13 (UPI) — The crew for NASA’s next privately funded mission to space has been selected as the agency moves closer to commercializing space travel.
Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson will lead the Axiom 2 mission, which will be led by businessman John Shoffner, NASA said in a press release Monday. Ali Al-Qarni and Rayana Barnawi, members of Saudi Arabia’s first national astronaut program, will serve as mission specialists.
Commercial space technology company Axiom Space is funding the mission that will send the crew to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. They will spend 10 days on the space station participating in many activities, including commercial and outreach activities.
“Axiom Space’s second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station advances our mission to expand access to space worldwide and support the growth of the low-Earth orbit economy as we build the Axiom Station,” said Michael Suffredini, President and CEO of Axiom Space. .
The AX-2 will be an early adopter mission. NASA said it would be the first to have astronauts part of a foreign government agency and the first commercial mission with a woman at the helm.
Whitson has spent 665 days in space – an American record – and has embarked on 10 spacewalks.
“I am honored to be back on the station for the fourth time, to lead the talented Ax-2 crew on their first mission,” Whitson said.
“This is a strong, close-knit team determined to conduct meaningful scientific research in space and inspire a new generation about the benefits of microgravity. It is a testament to the power of science and discovery to unite and build international cooperation.”
The first Axiom Space and NASA mission, Ax-1, was completed this past April. The mission was scheduled to last 10 days, but weather conditions kept the crew in space for an extra week.
NASA said the private astronaut missions are a step toward privately funded commercial space stations. The agency is considering proposals for more special missions.
Source / UPI
