SpaceX and Axiom Space are making the final preparations for their third private crewed launch to the International Space Station, marking the first crewed launch from U.S. soil to the ISS since SpaceX’s Crew-7 mission in August 2023. The Axiom 3 mission is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17, and will be the first all-European private astronaut mission to head to orbit.
The Axiom 3 crew comprises four European Space Agency project astronauts, including Marcus Wandt of Sweden, commander Michael López-Alegría, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Spain, pilot Walter Villadei of Italy, and mission specialist Alper Gezeravcı of Turkey. The crew will blast off aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket, reaching the space station about 36 hours later.
Once aboard the ISS, the crew will live and work alongside the current crew of seven professional astronauts for a couple of weeks. During their time in orbit, the Axiom 3 crew will conduct more than 30 science experiments and participate in more than 50 outreach events with people back on Earth. The crew’s experiments will focus on a range of scientific topics, including life sciences, materials science, and Earth observation.
In preparation for the launch, NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space officials will conduct a launch readiness review on Tuesday to discuss various aspects of the upcoming mission. The current launch target is 5:11 p.m. ET (2:11 p.m. PT) on Wednesday, January 17.
SpaceX and Axiom Space Prepare for Third Private Crewed Launch to ISS
The weather forecast for the launch is looking good, with a 95% chance of launch and partly cloudy conditions around the launch site. Liftoff winds are a concern, but they are not expected to be a major issue. The crew will undergo final checks and preparations before the launch, which will be streamed live by SpaceX.
The Axiom 3 mission is a significant milestone for private spaceflight, marking the first crewed launch from U.S. soil to the ISS since SpaceX’s Crew-7 mission in August 2023. It also highlights the growing partnership between NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space, which is expected to continue to play a major role in the future of space exploration.
The Axiom 3 crew’s time in orbit will be filled with a range of activities, including conducting scientific experiments, participating in outreach events, and maintaining the ISS. They will also have time to enjoy the stunning views of the Earth and the unique experience of living and working in space.
As the world watches the launch of the Axiom 3 crew, it is clear that private spaceflight is continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in space. With the Axiom 3 mission, SpaceX and Axiom Space are demonstrating their commitment to advancing space exploration and making it possible for more people to experience the wonders of space travel.
