Ax-3 Mission Update Flight Day #15

Crew Status

Today, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt completed their 12th full day (flight day 15) on the International Space Station (ISS).

Highlights of the Day

The Ax-3 astronauts are starting to prepare for their departure from the space station. The crew had a conference call with the Axiom Space Cargo team to discuss their upcoming pack activities for departure. Mission managers from Axiom Space, SpaceX, and NASA are monitoring weather conditions at the splashdown site off the coast of Florida.

Research

MLA conducted experiment transfer from the Minus Eighty-Degree Laboratory Freezer (MELFI), Glacier, and Space Automated Bioproduct Lab (SABL) to Polars stowage facilities for Ax-3 return. MLA also supported Villadei in experiment transfer between the SABL and the Microgravity Experiment Research Locker Incubator (MERLIN) cold stowage.

Villadei and Gezeravcı completed the first Ax-3 Dragon packing activities to prepare for undocking.

MLA, Villadei, and Gezeravcı completed the final audio samples for the Vokalkord experiment.

Wandt completed the AstroBit experiment, which contains sensors for acceleration, magnetic field strength, and light. This ESA-led activity is an educational project that helps students understand physics, as well as learn more about computer programming, digital skills development, and critical thinking. 

Outreach

Wandt recorded an outreach video on how food is prepared, and Gezeravcı recorded a video on electronics in space.

Gezeravcı participated in another Q&A with students from schools affected by the recent earthquakes in Türkiye.

Media

Tomorrow at 8:50 a.m. CT, the Ax-3 crew will be joined by the NASA Expedition 70 crew for a farewell ceremony. The event will be broadcast live on Axiomspace.com and NASA TV.

Ax-3 Mission Update Flight Day #14

Crew Status

Today, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt completed their 11th full day (flight day 14) on the International Space Station (ISS).

Highlights of the Day

The Ax-3 crew is making final rounds to complete their research and science experiments and preparing payloads for return to Earth. They also spent time conducting their last outreach engagements.

Research

MLA assisted the NASA Expedition 70 crew with packing hardware equipment, which will return with the Ax-3 crew in the Dragon spacecraft.

MLA supported Gezeravcı with the second session of the microgravity effects on metal particles dynamics in fluids (gMETAL) project, which investigates how the lack of gravity impacts mixing solid particles in a gas (two-phase mixture formation) within a contained environment. 

In addition, MLA helped Gezeravcı with a video recording showing meal preparation and consumption.

Today was Villadei’s turn to provide an audio sample for the Vokalkord experiment, which uses an artificial intelligence system to detect over 70 types of disease by analyzing respiratory, speaking, and cough sounds. 

Villadei inserted Beta Amyloid Aggregation samples into the Minus Eighty-Degree Laboratory Freezer for preservation. This project investigates the aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins, which are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease).

Villadei also executed the Italian Space Operations Centre (ISOC) technology demonstration to perform an ISS space debris conjunction analysis and verify potential space weather alerts. The ISOC system provides an updated space object catalogue with state-of-the-art algorithms to detect space-related events (such as collisions). The ISOC was operated in space for the first time during the Ax-3 mission.

Gezeravcı took photographs to track the progress of algae samples and then placed them into the Glacier for cryogenic preservation. This project, called Algalspace, investigates the survival and growth of algae in space. 

Wandt spent the day working on CIMON to test the Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) system functionalities and chat capabilities of this free-flying AI- powered crew companion. 

Wandt completed another Orbital Architecture assessment with the fNIRS headcap to document his cognitive performance, stress levels, and stress recovery rate. 

Wandt also completed another virtual reality on board training session.

Outreach

Gezeravcı participated in a Q&A with kindergarten and nursery school children from Türkiye’s capital, Ankara.

Villadei spoke to Italian high school teachers and students, research and development representatives, and other authorities during an outreach event. He highlighted Ax-3 mission experiments, daily activities aboard the space station, and recognized stakeholders in relation to the experiments.

Tomorrow, Gezeravcı will participate in another Q&A with students from schools affected by the recent earthquake in Türkiye.

Ax-3 Mission Update Flight Day #13

Crew Status

Today, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt completed their 10th full day (flight day 13) on the International Space Station (ISS).

Highlights of the Day

The Ax-3 crew completed multiple outreach engagements and took images to support commercial activities. The crew also completed a variety of ISS National Lab-sponsored projects.

Research

Villadei wore the Smart FlightSuit 2 (SFS2) again to test the comfort and behavior of the suit's fabrics in space, function of the inbuilt sensors, and utility of the suit in microgravity. MLA took images to document Villadei’s use of the suit.

