Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) has successfully launched four private astronauts into orbit, marking the second all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The Ax-2 crew lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday, May 21, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. The crew, consisting of Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi, will conduct scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities during their time on the space station. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson congratulated Axiom and SpaceX on the successful launch and highlighted the importance of supporting a growing commercial space economy. NASA will provide live coverage of the SpaceX Dragon docking, hatch opening, and welcome ceremony on Monday, May 22. The Ax-2 crew is expected to depart the space station on May 30 for a return to Earth and splashdown off the coast of Florida.
Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.