View SpaceX’s Third Private Astronaut Mission Launch for Axiom Space in Real-Time

Axiom Space is gearing up to launch its third fully private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Per NASA rules, all private missions to the ISS must be led by a former NASA astronaut. Houston-based Axiom’s first private mission launched in April 2022 and the second followed in May 2023. But Axiom is not stopping at private astronaut missions — as if that wasn’t ambitious enough. Instead, the company aims to eventually attach commercial modules to the ISS, that Axiom owns and operates, which would detach by the end of the decade to become a free-flying Axiom Space Station.

Update: The launch is now scheduled for January 18. The below text has been updated to reflect the new launch date.

Axiom Space’s Upcoming Launch to the International Space Station

Axiom Space is preparing for their third fully private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The upcoming launch is highly anticipated, and here’s all you need to know.

“We are excited to partner with SpaceX for this milestone mission and continue our journey towards a future where humans can live and work in space.”

– Michael López-Alegria, NASA astronaut and Axiom employee

When and Where will the Launch Happen?

The crew of four will take off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 at 4:49 PM EST on Friday, January 18. This will mark an international team, including individuals from NASA, the Italian Air Force, and Turkey’s first astronaut, embarking on a historic journey together.

The spacecraft of choice for this mission is none other than the renowned dragon spacecraft, used by SpaceX to transport NASA astronauts to and from the ISS.

A Dismountable Space Station by 2030

This mission, named Ax-3, was initially slated for November 2023, but faced delays due to inclement weather and other scheduling issues with SpaceX. The world-class Houston-based company’s previous private missions occurred in April 2022 and May 2023, respectively.

But Axiom’s ambitions go beyond simply conducting private astronaut missions. Their ultimate goal is to attach commercial modules to the ISS, which will eventually depart and form a free-flying Axiom Space Station by the end of the decade.

European aerospace manufacturer Thales Alenia Space is the first section’s developer, and it is scheduled for launch in 2026. While other companies, such as Blue Origin and Voyager Space, are also working on private space station projects, Axiom’s is the only one that will connect with the ISS before it is decommissioned in 2030.

14 Days of Scientific Experiments and Demonstrations

Once the Dragon capsule autonomously docks with the ISS on Friday at 5:15 AM EST, the crew will stay on board for 14 days. During this time, they will conduct over 30 scientific experiments and demonstrations.

With Axiom’s fourth mission already scheduled for October of this year, the company continues to push the boundaries and pave the way for future developments in space exploration.