Four men selected to become the first all-private astronaut team ever launched to the International Space Station were strapped into their seats aboard a SpaceX rocket ship on Friday, preparing for a mission hailed as a milestone in commercialized spaceflight.
Washington Post - Axiom and SpaceX launch first all-private mission to International Space Station
A crew comprised entirely of private citizens blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center on a flight to the International Space Station Friday morning, marking yet another milestone in the evolution of human spaceflight and the growth of the commercial space sector.
NBC - Axiom's mission to ISS sets stage for private space station
A company called Axiom is setting the stage for its own private space station. This journey from Earth to the International Space Station in orbit is designed to establish how the Houston company aims to use the ISS as a high-tech construction trailer. Axiom plans to build modules that will eventually become its own private office park. While three crew members have paid $55 million each, Axiom says this is not space tourism but rather a step toward a future with profits for private companies and unknown benefits for humanity.
Axiom Space Launches NFT Marketplace during Historic Ax-1 Mission to ISS
HOUSTON, April 8, 2022 – Axiom Space, a leader in human spaceflight, now building the first commercial space station, announced today the debut of its NFT marketplace ahead of its historic Ax-1 mission to the International Space Station. During the mission, Axiom will initiate the minting of several NFTs from space. Starting today, space fans of all kinds can purchase the first NFT and receive updates ahead of the upcoming drops.
Axiom’s custom NFT marketplace will feature digital artwork associated with the Ax-1 mission. Commander Michael López-Alegría will create a piece from space, representing his own personal experience of the Overview Effect. Mission Specialist Eytan Stibbe, Israeli impact investor and philanthropist, brings an inspirational message of unity, peace, and hope with digital artist Amit Shimoni. Mission Specialist Mark Pathy, a Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, will create digital artwork featuring his personal Ax-1 mission patch, representing pushing one’s own limits. In addition to the crew members personal art, famed artist Michael Kagan, known for his paintings and sculptures of iconic images of space exploration, has created exclusive pieces to commemorate the Ax-1 mission, including an augmented reality 3D spacewalker.
“We’re pleased to debut the official Axiom Space NFTs to the global space community. It has been our mission to make the dream of traveling to space a reality for more of humanity and our digital artwork offering is a first step in getting everyone involved,” said Tejpaul Bhatia, Chief Revenue Officer of Axiom Space. “Axiom’s NFT collection is one of several initiatives to encourage interest in exploring life beyond Earth's orbit while working to make participation in space exploration more accessible.”
Axiom is committed to opening opportunities and expanding access to space exploration to more people, organizations, and institutions around the world. With this in mind, NFT's on Axiom’s marketplace can be purchased through cryptocurrency and traditional fiat currency.
Axiom’s NFTs will be released over the coming days with the first official drop occurring during the Ax-1 crew’s mission. Following the initial release, additional collections will be available throughout the mission and during splashdown when the Ax-1 crew return to Earth.
To purchase the first NFT or to find out more information about Axiom’s NFTs, visit nft.axiomspace.com.
About Axiom Space
Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately developing its successor – a permanent commercial destination in Earth’s orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home. More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com.
Ax-1 Mission Signals Zero-G with Soft Stowaway Caramel the Dog, Mascot for the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation
Those tuning in to Ax-1’s live launch broadcast Friday likely noticed an unexpected guest in the cabin –– a small plush toy that appeared to float mid-air as the crew reached microgravity. The stowaway was Caramel the Dog, the mascot of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Caramel served an important role as the mission’s zero-gravity indicator. Zero-gravity indicators are small items, often stuffed toys, chosen by space crews to provide a clear visual indication that they have reached microgravity.
The Ax-1 crew selected Caramel as their indicator in part because of the mission’s connection to Montreal Children’s Hospital. The Ax-1 crew includes Mission Specialist Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist Mark Pathy, whose research on the space station will include several projects led by the clinician-researchers at Montreal Children’s Hospital and Child Health Research at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. Investigations include research into chronic pain and sleep disturbances during space travel, which are likely to have real world impact.
Pathy will also have a live conversation from space with children at the hospital.
