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Private Ax-2 Mission Astronauts to Return to Earth Today: How to Watch Live
Four astronauts are scheduled to return to Earth today after spending eight days aboard the International Space Station. The mission, called Ax-2, is operated by Axiom Space and was flown to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on May 21.
Closing Hatches and Undocking Schedule
The hatches between Ax-2’s SpaceX Dragon capsule and the ISS are scheduled to close at 9:10 a.m. EDT (1310 GMT) and undock from the orbiting lab at 11:05 a.m. EDT (1505 GMT).
Where to Watch the Live Coverage
You can watch the milestone live here at Space.com, courtesy of NASA TV, beginning at 9 a.m. EDT (1300 GMT). Also, follow along here at Space.com, beginning at 10:45 a.m. EDT (1445 GMT), for the undocking schedule. Later, you can watch Freedom’s return here at Space.com, courtesy of SpaceX, beginning at about 10 p.m. EDT (0200 GMT on May 31).
The Axiom Space Mission
Axiom Space is working towards its mission to launch a handful of modules to the ISS starting in 2025. Once detached, these modules will become a free-flying private outpost in low Earth orbit. NASA is fully supportive of this effort, encouraging the development of private space stations hoping it will be up and running before retiring the ISS at the end of 2030.
The Axiom Space Crew Members
The mission commander of the Ax-2 mission is former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who now works for the Houston-based company. The mission also includes paying customer John Shoffner and Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi – both of whom are members of Saudi Arabia’s first astronaut class. Barnawi became the first Saudi woman ever to reach space during this mission.
Outreach and Education Activities
The four Ax-2 astronauts conducted over 20 scientific experiments during their eight days aboard the orbiting lab and were also engaged in various outreach and education activities. Alqarni and Barnawi performed outreach activities as Saudi Arabia views their mission as an opportunity to inspire the nation’s youth to pursue science and engineering.
Conclusion
Ax-2, which launched on May 21, is returning to Earth today, marking another milestone for private space travel. The mission marks the second flight by Axiom Space to the ISS and aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
FAQs
What is the Ax-2 mission?
The Ax-2 mission is a private spaceflight program operated by Axiom Space. The mission launched on May 21, 2023, and spent eight days aboard the International Space Station before returning to Earth on May 30, 2023.
Who is on the Ax-2 mission?
The mission is commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who now works for Axiom Space. The other crewmates include paying customer John Shoffner and Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi – both of whom are members of Saudi Arabia’s first astronaut class. Barnawi became the first Saudi woman ever to reach space during the mission.
What was the purpose of the Ax-2 mission?
The Ax-2 mission conducted over 20 scientific experiments and various outreach and education activities to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. The goal of the mission is to enhance the scientific and engineering capabilities of future generations and help them make contributions to society.
What is Axiom Space?
Axiom Space is a private spaceflight company that aims to launch modules to the International Space Station starting in 2025. The company also operates private spaceflights to the ISS like the Ax-2 mission.
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