Japanese Astronaut Koichi Wakata Joins Axiom Space

Axiom Space welcomes recently retired Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata as a newly appointed Astronaut and Chief Technical Officer for the Asia-Pacific region. Wakata, a veteran astronaut with decades of human spaceflight experience, will lead the expansion of Axiom Space's business and strategic presence in the Asia-Pacific region and contribute to the advancement of Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station.

"Koichi is a recognized leader in the global space community and a true pioneer of space exploration,” said Axiom Space Chief Astronaut Michael López-Alegría. “We’re honored and excited to have him join the team as a future commander of private astronaut missions, as well as a technical expert and leader, advancing commercial space development and promoting global partnership. I believe his incredible journey will be a source of inspiration for generations to come.”

Wakata contributed to the construction of the International Space Station (ISS) and the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo.” He was the first astronaut to serve as JAXA’s ISS Program Manager and Vice President for Human Space Technology. He officially retired from JAXA on March 31, 2024, finishing out his career in the space agency as senior management for the ISS and lunar exploration programs.

Wakata’s astronaut career includes five missions, more than any Japanese astronaut, logging 504 days in space on four different spacecraft (Space Shuttle; Soyuz; SpaceX Crew Dragon; the ISS). His ISS space assignments include three long-duration missions, serving as the first Japanese ISS Commander, two spacewalks for a total of 14 hours and two minutes, and operations of four robotic systems.

Wakata holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, a Master of Science in Applied Mechanics and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.

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ABOUT AXIOM SPACE

Axiom Space is building for beyond, guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom Space operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while developing its successor, Axiom Station – the world’s first commercial space station in low-Earth orbit, which will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com.

Ax-3 Astronauts Splashdown, Completing First All-European Commercial Astronaut Mission to ISS

A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Ax-3 crew splashed down off the coast of Daytona, FL on Feb. 9.

After undocking from the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, Feb. 7, the Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) crew safely splashed down off the coast of Florida aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft at 8:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 9, 2024. The Ax-3 crew’s return officially concludes the first all-European commercial astronaut mission and Axiom Space’s third crewed mission to the ISS.

The Ax-3 crewmembers include Commander Michael López-Alegría of the U.S. and Spain, Pilot Walter Villadei of the Italian Air Force, and Mission Specialists Alper Gezeravcı of Türkiye and Marcus Wandt of Sweden and the European Space Agency (ESA).

“The successful return of our Ax-3 astronauts signifies more than just the completion of a human spaceflight mission; it marks a pivotal moment in commercial space exploration and significant milestone for Europe’s pursuits in low-Earth orbit,” said Axiom Space CEO Michael Suffredini. “Axiom Space’s first three commercial missions to the ISS are a testament to international advancement in space, with diverse crews representing eight nations, as well as — for the first time on Ax-3 — the European Space Agency. The success of these missions is an important step along our journey toward Axiom Station, underscoring our continuous efforts to expand access to low-Earth orbit.”

Ax-3 crewmembers Marcus Wandt (left), Walter Villadei, Micheal López Alegrīa, and Alper Gezeravcı (right) wave hello after the Dragon hatch opened on Recovery boat Shannon.

During their 18-day mission docked to the ISS, the Ax-3 crew lived and worked aboard the orbiting laboratory conducting more than 30 different experiments and more than 50 outreach engagements. Human research data collected on the ground before and after the mission, as well as in flight, will improve understanding of human physiology on Earth and in microgravity.

Ax-3 demonstrates that the European community of space-faring nations are pioneers in the burgeoning commercial space industry. The crew and the governments they represent are taking bold steps into a new era of leadership in low-Earth orbit.

Ax-3 celebrates many firsts: it was the first commercial spaceflight mission comprised of government and ESA-sponsored national astronauts; Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı became the first-ever Turkish astronaut; and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt was the first ESA project astronaut to fly on a commercial space mission.

Ax-3 is the third in a series of proposed Axiom Space human spaceflight missions, marking a critical milestone toward the realization of Axiom Station — the world’s first commercial space station.

Axiom Space is playing an important role in offering human spaceflight opportunities to the larger international community. These missions are enabling governments, individuals, researchers, academic institutions, and organizations across the world to conduct comprehensive scientific research, technology demonstrations, and outreach engagements in the unique environment of microgravity.

Axiom Space’s first three missions to the ISS included crewmembers from the U.S., Spain, Israel, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Türkiye, and Sweden, with the support of ESA. In addition, last year, Axiom Space signed an MOU with ESA and the UK Space Agency to explore future human spaceflight opportunities.

Axiom Space plans to launch its fourth mission, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), to the ISS no earlier than October 2024 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 

Ax-3 Crew Launches to International Space Station

Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3), the first all-European commercial astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), successfully launched today on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-3 crew is now in orbit following a 4:49 p.m. ET liftoff. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is anticipated to dock to the space-facing port of the ISS Harmony module as early as 4:19 a.m. ET on Jan. 20.

