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Sunday morning view of LC-39A (r), where a SpaceX Falcon 9 waits for the Ax-2 mission, the 2nd private mission to the ISS.
A Crew Dragon spacecraft will carry the Axiom Space crew of 4 to orbit.
Liftoff is set for 5:37pm (ET) & 8-mins later, the booster will return to LZ1.
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B as the Artemis I launch team prepares for the next attempt of the wet dress rehearsal test, right, as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
This is a view of the early Wednesday morning Axiom Space hashtag#Ax4 crewed launch by hashtag#SpaceX, seen from MLB.
For every launch, numerous resources are deployed to keep the crew safe, and this fully stocked helicopter was on station for crucial (and happily, not needed) support.
Big thanks to Operator Solutions for their excellent work and for allowing me to shoot from the flight line. It sure was a pretty launch (and landing!).
NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are targeting 8:22 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, June 10, for launch of the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4.
We welcomed the Ax-4 crew to #NASAMarshall in March to participate in training at our Payload Operations Integration Center. This visit allowed the crew to get familiar with the team on the ground who will be supporting their science operations during their mission, and to learn how that process is conducted.
Photo Credit: AxiomSpace
#NASA #InternationalSpaceStation #ISS #Launch #Astronauts #SpaceStation #science #AxiomSpace #AstronautTraining
Live coverage of Ax-4 launch and arrival activities will stream on NASA+
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B as the Artemis I launch team prepares for the next attempt of the wet dress rehearsal test, right, as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen at sunrise on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Friday, April 8, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch at 11:17 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen at sunrise on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B as the Artemis I launch team prepares for the next attempt of the wet dress rehearsal test, left, and a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), are seen illuminated by spotlights, Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 launched on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen at sunrise on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Friday, April 8, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch at 11:17 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen at sunrise on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Friday, April 8, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch at 11:17 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen at sunrise on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen at sunrise on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B as the Artemis I launch team prepares for the next attempt of the wet dress rehearsal test, right, as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft, lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:17 a.m. EST on April 8, 2022, on Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1). 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 are aboard the flight to the International Space Station. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B as the Artemis I launch team prepares for the next attempt of the wet dress rehearsal test, right, as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the company’s Dragon spacecraft, lifts off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida on May 21, 2023, for the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) to the International Space Station. Ax-2 is the second all private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, sending Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi to the orbiting laboratory, where they will spend about 10 days conducting scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities. Liftoff occurred at 5:37 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B as the Artemis I launch team prepares for the next attempt of the wet dress rehearsal test, right, as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
The first stage of a two-stage SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket makes its descent toward Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station after lifting off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida for the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) on May 21, 2023. Ax-2 is the second all private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, sending Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi to the orbiting laboratory, where they will spend about 10 days conducting scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities. Liftoff occurred at 5:37 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as members of the media are seen next to the countdown clock at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Press Site ahead of launch of Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Friday, April 8, 2022, in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft is launched on Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) to the International Space Station with 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 aboard, Friday, April 8, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. López-Alegría, Connor, Pathy, Stibbe launched at 11:17 a.m. from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center to begin their 10-day mission. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Friday, April 8, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B as the Artemis I launch team prepares for the next attempt of the wet dress rehearsal test, right, as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen at sunrise on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B as the Artemis I launch team prepares for the next attempt of the wet dress rehearsal test, left, as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen at sunset on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen at sunrise on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
iss073e0249698 (June 26, 2025) --- The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew from Axiom Space approaches the International Space Station. Commanding Ax-4 inside Dragon was veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson leading Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu. Dragon docked a few minutes later to the orbital outpost's space-facing port on the Harmony module.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen at sunset on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
At 5:37 pm (ET) Sunday, May 21, 2023, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket sent the Crew Dragon "Freedom" to space and into orbit for the Axiom Space Ax-2 mission. Launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Dragon spacecraft carries four crew comprising Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi. Their multi-faceted mission encompasses scientific research, outreach endeavors, and commercial activities aboard the International Space Station. This is a commercial mission and the second private mission to spend time on the ISS.
Axiom Space is a pioneering private space exploration company that envisions a future where ordinary citizens can embark on extraordinary journeys beyond Earth's boundaries. Many former NASA astronauts hold leadership roles at Axiom Space, including Peggy Whitson, Axiom's Director of Human Spaceflight.
Whitson holds the record for the most cumulative days in space as a NASA astronaut (over 665), and Ax-2's Mission Specialist Rayyanah Barnawi is the first woman from Saudia Arabia to go to space.