Ax-1 mission launches successfully; 4 private astronauts en route to space station
Courtesy of SpaceX
Axiom Space’s Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), the world’s first all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), launched Friday. The four-person multi-national crew of Ax-1 is now in orbit following an 11:17 a.m. EDT liftoff from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The crew is traveling aboard SpaceX’s Dragon Endeavor spacecraft, which was launched by the company’s Falcon 9 rocket. Dragon Endeavour is anticipated to dock to the space-facing port of the ISS Harmony module around 7:45 a.m. Saturday, April 9. A live webcast on axiomspace.com will begin at 5:30 a.m. for the approach initiation burn.
The Ax-1 crew includes Commander Michael López-Alegría of Spain and the United States, Pilot Larry Connor of the United States, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe of Israel and Mark Pathy of Canada.
During their 10-day mission, the crew members will spend eight days on the ISS conducting more than 25 scientific research and technology demonstrations. This robust portfolio opens more opportunities to scientists and researchers around the globe and will provide vital data in preparation for Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station.
“I first want to congratulate Michael, Larry, Eytan, and Mark. We will usher in a new era in private human spaceflight when they cross the threshold to enter the ISS,” said Michael Suffredini, president and CEO of Axiom Space. “This journey is the culmination of long hours of training, planning, and dedication from the crew and the entire Axiom Space team, our partners at SpaceX, and of course, a credit to NASA’s vision to develop a sustainable presence in low-Earth orbit.”
NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts and Roscosmos cosmonauts already aboard the space station will welcome the Ax-1 crew after docking.
“What a historic launch! Thank you to the dedicated teams at NASA who have worked tirelessly to make this mission a reality,” said Administrator Bill Nelson. “NASA’s partnership with industry through the commercial cargo and crew programs has led our nation to this new era in human spaceflight — one with limitless potential. Congratulations to Axiom, SpaceX, and the Axiom-1 crew for making this first private mission to the International Space Station a reality.”
Follow along for mission updates with #Ax1 on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and on our website.
About Axiom Space
Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately developing its successor – a permanent commercial destination in Earth’s orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home. More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com.
For more information contact:
Bettina Inclán
media@axiomspace.com
International Business Times - First Private Mission Readies For Launch To ISS
The first fully private mission to the International Space Station is set to blast off Friday with a four-member crew from startup company Axiom Space.
The partnership has been hailed by NASA, which sees it as a key step in its goal to commercialize the region of space known as "low Earth orbit," leaving the agency to focus on more ambitious endeavors deeper into the cosmos.
Ax-1 Clears NASA’s Launch Readiness Review, Prepares for Liftoff
Mission managers with NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX have completed the Launch Readiness Review for Axiom’s Ax-1 mission to the International Space Station. The no-earlier-than launch date is targeted for 11:17 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 8, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
A prelaunch news conference followed the Launch Readiness Review. Catch the replay below:
Participants included:
Derek Hassmann, Operations Director, Axiom Space
Dana Weigel, International Space Station Deputy Program Manager, NASA
Angela Hart, Commercial LEO Program Manager, NASA
Benjamin Reed, Senior Director, Human Spaceflight Programs, SpaceX
Brian Cizek, Launch Weather Officer, 45th Weather Squadron, U.S. Space Force
The Ax-1 crew includes Commander Michael López-Alegría of Spain and the United States, Pilot Larry Connor of the United States, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe of Israel and Mark Pathy of Canada. The crew will travel in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and launch on a Falcon 9 rocket.
Weather reports are favorable for launch day at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, though conditions along the ascent corridor continue to be monitored.
Follow along for mission updates on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Ax-1 Mission Timeline
The Ax-1 mission timeline, listing major milestones in the hours leading up to the Ax-1 launch and through hatch opening with the International Space Station, is now available for download.
How to watch the launch
The live coverage of the Ax-1 launch will be a joint effort with Axiom, NASA, and SpaceX. The coverage will follow the journey of the four-person, multinational crew from walkout to liftoff and will continue until roughly 15 minutes after launch.
Axiom and SpaceX will begin covering prelaunch and launch activities live at axiomspace.com beginning at 7:50 a.m. ET on April 8. NASA will join Axiom’s live broadcast during the last hour of launch coverage at 10:15 a.m. ET.
Axiom and NASA will cover docking that will follow the launch coverage at 5:30 a.m. ET on April 9.
Here’s how you can watch the first all-private astronaut mission to International Space Station
The Ax-1 crew is set to launch no earlier than Friday, April 8th and become the first all-private crew mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts will spend eight days working and living aboard the orbiting laboratory while conducting research that lays the groundwork for a full realization of the possibilities in low-Earth orbit. The four-person multinational crew is composed of Commander Michael López-Alegría of the USA/Spain, Pilot Larry Connor of the USA, Mission Specialist Eytan Stibbe of Israel, and Mission Specialist Mark Pathy of Canada.
