On Sunday, 21 May, at 5:37 pm EDT, Axiom Space via SpaceX launched its private mission to the International Space Station, which marked a series of landmark breakthroughs for space voyages. In addition to being the second all-private mission to the station, the mission made history by sending Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Saudi Arabian woman in space, as a member of the country’s inaugural astronaut class. Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut who served as the organisation’s first female Chief Astronaut and first female space station commander, is in charge of the mission. She will now be the first woman to pilot a private spacecraft.Â
Derek Hassman, the Chief of mission integrations and operations, exuberantly stated that the mission is the result of a long collaboration between SpaceX and NASA, which aims to strengthen Saudi scientists’ abilities in human spaceflight to benefit humanity and take advantage of the exciting opportunities provided by the space industry. It also aims to advance scientific research in various fields, including health, sustainability, and space technology.
(Image of the Falcon 9 rocket that will fly SpaceX’s Ax-2 mission at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, sourced from SpaceX via Twitter)
Saudi Nationals as part of the Crew
The astronauts on the Ax-2 crew come from a variety of backgrounds. Whitson, who presently holds records for spending the most time in space (665 days) than any other woman or American, is serving as captain. Seasoned pilot and ham radio enthusiast John Shoffner will accompany Whitson. Rayyanah Barnawi, a breast cancer researcher, will become the first Saudi Arabian woman to travel to space after the launch, along with her Ax-2 crewmate Ali Alqarni, who will be the first Saudi fighter pilot to visit the orbiting lab.
In a recent press conference, Barnawi stated that representing her region in space is a matter of pride, and she is looking forward to sharing her experience about the study with future generations to incite a curiosity towards space exploration.Â
According to the Saudi Gazette, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wants to improve its capacity to independently carry out its research and activate scientific advances at the level of space sciences through this program. Space exploration would benefit both the future of the kingdom and the space industry.
Objectives of the Mission
(Image of Ax-2 SpaceX astronauts posing for a team photo, sourced from SpaceX)
Axiom Space’s first ISS mission, which was launched on April 8, 2022, is now being followed by Ax-2. In the initial voyage, a four-person crew operated the ISS for 17 days while in orbit and carried out several scientific investigations. The Ax-2 group will carry out more than 20 scientific experiments in the domains of human health, physiology, physical sciences, and the effect of microgravity on stem cell growth. The Ax-2 team will also invest much effort in outreach and education, particularly initiatives to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
The Journey Ahead for Axiom Space
Axiom and NASA have already agreed to work together on a third mission, Ax-3, with a 2024 launch date. Following the upcoming retirement of the ISS, Axiom Space also plans to construct a commercial space station in low Earth orbit to aid in advancing space research and technological advancement. Axiom Space’s space station is scheduled to be launched in 2025.
The station would first be connected to the ISS before separating and operating independently. NASA intends to shut down the International Space Station (ISS) around 2030 in favour of sending astronauts to commercial stations that would also house their customers, which has prompted the US space agency to support the creation of programs by several businesses.