The Ax-2 crew will be in space for ten days total, with 8 of those days spent docked at the International Space Station.
These pictures were captured from NASA's massive Vehicle Assembly Building roof, over 500 feet (152 meters) tall.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen at sunrise on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Friday, April 8, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members 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 are scheduled to launch at 11:17 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
At 5:37 pm (ET) Sunday, May 21, 2023, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket sent the Crew Dragon "Freedom" to space and into orbit for the Axiom Space Ax-2 mission. Launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Dragon spacecraft carries four crew comprising Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi. Their multi-faceted mission encompasses scientific research, outreach endeavors, and commercial activities aboard the International Space Station. This is a commercial mission and the second private mission to spend time on the ISS.
Axiom Space is a pioneering private space exploration company that envisions a future where ordinary citizens can embark on extraordinary journeys beyond Earth's boundaries. Many former NASA astronauts hold leadership roles at Axiom Space, including Peggy Whitson, Axiom's Director of Human Spaceflight.
Whitson holds the record for the most cumulative days in space as a NASA astronaut (over 665), and Ax-2's Mission Specialist Rayyanah Barnawi is the first woman from Saudia Arabia to go to space.
The Ax-2 crew will be in space for ten days total, with 8 of those days spent docked at the International Space Station.
These pictures were captured from NASA's massive Vehicle Assembly Building roof, over 500 feet (152 meters) tall.
At 11:17 am (EDT) on Friday, April 8, 2022, a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket lifted off from historic LC-39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This successful launch resulted in the Crew Dragon capsule and its all-private crew of four making it to orbit. The Axiom Space Ax-1 mission crew members Michael López-Alegría, Larry Connor, Mark Pathy, and Eytan Stibbe will dock at the International Space Station, spending more than a week conducting scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities on the space station.
At 11:17 am (EDT) on Friday, April 8, 2022, a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket lifted off from historic LC-39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This successful launch resulted in the Crew Dragon capsule and its all-private crew of four making it to orbit. The Axiom Space Ax-1 mission crew members Michael López-Alegría, Larry Connor, Mark Pathy, and Eytan Stibbe will dock at the International Space Station, spending more than a week conducting scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities on the space station.
Axiom 3 Mission crew training inside a SpaceX Dragon vehicle in Hawthorne, California.
From left to right, ESA project astronaut and mission specialist Marcus Wandt, commander Michael López-Alegría, pilot Walter Villadei, and mission specialist Alper Gezeravcı.
Marcus Wandt from Sweden will spend up to 14 days on the International Space Station conducting microgravity research and educational activities.
Marcus is the first of a new generation of European astronauts to fly on a commercial human spaceflight opportunity with Axiom Space. His mission is supported by ESA and the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA).
Marcus Wandt was selected in November 2022 as a member of the ESA astronaut reserve after a year-long selection process. The 2022 ESA recruitment campaign received over 22 5000 applications from across its Member States.
Credits: Space X
Marcus Wandt from Sweden, left, and Sławosz Uznański from Poland, right, during a visit to Axiom Space’s Mission Control Center in Houston, USA, in 2024.
A year ago, Marcus became the first of a new generation of European astronauts to arrive to the International Space Station on a commercial spaceflight with Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3). Sławosz is now scheduled to fly to the same destination on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) no earlier than spring 2025.
Europe is teaming with a commercial space company to show how fast-track, short-duration missions can generate good science, outreach and education for a better life on Earth.
Marcus and Sławosz first met when they became two of the 17 members of the new ESA astronaut class chosen from over 22 500 applicants from across ESA Member States in November 2022.
Sławosz saw Marcus launching to space from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and then spent the duration of his three-week mission, called Muninn, in the Columbus Control Centre in Germany. Both project astronauts have been assigned the role of mission specialists.
This was a unique opportunity for Sławosz to experience fully his fellow project astronaut’s mission while working full shifts next to operators on consoles, taking part in conferences with astronauts and observing a similar short-term mission to the one he will take part in, called Ignis.
Marcus Wandt spent 20 days in orbit conducting microgravity research, technology demonstrations and educational activities with the support of ESA and the Swedish National Space Agency.
Sławosz Uznański is currently following an intensive training programme to adapt to the challenges of living and working in space at Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX facilities in the USA, as well as at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. The Ignis mission includes an ambitious technological and scientific programme, supported by ESA, the Polish Ministry of Economic Development and Technology (MRiT), and the Polish Space Agency (POLSA).
These short-duration flights are also a first step to prepare for the commercialisation of low Earth orbit in a future without the International Space Station. Using commercial companies to get access to orbit in record time is a very efficient way of running more European science in space.