Villadei prepared Barilla Ready Made Pasta and then completed a questionnaire to develop a broader range of tasty foods in space for future space explorers.

Gezeravcı inserted the Extremophyte CRISPR plant samples from yesterday’s harvest into the Minus Eighty-Degree Laboratory Freezer for cryogenic preservation.

MLA supported Gezeravcı in removing 12 microalgae samples from the experiment cube to prepare for their return to Earth. The data generated from the UzMan experiment will be used to advance the development of microalgal life support systems for future space missions.

Gezeravcı provided another audio sample for the Vokalkord experiment, which uses an artificial intelligence system to detect over 70 types of disease by analyzing respiratory, speaking, and cough sounds.

Wandt completed one of the many Orbital Architecture assessments with the fNIRS headcap to document his cognitive performance, stress levels, and stress recovery rate. Cortivision, the company that created the fNIRS headcap, is is developing innovative applications to analyze brain waves in space and on Earth. Learn more about this Ax-3 study from Axiom Space Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low and Cortivision Chief Operating Officer Wojciech Broniatowski, here.

Wandt also inserted the Furnace Calibration Cartridge into the Material Science Laboratory, which is used for basic materials research in microgravity (e.g., metals, alloys, polymers, semiconductors, ceramics, crystals, and glasses). 

Outreach

Villadei participated in a live outreach engagement with representatives from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) along with many teachers and students in Italy. During the event, he highlighted the ASI-led experiments and research activities on the ISS and participated in a Q&A. Watch the event, here.

Villadei recorded a video to explain and showcase how microgravity affects the shape of water and stability of spinning objects in space.

Gezeravcı also did another outreach event with high school students in Türkiye.

Tomorrow, Gezeravcı will participate in a Q&A with kindergarten and nursery school children from Türkiye’s capital, Ankara.

Villadei will speak to Italian high school teachers and students, research and development representatives, and other authorities during an outreach event. He will highlight Ax-3 mission experiments, daily activities aboard the space station, and will recognize stakeholders in relation to the experiments.

Ax-3 Mission Update Flight Day #12

Crew Status

Today, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt completed their ninth full day (flight day 12) on the International Space Station (ISS).

Highlights of the Day

The Ax-3 crew is in the second half of their mission on the ISS and are starting to wrap up and complete many of the research projects and experiments they have been charged to execute. The astronauts are also actively engaging with schools, organizations, and media located in their regions.

Research

As part of the Extremophyte Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) project, Gezeravcı worked in the Life Sciences Glovebox to harvest and preserve plant samples for ground return. He also took photographs of algae samples for the Algalspace study and then inserted them into the Glacier freezer for cryogenic preservation.

Gezeravcı provided audio samples for the Vokalkord experiment, which uses an artificial intelligence system to detect over 70 types of disease by analyzing respiratory, speaking, and cough sounds. 

Wandt completed another Orbital Architecture assessment with the fNIRS headcap to document his cognitive performance, stress levels, and stress recovery rate.

Outreach

Today, MLA reunited and spoke with his Ax-1 crewmates Larry Connor, Eytan Stibbe, and Mark Pathy. 

Villadei conducted an outreach event with children and doctors from a pediatric hospital in Italy. He discussed life on the ISS and answered questions from the participants.

Tomorrow at 3:25 a.m. CT, Villadei will participate in a live outreach engagement with representatives from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) along with teachers and students in Italy. During the event, he will highlight the ASI-led experiments and research activities on the ISS and participate in a Q&A. Watch the event live, here.

 Gezeravcı will do another outreach event with high school students in Türkiye.

Media

The Ax-3 crew participated in an on-orbit science briefing with Axiom Space Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low. The crew provided an update on the microgravity research, science experiments, and technology demonstrations they have been conducting while on the space station. Watch the event, here.

Ax-3 Mission Update Flight Day #11

Crew Status

Today, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt completed their eighth full day (flight day 11) on the International Space Station (ISS).

Highlights of the Day

The Ax-3 crew remained busy conducting research, media events, and outreach engagements.

Research

MLA, Villadei, and Gezeravcı provided audio samples for the Vokalkordexperiment, which uses an artificial intelligence system to detect over 70 types of disease by analyzing respiratory, speaking, and cough sounds. Testing the tool in microgravity will allow researchers to continue validating the system as an easy-to-use telemedicine option that could be used in the future to monitor the health of astronauts on future missions. 

Villadei continued conducting technology demonstrations with the Smart Flight Suit 2 (SFS2) to test the comfort and behavior of the suit's fabrics in space, function of the inbuilt sensors, and utility of the suit in microgravity. 