When and where the launch will take place
Liftoff is targeted for Friday, April 8 at 11:17 a.m. ET from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The astronauts will launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and will travel to and from the space station in the Dragon.
How to watch the launch
The live coverage of the Ax-1 launch will be a joint effort with Axiom, NASA, and SpaceX. The coverage will follow the journey of the four-person, multinational crew from walkout to liftoff and will continue until roughly 15 minutes after launch, from 7:50 am till approximately 11:30 am ET.
Axiom and SpaceX will begin covering prelaunch and launch activities live at axiomspace.com beginning at 7:50 a.m. ET on April 8. NASA will join Axiom’s live broadcast during the last hour of launch coverage at 10:15 a.m. ET. The launch show will end at approximately 11:30 am ET.
The Ax-1 broadcast will resume for docking, when the crew's spacecraft connects with the International Space station, at approximately 5:30 a.m. ET on April 9.
Join the conversation!
Join the conversation about the launch online through our social media channels and by using #Ax1 or ask a question using #AskAx1.
On social:
Twitter: @Axiom_Space
Instagram: @Axiom.Space
Ax-1 now targeting April 8th launch
Axiom Space’s Axiom mission 1 (Ax-1) is now targeting launch no earlier than (NET) Friday, April 8.
Late last week, SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft arrived in the hangar at Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where it has since been mated with the Falcon 9 rocket. The team is continuing with pre-launch processing work in the hangar ahead of vehicle rollout on Tuesday, April 5. This shift puts dry dress with the Ax-1 crew on Wednesday, April 6, followed by an integrated static fire test of the rocket on the same day.
As such, SpaceX, Axiom, and NASA are now targeting NET Friday, April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT for launch of the Ax-1 mission to the International Space Station. Docking is scheduled for Saturday, April 9 at approximately 7:30 a.m. EDT.
The Ax-1 crew astronauts continue their quarantine in Florida and are ready and prepared for launch.
In Case You Missed It: Watch the Ax-1 Crew Press Conference
In case you missed it, on Friday April 1st, Axiom Space hosted a virtual press conference with leadership from Axiom and the Ax-1 crew 5 days before the launch of the first all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 is currently scheduled to launch on April 6 at 12:05 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Catch the playback below or on Axiom Space’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/axiomspace and follow along for mission updates on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Axiom’s website with #Ax1.
Axiom Space to provide coverage for Ax-1, first all-private astronaut mission to International Space Station
Image courtesy of SpaceX
Last updated April 8, 2022
Launch webcast, extended coverage will feature an in-depth mission overview in advance of launch.
HOUSTON - Axiom Space, a leader in human spaceflight, now building the first commercial space station, has set prelaunch and launch coverage for its Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), the world’s first all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.
Liftoff is scheduled for Friday, April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew will launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and will travel to and from the space station in a Dragon spacecraft. Prelaunch activities, launch, and docking coverage will air live at axiomspace.com beginning April 8 at 7:55 a.m.
The Ax-1 crew members are Commander Michael López-Alegría of Spain and the United States, Pilot Larry Connor of the United States, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe of Israel and Mark Pathy of Canada.
During their 10-day mission, the crew will spend eight days on the International Space Station conducting scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities. Ax-1 is the first of several proposed Axiom missions to the orbiting laboratory and an important step toward Axiom’s goal of constructing a private space station, Axiom Station, in low-Earth orbit that can serve as a global academic and commercial hub.
Coverage of the Ax-1 launch will be available as follows (all times Eastern):
Friday, April 1
1:00 p.m. Ax-1 Crew Press Conference
This virtual press conference features Axiom leadership and the Ax-1 astronauts, participating from crew quarantine. Participants will make remarks and answer questions from the press.
Participants include:
Michael Suffredini, President and CEO, Axiom Space
Peggy Whitson, Director of Human Space Flight, Axiom Space
Michael López-Alegría, Commander, Ax-1
Larry Connor, Pilot, Ax-1
Eytan Stibbe, Mission Specialist, Ax-1
Mark Pathy, Mission Specialist, Ax-1
Recap:
Thursday, April 7
No earlier than 3 pm – Prelaunch News Conference (targeted for one hour following the Launch Readiness Review)
The prelaunch news conference will focus on final preparations for the Ax-1 mission. It will discuss the results of the Launch Readiness Review (LRR), which evaluates the mission hardware and its readiness for launch. Watch live at axiomspace.com.
