NASA is set to provide live coverage of the departure of the Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) private astronaut flight from the International Space Station (ISS). The four-member crew is scheduled to undock from the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and begin their journey back to Earth. The coverage will be available on various platforms including NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency’s website.
The Ax-3 crew, consisting of Michael López-Alegría, Walter Villadei, Marcus Wandt, and Alper Gezeravci, will have spent approximately two weeks in space by the end of their mission. They, along with Expedition 70, expressed their gratitude and highlighted their experiences aboard the ISS during farewell remarks.
Upon their return, the SpaceX Dragon will bring back over 550 pounds of cargo, including NASA hardware and data from more than 30 different experiments conducted during the mission. The splashdown is expected to occur off the coast of Florida at around 7 p.m.
The Ax-3 mission is part of NASA’s initiative to promote a commercial market in low Earth orbit and facilitate a new era of space exploration that allows more individuals and organizations to participate in multiple mission objectives. This partnership aims to expand human spaceflight opportunities and provide access to low Earth orbit and the ISS for scientific research and commercial ventures.
The live coverage schedule for Ax-3’s undocking and departure is as follows (all times Eastern):
– 4 a.m.: NASA coverage begins for hatch closure at 4:15 a.m.
– 5:45 a.m.: NASA coverage continues for undocking at 6:05 a.m.
NASA’s coverage will conclude approximately 30 minutes after undocking, at which point Axiom Space will take over and provide coverage of Dragon’s re-entry and splashdown on their website.
This event marks the third all-private astronaut mission to the ISS, further demonstrating NASA’s commitment to fostering a robust commercial space industry. By encouraging private sector participation, NASA aims to create a sustainable space economy in low Earth orbit and facilitate groundbreaking scientific research and technological advancements.
To learn more about NASA’s efforts to support the space economy in low Earth orbit, visit the following link: [link to NASA’s website].
In conclusion, the live coverage of the Axiom Mission 3 astronauts’ departure from the International Space Station provides an exciting opportunity for space enthusiasts and the general public to witness the ongoing advancements in human spaceflight. As NASA continues to collaborate with private companies like Axiom Space and SpaceX, the possibilities for space exploration and commercial opportunities expand, bringing us closer to a future where space is accessible to all.