Villadei also completed microscope imaging of cancer cell cultures for the Cancer in LEO project, which studies tumor organoids in microgravity with the goal to identify early warning signs of cancer for prediction and prevention of disease.

Gezeravcı continued his daily documentation of plant samples for the Extremophyte Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) project and took photographs of algae samples for the Algalspacestudy. 

Wandt activated an artificial intelligence powered, free-flying companion, called CIMON, which can fly independently through the ISS to support crew as they perform tasks and can respond to verbal commands.

Outreach

MLA participated in an outreach event with Star Trek actress Melissa Navia to discuss the importance of space travel and developments in commercial space. Watch the event, here.

Gezeravcı participated in an interview with Türkiye’s global news agency, Turkish Radio and Television Corporation/Anadolu Agency. 

Tomorrow, MLA will reunite and speak with his Ax-1 crewmates Larry Connor, Eytan Stibbe, and Mark Pathy. 

Villadei will conduct an outreach event with children and doctors from a pediatric hospital in Italy. He will discuss life on the ISS and answer questions from the children.

Media

Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. CT, the Ax-3 crew will participate in an on-orbit science briefing with Axiom Space Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low. The crew will provide an update on the microgravity research, science experiments, and technology demonstrations they have been conducting while on the space station. Watch the event live, here.

Ax-3 Mission Update Flight Day #10

Crew Status

Today, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt completed their seventh full day (flight day 10) on the International Space Station (ISS). 

Highlights of the Day

Today was the Ax-3 crew’s one and only off-duty day aboard the ISS. However, the crew had to complete a few activities to ensure they are staying on track with their busy timeline full of research, media events, and outreach engagements. The astronauts also spent time catching up with their family members. 

Research

Villadei conducted a second technology demonstration with the Smart Flight Suit 2 (SFS2) to test the comfort and behavior of the suit's fabrics in space, function of the inbuilt sensors, and utility of the suit in microgravity. 

Gezeravcı continued documentation of plant samples for the Extremophyte Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) project, which studies how the stress responses of plants in microgravity could translate to improved agricultural practices on Earth, in space, or on other terrestrial bodies for future space exploration missions.

In addition, Gezeravcı took photographs to track the progress of algae samples. This project, called Algalspace, investigates the survival and growth of algae in space. Information gathered from the ISS will help make a valuable contribution to studies on sustainable bioregenerative life support systems for future space missions.

Wandt completed another Orbital Architecture assessment with the fNIRS headcap to document his cognitive performance, stress levels, and stress recovery rate.

Wandt took a second round of photos in the cupola for the Thor-Davis project, which investigates lightning activity at the top of thunderstorm clouds. The proximity of these images taken from the ISS, versus weather satellites in higher orbits, helps investigators collect more accurate altitude-related measurements to study the relationship between electrical and convective thunderstorm activity and the effect of lightning on atmospheric greenhouse gas composition.

Outreach

MLA talked to his alma mater, the U.S. Naval Academy. During the event, MLA participated in a Q&A with midshipmen. Watch the event here.

 Gezeravcı participated in a Q&A with students from schools affected by the recent earthquake in Hatay, Türkiye.

Media

MLA and Villadei recently joined together for the second webcast mission update to talk about their day-to-day life aboard the space station, as they are now halfway through the mission. Watch the mission update below.

Tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. CT, MLA will participate in an outreach event with Star Trek actor Melissa Navia to discuss the importance of space travel and developments in commercial space. Watch the event live, here.

Tomorrow, Gezeravcı will participate in an interview with Türkiye’s global news agency, Turkish Radio and Television Corporation/Anadolu Agency.                                                                             

Ax-3 Mission Update Flight Day #9

Crew Status

Today, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt completed their sixth full day (flight day nine) on the International Space Station (ISS).

Highlights of the Day

The crew is now halfway through their mission and spent time today speaking with their local and regional media outlets.

Research

Villadei prepared Barilla Ready Made Pasta and then completed a questionnaire on the preparation, aroma, taste, texture, and the overall eating experience. This activity is part of an effort to develop a broader range of tasty foods in space for future space explorers.

Wandt completed another Orbital Architecture cognitive assessment with the fNIRS headcap. 

Wandt also took photos of thunderstorm clouds in the cupola with the Thor-Davis camera, which can take images of lightning at up to 100,000 frames per second, giving accurate pictures of what happens during a lightning strike. This ESA-sponsored project is investigating lightning activity at the top of thunderstorm clouds that extend into the stratosphere to better understand the role of thunderstorms on atmosphere dynamics and chemistry.

