conducted by international research groups and schoolchildren in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Axiom Space communication systems technical demonstration

The Axiom Space Communications System payload will develop and test alternative ways for onboard communication to be used with a type of mobile device. This test will potentially allow crew members more flexibility to communicate with mission control and loved ones on the ground.

Axiom Space imagery processing and collection 

Axiom Space is investigating the use of an automatic, wireless transfer application tool for downlinking imagery. This demonstration will provide insight on the feasibility and efficiency of this tool for future use on Axiom Station to reduce crew time and ground time on image transferring, allowing the crew and ground more time to focus on science and outreach.

Stowage Tracking & Inventory Intelligent Video System (STIIVS)

Axiom Space’s STIIVS uses computer vision to identify and track items for inventory management, stowage location tracking, and associated analytics. Results could provide insight into the feasibility and efficiency of this tool for use on Axiom Habitation Module 1 (AxH1) once it is attached to the ISS.

Odor visualization in collaboration with Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS)

JAMSS Odor Visualization is a tech demo developed by JAMSS that will use two QCM (quartz crystal microbalance) sensors to detect odors in a low-Earth orbit pressurized environment. The data collected will then be used to visualize the detected odors and could improve the quality of life for space travelers with future applications.

DreamUp DreamKits in collaboration with Nanoracks

The STEM-focused experiments are conducted in microgravity to educate students on the unique environment of the Space Station. These three visual experiments will demonstrate differences in fluid behavior on Earth and in microgravity, explore the aerodynamic behavior of different kite shapes on the ISS, and show effects of the vacuum of space on heat transfer. Students across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will participate in ground-based experiments on Earth to gather comparison data with custom-built kits and, in the case of Space Kites, the general public can gather their own data using household materials and instructions provided by DreamUp. This project is in collaboration with the Saudi Space Commission.

Axiom Space and its partners will be releasing more details on the research conducted on Ax-2 in the weeks to come, here: axiomspace.com/ax2-research.

Ax-2 Pilot John Shoffner Hosts Student Art Competition From Space

During the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) students art will take a center stage with the Space Art Contest, hosted by Ax-2 pilot John Shoffner. 

Shoffner is a life-long space enthusiast. At 8-years-old, he formed a young astronauts club with his friends in his hometown of Middlesboro, Kentucky. While space was his first passion, it didn’t make for a widely accepted career, so he took a more traditional route. Despite finding success in the fiber optic telecommunications industry, John’s wild ambition to become an astronaut never escaped him. In fact, he held onto a painting he created at 10 years old of an astronaut floating in space.

Little did he know that painting would later accompany him to the International Space Station (ISS) and inspire a global art contest. Now, John is asking students ages 5-18, "What would it look like if we lived in space?" With the help of a teacher or guardian, participants are encouraged to submit their most creative drawings, paintings, or poetry to www.spaceartcontest.com.

Submissions will be categorized by age divisions (5-8, 9-13, 14-18) and by genre (visual art and poetry). Students from around the world will have the chance to showcase vivid color and curiosity as they take us on a journey into space as they envision it. Two representatives from each age division, one art and one poetry, will receive special recognition LIVE from the ISS on Axiom’s Ax-2 mission.

John’s story is one that proves dreams never fade and creativity knows no limits. For more information, visit www.spaceartcontest.com

Ax-2 crew completes Human Exploration Research Analog mission

The Ax-2 crew members - Whitson, Shoffner, Barnawi, and AlQarni - inside of the HERA habitat.

To simulate their 12 days in space, the crew of Ax-2 participated in the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA), a training program designed to push people to the extremes and intended to prepare this team for their mission to orbit.  

Ax-2 crew members spent about a week inside the HERA habitat, a unique 650-square-foot three-story structure at NASA Johnson Space Center. The habitat serves as a ground-based analog for isolation, confinement, and remote conditions in exploration scenarios. 

As part of HERA, the Axiom Space Mission Integration and Operations (MI&O) team planned a space mission similar to what the crew will experience on Ax-2. Focused on completing several key objectives, crew members worked on completing tasks on their timeliness and trained on equipment and procedures they will be using when they visit the International Space Station. The crew worked through emergency scenarios and participated in team-building exercises ahead of their historic mission.   

