One of the most critical aspects of training for an astronaut is preparing for any situation that could arise while living aboard the International Space Station (ISS), including various emergency situations If the Ax-2 crew experiences an emergency during the time they will be on the ISS, the space station's Expedition crew will take the lead on these efforts. However, the Ax-2 crew must know how to keep themselves safe and be able to safely egress (exit) and undock their spacecraft from the space station if needed.
The culmination of this training is known as Emergency Simulations. During these simulations, the Ax-2 crew members take what they have learned in a classroom and mockup-based training and put it to the test during a series of simulated ISS emergencies. The astronauts are in NASA’s ISS mockups while a team of instructors surprise them with a scenario such as a fire, cabin depressurization, or a toxic leak into the ISS atmosphere.
The Ax-2 crew, led by famed astronaut Peggy Whitson, mastered these trainings highlighting their preparedness and readiness for their upcoming mission.
Much of training is preparation, repetition, and building great teamwork. Over months of training the Ax-2 crew has been working together towards a common goal and adapting to each crew member's abilities to ensure mission success.
Commander Whitson has served as a mentor to the Ax-2 crew preparing them for their first space mission. From mission operations to ISS Maintenace, Whitson, a two-time ISS Commander, is ensuring her crew’s success.
Months of astronaut training with a top-rated training team has prepared the Ax-2 crew for their short-duration mission to the International Space Station. Practicing in the life-sized ISS mockup, reviewing procedures, enacting scenarios, and countless tests, help ensure their preparation.
