A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the Ax-2 mission from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The private astronaut crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi from the Saudi Space Commission (SSC).
The crew will spend their 10-day mission living and working aboard the International Space Station conducting more than 20 research experiments across various specialty science and technology areas. SpaceX’s Dragon capsul is expected to dock to the space-facing port of the ISS Harmony module around 9:16 a.m. on Monday, May 22. You can watch a live broadcast of the docking procedure starting at 7:30am ET this morning on NASA Television.
- Detailed Lunar Replica - Features a detailed Eagle lunar lander replica with lunar surface, crater, footprints, and U.S. flag for a realistic space...
- Realistic Modular Model - This modular set includes a descent stage with gold-colored landing pads, panels, opening camera, laser hatches, and movable...
- Ascent Stage Interior - The ascent stage boasts a detailed interior with room for 2 astronaut minifigures, finished with an Apollo 11 Lunar Lander...
I first want to congratulate Peggy, John, Ali, and Rayyanah as they start this historic mission. We are ushering in a new era in commercial human spaceflight that is opening the door to nations, where access to space moves beyond the partners of the ISS to include countries, institutions, and individuals with new ideas fueling human innovation in space,” said Michael Suffredini, president and CEO of Axiom Space.