Outreach

MLA supported Villadei in recording a video tour of the ISS for educational outreach.

Gezeravcı participated in a fireside chat with the Türkiye Minister of Industry and Technology along with members of the delegation. Watch the event here.

Gezeravcı also recorded a vlog to document his experiences and what he has learned and observed on the space station, which will be later used for outreach engagements. 

Tomorrow at 11:45 a.m. CT, MLA will talk to his alma mater, the U.S. Naval Academy. During the event, MLA will participate in a Q&A with midshipmen. Watch the event live, here.

Gezeravcı will participate in a Q&A with students from schools affected by the recent earthquake in Hatay, Türkiye.

Media

Villadei did an interview with Italian media outlet RAI1 to discuss the importance of scientific research, space exploration, education, and what it means to represent Italy on the Ax-3 mission. 

Wandt participated in an interview with one of Sweden's largest TV channels, SVT. During the event, Wandt discussed the experiments he is conducting on the ISS and his experience as an Ax-3 astronaut.

Ax-3 Mission Update Flight Day #8

Crew Status

Today, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt completed their fifth full day (flight day eight) on the International Space Station (ISS).

Highlights of the Day

The crew is in full gear conducting research and outreach engagements. As the Ax-3 crew is now almost halfway through the mission, they participated in individual mission management conferences for an opportunity to connect with ground support to discuss overall mission success and their daily lookahead.

Research

Today, Villadei conducted a technology demonstration with the Smart Flight Suit 2 (SFS2). The suit contains sensors that monitor the heart's beating patterns, body temperature, and movement. The goals of this project are to test the comfort and behavior of the suit's fabrics in space, validate the function of the inbuilt sensors, and validate the utility of the suit within microgravity.

MLA supported Gezeravcı for the microgravity effects on metal particles dynamics in fluids (gMETAL) project, which investigates how the lack of gravity impacts mixing solid particles in a gas (two-phase mixture formation) within a contained environment. Expedition 70 crewmembers helped configure the Life Science Glovebox (LSG) for gMetal. Gezeravcı mixed the quartz tube samples and captured videos. 

Wandt completed another Orbital Architecture cognitive assessment with the fNIRS headcap. He also finished a Virtual Reality on-board training for the European Space Agency (ESA).

Outreach

Today, Villadei participated in a NASA PAO event with the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.  

Tomorrow, Gezeravcı will participate in a fireside chat with the Türkiye Minister of Industry and Technology along with members of the delegation to celebrate the first Turkish astronaut and discuss Ax-3 mission objectives. 

Media

Villadei will do an interview with Italian media outlet RAI1 to discuss the importance of scientific research, space exploration, education, and what it means to represent Italy on the Ax-3 mission.

Tomorrow at 8:15 a.m. CT, Wandt will participate in an interview with one of Sweden's largest TV channels, SVT. During the event, Wandt will discuss the experiments he is conducting on the ISS and his experience as an Ax-3 astronaut.

Ax-3 Mission Update Flight Day #7

Crew Status

Today, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt completed their fourth full day (flight day seven) on the International Space Station (ISS).

Highlights of the Day

The crew is spending much of their time conducting research and outreach engagements. Since launching to the ISS on Jan. 18, the Ax-3 astronauts have now orbited the Earth approximately 96 times.

Research

MLA and Villadei utilized the Timeshifter application, which helps them synchronize with the ISS crew sleep schedule.

Today, Villadei continued to complete more microscope imaging of the cancer cell cultures stored in bioreactor bags for the Cancer in LEO project. This project studies tumor organoids in microgravity with the goal to identify early warning signs of cancer for prediction and prevention of disease. 

After adding a growth solution yesterday, Gezeravcı proceeded to take images of the plant samples to track their growth progression for the Extremophyte Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) project. This study will ultimately examine how the stress responses of plants in microgravity could translate to improved agricultural practices on Earth, in space, or on other terrestrial bodies for future space exploration missions.

Gezeravcı also completed surface swapping for the second part of the CRISPR study, which will evaluate the salt stress tolerance of two plants (one salt-sensitive and one salt-tolerant) that will be germinated and grown onboard the ISS. This will show how microgravity affects the growth, movement, and genetics of Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress, a member of the mustard family) and could provide valuable insights into plant adaptation to extreme environments and help develop more resilient crops for agriculture.