As a big focus of the mission is on inspiring students and STEAM engagement; the crew was excited to be part of a live outreach event speaking directly with the children of Axiom Space employees who asked curious questions about space and life as an astronaut.  

The Ax-2 crew members - (left to right) John Shoffner, Rayyanah Barnawi , Peggy Whitson and Ali AlQarni - inside of the HERA habitat.

Ax-2 commander Peggy Whitson

Ax-2 mission specialist Rayyanah Barnawi

Ax-2 pilot, John Shoffner, and Ax-2 commander, Peggy Whitson, inside of the HERA habitat.

The Ax-2 astronauts took questions from children of Axiom Space employees during the HERA mission.

A young girl, daughter to an Axiom Space employee, asks the Ax-2 astronauts a question while they participate in the HERA mission.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit the Axiom Space store at merch.axiomspace.com to purchase Ax-2 merchandise.

Axiom Space Announces Ax-2 Crew, Second All-Private Mission to Space Station

Commercial space leader Axiom Space today announced the full crew complement for Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), the second all-private mission to the International Space Station (ISS).  

Axiom Space's Ax-2 Crew - (from left to right) Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, Mission Specialist Ali AlQarni and Mission Specialist Rayyanah Barnawi.

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 national astronaut program.  

NASA and its ISS partners recently approved the Ax-2 crew, clearing a major milestone for the four-person multi-national team to travel to the orbiting laboratory.  

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 10 days aboard the orbiting laboratory implementing a full mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. The mission is targeted for launch in the spring of 2023 and will be the first private space mission to include both private astronauts and astronauts representing foreign governments, as well as the first private mission commanded by a woman. 

“Axiom Space’s second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station cements our mission of expanding access to space worldwide and supporting the growth of the low-Earth orbit economy as we build Axiom Station,” said Michael Suffredini, president and CEO of Axiom Space. “Ax-2 moves Axiom Space one step closer toward the realization of a commercial space station in low-Earth orbit and enables us to build on the legacy and achievements of the ISS, leveraging the benefits of microgravity to better life on Earth.” 

Ax-2 Commander Peggy Whitson 

Whitson will become the first female commander of a private space mission, adding to her prior accomplishments, including as NASA’s chief astronaut and the first female commander of the ISS. In addition, she will add to her standing record for the longest cumulative time in space of any astronaut in the history of the U.S. space program.  

“I’m honored to be heading back to the ISS for the fourth time, leading this talented Ax-2 crew on their first mission,” said Whitson. “This is a strong and cohesive team determined to conduct meaningful scientific research in space and inspire a new generation about the benefits of microgravity. It’s a testament to the power of science and discovery to unify and build international collaboration.” 

Ax-2 Pilot John Shoffner 

Shoffner, a pioneering businessman, aviator, and STEM advocate, has always had an interest in space, the stars, and aviation. He formed a young astronauts club with his friends as a child while following the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions and is a powerful advocate for science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education. He has continued to pursue flying, becoming a pilot at the age of 17 and has since amassed more than 8,500 flight hours, holding ratings for multiple aircraft types. He is a competitive athlete in a variety of sports and founded his own motorsports team, J2-Racing.  

"I'm excited for the opportunity to fly aboard Ax-2 with this talented crew, illustrating the importance of access to space for all," said Shoffner. "It will be my pleasure to share this experience with students and educators around the world with hopes to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, artists, musicians, and space pioneers."  

Ax-2 Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi 

Mission Specialists AlQarni and Barnawi, representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will be the first Saudi astronauts to visit the ISS. This mission represents a return to human spaceflight for Saudi Arabia and will make KSA the first nation not part of the official International Space Station partnership to have two astronauts aboard the ISS at the same time. While 263 people from 20 countries have visited the ISS, KSA will become only the sixth nation to have two national astronauts simultaneously working aboard the orbiting laboratory.   

In the official release shared by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announcing the two Saudi astronauts on the Ax-2 mission, it stated, “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.” 

The KSA signed an agreement with Axiom Space in September of 2022 to fly two astronauts to space from the Saudi Space Commission as mission specialists on Ax-2.  