Participants include:
Derek Hassmann, Operations Director, Axiom Space
Dana Weigel, International Space Station Deputy Program Manager, NASA
Angela Hart, Commercial LEO Program Manager, NASA
Benjamin Reed, Senior Director, Human Spaceflight Programs, SpaceX
Launch Weather Officer, 45th Weather Squadron, U.S. Space Force
Recap:
Friday, April 8
7:55 a.m. – Launch Webcast Begins
The webcast will follow the journey of the four-person, multinational Ax-1 crew from crew walkout to liftoff from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:05 pm. It will continue until roughly 15 minutes after launch with stunning views of the spacecraft traveling to the International Space Station. Watch live at axiomspace.com
12:30 p.m. – Post-launch Media Briefing (targeted approximately one hour 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:
Michael Suffredini, President and CEO, Axiom Space
Derek Hassmann, Operations Director, Axiom Space
Kathy Lueders, Associate Administrator for Space Operations, NASA
Dana Weigel, International Space Station Deputy Program Manager, NASA
Angela Hart, Commercial LEO Program Manager, NASA
Benjamin Reed, Senior Director, Human Spaceflight Programs, Space
TBD – In-Flight Event (will confirm no later than 15 minutes prior to the event start time)
Watch live at axiomspace.com/live
Pending crew schedule and ground station coverage, Michael López-Alegría, Axiom Space Vice President and Ax-1 Commander, will participate in an in-flight event from the Dragon spacecraft. If we are not able to support an in-flight event, our next opportunity to check in with the crew will be after the webcast resumes, approximately two hours before the crew reaches the space station.
Saturday, April 9
5:30 a.m. (approximately) – Webcast Resumes, docking coverage begins
The Ax-1 webcast will resume approximately two hours in advance of the Ax-1 crew and SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docking with the International Space Station. Watch live at axiomspace.com.
7:30 a.m. – Docking (approximately)
Watch the crew arrive at the International Space Station live at axiomspace.com and on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website. The Ax-1 webcast will cover events as the Ax-1 crew enters the International Space Station to begin an eight-day 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.
Follow along for mission updates with #Ax1 on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and on our website.
About Axiom Space
Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately developing its successor – a permanent commercial destination in Earth’s orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home. More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com.
For more information contact:
Bettina Inclán
Bettina.inclan@axiomspace.com
Axiom Space named on TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2022
TIME Magazine announced today that it has named Axiom Space as a pioneer on its annual list of the world’s most influential companies. Axiom is proud to share our vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere as we continue to expand the low Earth orbit economy with missions to the International Space Station and the progressing construction of Axiom Station, the next-gen platform for innovation and breakthroughs.
Axiom Space’s Mission Control Center Ready to Support Upcoming Ax-1 Mission to International Space Station
The Axiom Space Mission Control Center (MCC-A) is an integral part of the upcoming Ax-1 mission, responsible for engaging crew outreach and ensuring that research and scientific work with our payloads is accomplished. New photos of the space, located in the company’s Houston headquarters, allow a closer look at the ground facility that will support Ax-1 and future Axiom Space missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
Throughout the 10-day Ax-1 mission, MCC-A will be staffed with knowledgeable Axiom specialists who will communicate with and support the Axiom astronauts onboard the ISS via voice and video capabilities.
The MCC-A is registered and validated as a payload operations site. In January 2022, it conducted its first-ever on-orbit operation on the ISS, supporting the SQuARES payload’s scientific research. SQuARES, the Sampling Quadrangle Assemblages Research Experiment, treats the ISS as an archaeological site and documents how items located around the station change over time.
Take a virtual seat and explore MCC-A:
Ax-1 now targeted for no earlier than April 6th
NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are now looking at no earlier than (NET) April 6 for the launch of Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled at 12:05 pm ET.
NASA announced the news today on their space station blog:
“…The next mission to the orbiting lab will be the Axiom Space-1 mission, or Ax-1, carrying a former NASA astronaut and three U.S. crew members. Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria will be making his fifth visit to space and his third visit to the space station while commanding the first private mission for Axiom Space. He will lead first time space visitors Pilot Larry Connor and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe and Mark Pathy aboard Endeavour, during the vehicle’s second mission to the station.