Credits: Axiom Space
At 5:37 pm (ET) Sunday, May 21, 2023, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket sent the Crew Dragon "Freedom" to space and into orbit for the Axiom Space Ax-2 mission. Launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Dragon spacecraft carries four crew comprising Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi. Their multi-faceted mission encompasses scientific research, outreach endeavors, and commercial activities aboard the International Space Station. This is a commercial mission and the second private mission to spend time on the ISS.
Axiom Space is a pioneering private space exploration company that envisions a future where ordinary citizens can embark on extraordinary journeys beyond Earth's boundaries. Many former NASA astronauts hold leadership roles at Axiom Space, including Peggy Whitson, Axiom's Director of Human Spaceflight.
Whitson holds the record for the most cumulative days in space as a NASA astronaut (over 665), and Ax-2's Mission Specialist Rayyanah Barnawi is the first woman from Saudia Arabia to go to space.
The Ax-2 crew will be in space for ten days total, with 8 of those days spent docked at the International Space Station.
These pictures were captured from NASA's massive Vehicle Assembly Building roof, over 500 feet (152 meters) tall.
iss073e0251266 (June 27, 2025) --- Axiom Mission 4 private astronaut Tibor Kapu (at left) from Hungary loads a research sample-packed cryogenic storage unit, called a dewar, into a science freezer aboard the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module. Expedition 73 Commander Takuya Onishi from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) assisted Kapu during the science experiment transfers from the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft into the orbital outpost.
iss073e0249461 (June 26, 2025) --- The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) and Expedition 73 crews join each other for a group portrait inside the International Space Station's Harmony module. In the front row (from left) are, Ax-4 crewmates Tibor Kapu, Peggy Whitson, Shubhanshu Shukla, and Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski with Expedition 73 crewmates Anne McClain and Takuya Onishi. In the rear are, Expedition 73 crewmates Alexey Zubritsky, Kirill Peskov, Sergey Ryzhikov, Jonny Kim, and Nichole Ayers.
iss073e0251292 (June 26, 2025) --- Expedition 73 crew members patiently await the entrance of the Axiom Mission 4 crew from the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft into the International Space Station's Harmony module. Clockwise from left are, NASA Flight Engineer Anne McClain, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Commander Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos Flight Engineers Sergey Ryzhikov, Alexander Zubritsky, and Kirill Peskov. Out of frame are, NASA Flight Engineers Nichole Ayers and Jonny Kim.
Liftoff!!
At 4:49pm (ET) Thursday, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket sending a Crew Dragon spacecraft and the #Ax3 mission to space. On board is an all-international crew: astronauts Michael López-Alegría, Walter Villadei, Alper Gezeravcı, & Marcus Wandt.
(📷:me)
iss073e0284872 (July 12, 2025) --- (From left) Expedition 73 Flight Engineer Anne McClain of NASA helps Axiom Mission 4 Commander Peggy Whitson from Axiom Space pack frozen research samples aboard the International Space Station before loading them inside the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft for return to Earth.
From left to right, ESA project astronaut and mission specialist Marcus Wandt, commander Michael López-Alegría, pilot Walter Villadei, and mission specialists Alper Gezeravcı.
Marcus Wandt from Sweden will travel to the International Space Station on Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3). He will spend up to 14 days in orbit conducting microgravity research and educational activities.
Marcus is the first of a new generation of European astronauts to fly on a commercial human spaceflight opportunity with Axiom Space. His mission is supported by ESA and the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA).
Marcus Wandt was selected in November 2022 as a member of the ESA astronaut reserve after a year-long selection process. The 2022 ESA recruitment campaign received over 22 5000 applications from across its Member States.
Credits: Axiom Space
iss073e0511149 (July 3, 2025) --- Axiom Mission 4 Commander Peggy Whitson is flanked by Expedition 73 Flight Engineers Nichole Ayers (left) and Anne McClain, both from NASA, in this portrait taken inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module.
iss073e0249239 (June 26, 2025) --- The Axiom Mission 4 private astronauts gather with drink pouches inside the International Space Station shortly after docking to the orbital outpost's space-facing port on the Harmony module. In the dark suits (from left) are, Ax-4 crewmates Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, Peggy Whitson, Shubhanshu Shukla, and Tibor Kapu. Surrounding the Ax-4 crew (clockwise from top are) Expedition 73 crewmates Nichole Ayers, Takuya Onishi, Jonny Kim, Anne McClain, Kirill Peskov, and Sergey Ryzhikov.