Axiom Space Astronaut Training 

Axiom Space is the commercial space industry’s only full-service orbital mission provider conducting end-to-end crewed missions for private astronauts, both private individuals and those representing foreign governments.  Axiom Space's broad range of services – in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX – 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 Space's rigorous training curriculum over many months in preparation to live and conduct meaningful work in space. The expert team at Axiom Space is helping nations and organizations build human spaceflight programs, develop astronaut selection programs, and provide the expertise needed to expand the international community of space explorers to a larger and more diverse representation of humanity.  

The first private astronaut mission to the ISS, Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), launched April 8, 2022, with four private astronauts who spent 17 days in orbit working on 26 science payloads aboard the station and conducting more than 30 STEAM educational and public outreach engagements. The crew splashed down off the coast of Florida on April 25, 2022, to conclude the historic mission. 

Private astronaut missions to the ISS are a precursor to Axiom Station, the world’s first private space station, part of NASA’s efforts to develop a thriving low-Earth orbit ecosystem and commercial marketplace.  

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Returns to Space by Sending a Male and Female Astronaut to the International Space Station

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued the following press release:

Riyadh, 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).

NASA, Space Station Partners Approve Ax-2, Axiom Space Private Mission Crew

NASA and its international partners have approved the crew for Axiom Space’s second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2).

Axiom Space’s Director of human spaceflight Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut, will lead the privately funded mission. Aviator John Shoffner of Knoxville, Tennessee, will serve as pilot. Two mission specialists will be announced at a later date.

“Ax-2 is another critical step along the journey to Axiom Station, a commercial space station in low-Earth orbit, and demonstrates that a private company can operate human missions together with NASA to carry on the legacy and achievements of the ISS,” said Michael Suffredini, president and CEO of Axiom Space. “Axiom Space’s private astronaut missions help grow the space economy, expand access to space which benefits all of humanity and provides our team with the ideal training needed to build and operate a commercial space station.”

 A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Ax-2 crew aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once docked, the Axiom Space astronauts plan to spend 10 days aboard the orbiting laboratory implementing a full mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. The mission is targeted for launch in the spring of 2023.

Whitson will become the first female commander of a private space mission, adding to her prior accomplishments, including as NASA’s chief astronaut and as the first female commander of the ISS. In addition, she will add to her standing record for the longest cumulative time in space of any astronaut in the history of the U.S. space program.

“I am honored and excited to lead the Ax-2 crew and mission,” Whitson said. “The space station is a vital platform for all types of research. We at Axiom Space are committed to working with NASA to open the door for private citizens to contribute to and advance the groundbreaking research aboard the station, forging the path for us to operate, live and work aboard Axiom Station.”

Shoffner, aviator and businessman, and life-long space enthusiast, has always had an interest in space, the stars, and aviation. He formed a young astronauts club with his friends as a child while following the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions and is a powerful advocate for science, technology engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education. He has continued to pursue flying, becoming a pilot at the age of 17 and has since amassed more than 8,500 flight hours, holding ratings for multiple aircraft types. He is a competitive athlete in a variety of sports and founded his own motorsports team, J2-Racing. 

Axiom Space is the commercial space industry’s only full-service orbital mission provider conducting end-to-end crewed missions for private astronauts.

The first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), launched April 8, 2022, with four private astronauts who spent 17 days in orbit working on 26 science payloads aboard the station and conducting more than 30 STEAM educational and public outreach engagements. The crew splashed down off the coast of Florida on April 25, 2022, to conclude the historic mission.

Private astronaut missions to the ISS are a precursor to Axiom Station, the world’s first private space station, part of NASA’s efforts to develop a thriving low-Earth orbit ecosystem and commercial marketplace.

NASA, Space Station Partners Approve Next Axiom Private Mission Crew

NASA and its international partners have approved the crew for Axiom Space’s second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2).

Axiom Space’s Director of Human Spaceflight and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson will command the privately funded mission. Aviator John Shoffner of Knoxville, Tennessee, will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists will be announced later.

Embed Block

Add an embed URL or code. Learn more