The Ax-3 crewmembers are Commander Michael López-Alegría of the U.S. and Spain, Pilot Walter Villadei of the Italian Air Force, and Mission Specialists Alper Gezeravcı of Türkiye and Marcus Wandt of Sweden and the European Space Agency (ESA). 

During their planned 14-day mission, the Ax-3 crew will live and work aboard the orbiting laboratory conducting more than 30 experiments and more than 50 outreach engagements. Human research data collected on the ground before and after the mission, as well as in flight, will improve understanding of human physiology on Earth and in microgravity. Furthermore, this mission will harness opportunities for industrial advancements and technological development to drive discovery off the planet.

Notably, Ax-3 spotlights European nations as pioneers of the emerging commercial space industry, as the crew boldly positions their governments and space agencies as future leaders and customers in LEO. Ax-3 will be the first commercial spaceflight mission made up of government and ESA-sponsored national astronauts. Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı will be the first-ever Turkish astronaut and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt will be the first ESA astronaut to fly on a commercial space mission.

Ax-3 is the third of several proposed Axiom Space human spaceflight missions, and a critical step along the journey toward Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station.  

The Ax-3 live webcast for docking will begin at 2:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 20. Watch the crew arrive at the ISS live at axiomspace.com, spacex.com/launches, x.com/@SpaceX, NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website. The Ax-3 webcast will cover the vehicle’s approach and docking through crew arrival on the space station, where they will be greeted by NASA’s Expedition crew during an arrival ceremony and officially begin the Ax-3 mission on board.

Click here for #Ax3 mission updates and follow along on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Axiom Space to Hold Pre-Launch Press Conference

Axiom Space will hold a virtual pre-launch press conference at 8:00 p.m. ET on Jan. 16, one day ahead of the Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) launch. Participants will include leaders from Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, and the U.S. Space Force.

The Ax-3 mission is targeted to launch on Jan. 17, 2024, at 5:11 p.m. ET. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Ax-3 crew aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once docked, the Axiom Space astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory implementing a full mission comprised of microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and outreach engagements . 

Ax-3 will be the first all-European commercial astronaut mission to the ISS, including crewmembers Commander Michael López-Alegría of the U.S. and Spain, Pilot Walter Villadei of the Italian Air Force, and Mission Specialists Alper Gezeravcı of Türkiye and Marcus Wandt of Sweden and the European Space Agency.

AX-3 PRE-LAUNCH PRESS CONFERENCE
Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 8:00PM ET (Approximately one hour after the LRR)
Participants include:

• Derek Hassmann, Chief of Mission Integration and Operations, Axiom Space

• Angela Hart, Manager, Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program, NASA

• Dana Weigel, Deputy Manager, International Space Station Program, NASA

• Benji Reed, Senior Director of Human Spaceflight Programs, SpaceX

• Brian Cizek, Launch Weather Officer, 45th Weather Squadron, U.S. Space Force

Register here for the teleconference: https://axiomspace.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_t4NpW_vgRDCZkHYbT3IBZQ

Media must register to participate in this briefing and must RSVP by 12:00 p.m. ET on Jan. 15. After registering reporters will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join.

On Jan.17 starting at 3:15 p.m. ET, the launch webcast will follow the journey of the four-person, all-European Ax-3 crew as they prepare to liftoff from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s KSC in Florida at 5:11 p.m. ET. The webcast will continue until roughly 20 minutes after launch with stunning views of the spacecraft traveling to the ISS. Watch live at axiomspace.com, spacex.com/launches, x.com/@SpaceX or NASA+.

Follow along for mission updates with #Ax3 on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, and on our website.

Updated: 1/15/2024

Watch the Crew Countdown to Launch Press Conference

(Left) Ax-3 Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt, Commander Michael López-Alegría (Right)

Axiom Space held a virtual press conference with the astronauts of Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) to highlight their mission readiness and objectives. The Ax-3 crew participated from quarantine in Florida, as they make final preparations ahead of their launch on Jan. 17 at 5:11 p.m. ET.

Ax-3 will be the first all-European commercial astronaut mission to launch to the International Space Station (ISS)—redefining the pathway to low-Earth orbit (LEO) and helping chart a course toward Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station.

The Ax-3 crewmembers are Commander Michael López-Alegría of the U.S. and Spain, Pilot Walter Villadei of the Italian Air Force, and Mission Specialists Alper Gezeravcı of Türkiye and Marcus Wandt of Sweden and the European Space Agency.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Ax-3 crew aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the ISS from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew will dock to the space station at approximately 5:15 a.m. ET on Jan. 19.  Once docked, the Ax-3 astronauts plan to spend their time aboard the orbiting laboratory for 14 days implementing a full mission comprised of microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and outreach engagements.

Click here or below to watch the press conference.