NASA teams supporting the Artemis I mission polled “go” today to proceed with the wet dress rehearsal, planned for Friday, April 1, through Sunday, April 3, on Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA, Axiom and SpaceX are now looking at no earlier than April 6 for the launch of Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, pending range approval. For an April 6 launch, Ax-1 static fire would take place April 4. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 mission remains scheduled to launch no earlier than Tuesday, April 19…”
All Ax-1 related activities will move accordingly. More details to come.
Packing the Perfect Cosmic Picnic: Axiom, Chef José Andrés, ThinkFoodGroup Partner Ahead of Ax-1 Mission
CREDIT: THINKFOODGROUP
Food is fuel. It has the unique power to keep us energized, focused, and connected to the traditions and people that matter to us. However, when living in space, astronauts have limited tools and ingredients available to prepare appetizing and comforting meals.
As the first all-private astronaut crew to travel to the International Space Station, the Ax-1 crew is charting new territory in space travel, exploration, and cuisine. To prepare the crew for the 10-day mission, we teamed up with Chef José Andrés of ThinkFoodGroup, a brand that shares our ethos of spurring innovations and striving for excellence. The collaboration arose from the friendship between Chef Andrés and fellow Spaniard and veteran astronaut Ax-1 Commander Michael López-Alegría.
In the months leading up to the flight, Ax-1 crew members took part in sensory tests with Chef Andrés and members of the ThinkFoodGroup culinary team. These tests helped the ThinkFoodGroup team to devise meals well-suited to the astronauts’ dietary preferences. The Axiom and ThinkFoodGroup teams worked closely with scientists in the NASA Food Lab to ensure the items meet nutrition and preparation guidelines.
The specially crafted meals lean on flavors and traditional dishes of Commander López-Alegría’s native Spain. For their first meal in space, Ax-1 astronauts will enjoy Arroz Estelle Valencia, a classic Spanish rice dish. Later in the mission, the crew will eat Secreto de Cerdo with Pisto, a prized cut of Ibérico Pork with tomatoes, onions, eggplant, and peppers, and Chicken and Mushroom Paella, Spain's quintessential rice dish.
ThinkFoodGroup also partnered with Spanish food brands Fermín and Albert Adrià to provide the astronauts with a selection of ham and almond snacks.
While pre-packaged foods like nutrition bars travel easily to space, more substantial meals must be carefully prepared. The crew’s meals will be thermostabilized, or processed with heat and properly sealed, to prevent pathogen growth. However, these meals are sure to retain their bold, delicious flavors, even as they travel more than 250 miles away from home.
NASA to Host Axiom Mission 1 Flight Readiness Media Teleconference
NASA will host a media teleconference Friday, March 25, following the agency’s flight readiness review for the Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.
This media briefing will focus on the readiness of the Ax-1 flight to visit the space station, including arrival, docking, in-orbit, and undocking operations at the orbital complex.
Ax-1 targeting new launch date, crew completes key prelaunch activities
Axiom Space and SpaceX are now targeting no earlier than Sunday, April 3 – pending range availability – for launch of the Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) to the International Space Station from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida After 10 days in orbit, including eight days living and working aboard the orbiting laboratory, the Ax-1 crew will splash down off the coast of Florida. The new targeted launch date will allow teams to complete final spacecraft processing ahead of the mission.
Prelaunch activities are progressing, including the Ax-1 crew’s completion of a test drive Thursday, March 17, in the Dragon spacecraft they’ll fly aboard to and from the International Space Station. During the test drive – also known as the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) – the crew donned their spacesuits and entered Dragon Endeavour for the first time at SpaceX’s spacecraft processing facility in Florida.
Axiom Space Ax-1 mission to expand health, technology researchers’ access to ISS
Self-assembling technology for future space habitats, cancer research, and devices to purify air on space stations are among investigations headed to the International Space Station on first all-private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory
HOUSTON, 17 March 2022 – Axiom Space, a leader in human spaceflight now building the first commercial space station, announced today further details on the groundbreaking research planned for the upcoming Ax-1 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) – including self-assembling technology for satellites and future space habitats, cancer stem cell study, and air purification.
