[ad_1]
SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft to Splash Down Tonight with Private Astronauts
After spending 10 days on board the International Space Station (ISS), the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) crew is set to return back to Earth on May 30 around 11:04 p.m. ET. The crew aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, nicknamed Freedom, will splashdown off the coast of Tampa, Florida, and the ocean touchdown will be broadcast live.
Axiom Mission 2 Recap
The Ax-2 mission was led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, who is currently Axiom Space’s Director of Human Spaceflight. The three remaining crew members had never been to space before, and this mission marked their first spaceflight experience. In addition to the crew, the SpaceX Dragon is also carrying more than 300 pounds (130 kilograms) of cargo and data, according to Axiom Space.
Live Coverage of the Dragon Spacecraft’s Ocean Splashdown
Axiom Space will broadcast its crew’s return through the company’s website, as well as its YouTube Channel. Elon Musk’s SpaceX will also broadcast a live feed of the ocean splashdown on its website and social media channels.
Ax-2 Crew: Ali Alqarni, Rayyanah Barnawi, John Shoffner, Peggy Whitson
Two astronauts from Saudi Arabia, Alqarni and Barnawi, joined mission specialist John Shoffner and veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson as part of the Ax-2 crew. Shoffner purchased his own ticket to space, while Saudi Arabia bought two tickets for their own astronauts.
Ax-2 Mission and Future Plans
Ax-2 is a follow-up to Axiom Space’s first mission to the ISS, which launched in April 2022. The private space company is already planning for the launch of its third mission to the ISS, scheduled for later this year.
Conclusion
Watch as the private astronauts aboard the Dragon spacecraft make their return to Earth in an exciting live broadcast. Ax-2 is a significant milestone for Axiom Space and for the future of space exploration and tourism. Follow Axiom Space on social media and stay tuned for more updates about their future missions to the ISS.
FAQs About the Ax-2 Mission and Splashdown
What is the Ax-2 Mission?
The Ax-2 mission is Axiom Space’s second private mission to the International Space Station (ISS) led by Peggy Whitson, Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom. The mission conducted more than 20 scientific experiments, including one examining the effects of microgravity on stem cell production.
When is the Dragon spacecraft set to splashdown?
The Dragon spacecraft, carrying the Ax-2 crew, is set to splashdown on May 30 around 11:04 p.m. ET off the coast of Tampa, Florida.
Where can I watch the live broadcast of the splashdown?
You can watch the live broadcast of the ocean splashdown on Axiom Space’s website and YouTube channel, as well as SpaceX’s website and social media channels.
Who are the private astronauts aboard the Ax-2 mission?
The Ax-2 mission crew consists of Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi, two astronauts from Saudi Arabia who purchased tickets from Axiom, mission specialist John Shoffner who purchased his own ticket, and veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson who is also the Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom.
[ad_2]
For more information, please refer this link