Axiom Space is currently preparing for that first private astronaut mission, Ax-1, which is scheduled to launch no earlier than February 21, 2022.
NASA has selected Axiom Space for the second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. It will negotiate with Axiom on a mission order agreement for the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) targeted to launch between fall 2022 and late spring 2023.
Ax-2 will launch from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a mission of no more than 14 days docked to the space station. NASA and Axiom will negotiate in-orbit activities for the private astronauts to conduct in coordination with space station crew members and flight controllers on the ground. The Ax-2 mission concept includes scientific research and outreach activities.
NASA and its international partners will review private astronauts selections proposed by Axiom for the Ax-2 mission, as is standard for any space station crew. The proposed crew members will undergo NASA medical qualification testing to be approved for flight.
NASA evaluated the mission proposal based on Axioms ability to execute it successfully, NASAs ability to support it, and its contribution to the agencys mission and goal of low-Earth orbit commercialisation. This mission is subject to NASAs updated pricing policy for private astronaut missions, which reflects the full value of costs to the agency that are above space station baseline capabilities.
Progress continues toward NASA and Axioms first private astronaut mission to the space station, Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), which is scheduled to launch no earlier than February 21, 2022. Axioms proposed crew members still are completing final evaluations by NASA and its international partners.