Ax-1, history’s first all-private astronaut mission to the ISS, is a pivotal first step toward Axiom Station, the first private space station. Axiom’s multinational crew of four private astronauts will conduct more than 25 different experiments while aboard the space station, made possible by Axiom’s full-service integration into the NASA process for science and technology activities. Data collected in-flight will impact understanding of human physiology on Earth and in orbit as well as establish the utility of novel technologies that could be used for future human spaceflight pursuits and humankind on Earth.
“As the first step on a path to building a diverse, thriving economy in low-Earth orbit, Axiom has partnered with leaders in academia and industry to bring new users and new investigations in research to the space station,” said Christian Maender, director of In-space Manufacturing and Research for Axiom Space. “The collection of biological and technological tests during the Ax-1 mission represent a breadth of research that will inform everything from human health considerations to novel infrastructure and design for our future homes away from Earth, beginning with Axiom Station.”
The Ax-1 crewmembers are Michael López-Alegría, commander; Larry Connor, pilot; and Eytan Stibbe and Mark Pathy, mission specialists.
Select Ax-1 Mission Investigations
Credit: MIT Space Exploration Initiative / TU Dortmund Fraunhofer Institute
Artist’s depiction of a future TESSERAE self-assembling space station in orbit around Mars
TESSERAE, in collaboration with MIT Media Lab Space Exploration Initiative and Aurelia Institute
TESSERAE (Tessellated Electromagnetic Space Structures for the Exploration of Reconfigurable, Adaptive Environments) is a multi-year research program exploring self-assembly methods for in-space construction. Named after the small tiles in ancient Roman mosaics, the modular TESSERAE tiles can join to create a larger structure. TESSERAE tiles pack flat for launch; once activated, they form a robotic swarm of autonomous and self-assembling units used for on-demand construction, with future applications ranging from an extra room on a space station, to parabolic mirrors, to a home base on other worlds. The prototypes launching on the Ax-1 mission include an extensive suite of sensing and electro-permanent magnets that monitor diagnostics – provide insight into the quality of bonds between tiles – and drive conformations. This scaled demonstration will build on previous microgravity evaluations of the TESSERAE experiment to explore a new frontier for in-orbit construction of satellites and future space habitats.
Modeling Tumor Organoids in Low-Earth Orbit, in collaboration with UC San Diego and the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine
Using a human cancer stem cell nanobioreactor model (a vessel that accelerates cell growth conditions) and cancer stem cell reporter system, this investigation will leverage the accelerated aging aspects of the microgravity environment to evaluate early pre-cancer and cancer changes in tumor organoids. This cellular biology project is focused on identifying biomarkers for early detection and supports future aims of cancer stem cell research on the ISS. The Ax-1 crew will study cell samples under a high-resolution microscope to determine cell cycle activity in cancer growth.
JAMSS Photocatalyst, in collaboration with JAMSS, Tokyo University of Science, and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
The Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS) photocatalyst air purification device will launch on Ax-1 for a technical demonstration to verify the performance of the improved filter. This experiment also will deploy a control device without photocatalytic LEDs, to evaluate the JAMSS photocatalytic filter. With an improved air filter, the JAMSS device will be able to clean the air on the ISS and remove cabin odor, using the power of light to safely convert volatile compounds in the air into carbon dioxide and water with the goal of improving the quality of life for living and working in space. JAMSS will be the only Japanese company with research on the Ax-1 mission.
Credit: Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation
Translational Research Institute for Space Health, a consortium of Baylor College of Medicine, Caltech, and MIT
Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) is conducting biomedical research on each of the crewmembers both before the launch and after their return to Earth. A variety of data will be collected, including physiological data, a battery of cognitive tests, balance and perception tests, and visual acuity tests. Increasing human health and performance is a goal of TRISH’s EXPAND (Enhancing eXploration Platforms and ANalog Definition) program, which compiles health data from private spaceflight into a centralized research database and broadens understanding of how space impacts human health and how to prepare humans for the demands of long-distance and long-duration space travel, including to the Moon and eventually, to Mars.
Crew-supported Research
Connor, Stibbe, and Pathy, each of whom has a long history of philanthropic involvement, also have partnered directly with research organizations in their regions on a range of human health and technology investigations, from aging and chronic pain to the first in-space demonstration of two-way holoportation, a mixed-reality app using special lenses to project images via hologram.
About Axiom Space
Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately developing its successor – a permanent commercial destination in Earth’s orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home. More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com.
For more information contact:
Bettina Inclán
Jennifer Hernandez
media@axiomspace.com