Outreach

Wandt completed a test of the ESA-led Multi-Avatar and Robots Collaborating with Intuitive Interface (Surface Avatar) project and provided post-execution notes on the use of the payload. Surface Avatar is focused on developing robotic assets for space exploration, building infrastructure on planets and asteroids, and optimizing processes for data connections and communications relays. 

Today, Villadei participated in an event with the medical director for the Italian company GVM Assistance, Giampaolo Stopazzolo, to discuss medicine in space. During Ax-3, GVM is testing a telemedicine platform by collecting and monitoring data using a health application through devices worn by the crew. This technology could be used in the future to monitor and manage the health of astronauts before, during, and after human spaceflight missions.

Tomorrow at 8:25 a.m. CT, Villadei will participate in a live NASA PAO event with the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.

Ax-3 Mission Update Flight Day #6

Crew Status

Today Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt completed their third full day (flight day six) on the International Space Station (ISS). 

Highlights of the Day

The crew has seamlessly adjusted to microgravity and are now busy conducting research and outreach engagements.

Research

Today, Villadei continued to complete more microscope imaging of the cancer cell cultures stored in bioreactor bags for the Cancer in LEO project, which studies tumor organoids in microgravity with the goal to identify early warning signs of cancer for prediction and prevention of disease. 

Gezeravcı spent most of his day working in the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG). He added a growth solution to plant samples in petri dishes and then returned them to the staging location. The Extremophyte Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) project will examine how the stress responses of plants in microgravity could translate to improved agricultural practices on Earth, in space, or on other terrestrial bodies for future space exploration missions.

Now that the Orbital Architecture study is set up, Wandt recorded his brain activity through a cap embedded with sensors on his forehead to collect data assessing cognitive function. This study will investigate how isolated and confined environments on Earth and in space affect an astronaut’s cognitive performance, stress levels, and stress recovery rate.

Media

Yesterday, MLA and Gezeravcı completed the first (out of three) webcast mission updates, which provide insight into the work, experiences, and day-to-day activities of the crewmembers at the beginning, middle, and upon the conclusion of their 14-day stay aboard the space station.
WATCH MISSION UPDATE #1 BELOW.

Today, Wandt participated in an interview with Aftonbladet, which is the largest newspaper in Scandinavia. He discussed the importance of human spaceflight, living and working in space, and microgravity research.

Wandt also joined his European Space Agency (ESA) colleague and ISS Commander Andy Mogensen in a joint event for the European Space Conference. 

Outreach

MLA participated in a live event with ASTM International, the American Society for Testing and Materials. During this event, MLA spoke with ASTM chair members about the difference between commercial and government astronaut missions, as well as safety frameworks and standards. 

Tomorrow, Villadei will participate in an event with the medical director for the Italian company GVM Assistance, Giampaolo Stopazzolo. During the event, Villadei and Stopazzolo will discuss medicine in space. During Ax-3, GVM will be testing its telemedicine platform by collecting and monitoring data through a health application from wearable devices worn by the crew. This technology could be used in the future to monitor and manage the health of astronauts before, during, and after human spaceflight missions.

Ax-3 Mission Update Flight Day #5

Crew Status

Today Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt completed their second full day (flight day five) on the International Space Station (ISS).

Highlights of the Day

The Ax-3 crewmembers participated in their first outreach engagements and continued to prepare and set up research projects and experiments. Upon their departure from the ISS, the crew will have completed more than 30 experiments and more than 50 outreach engagements.

Research

Today Villadei performed microscope imaging of the cancer cell cultures stored in bioreactor bags for the Cancer in LEO project. In partnership with Axiom Space and the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, this experiment will study tumor organoids in microgravity with the goal to identify early warning signs of cancer for prediction and prevention of disease.

Villadei also activated sample tubes and completed initial sample transfers into the MELFI cold stowage facility for the βeta-Amyloid Aggregation Update experiment. Led by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), this project will investigate the aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins, which are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). Researching proteins in microgravity provides an opportunity to better understand the mechanisms of Aβ protein aggregation and the formation of amyloid plaques, which could lead to insights into how to prevent or reverse formation in Alzheimer's patients.

Media

To begin preparations for the Orbital Architecture study, Wandt charged the non-invasive functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) payload device, which will record brain activity through a cap embedded with sensors on a participant’s forehead during cognitive assessments. He also connected the hardware to a Columbus payload laptop for initial science capture. The Orbital Architecture study will investigate how isolated and confined environments on Earth and in space affect an astronaut’s cognitive performance, stress levels, and stress recovery rate.

Outreach

The Ax-3 crew also participated in a NASA PAO event with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), which is a professional network with more than 27,000 members from more than 165 countries bringing together the views of students and young space professionals to the United Nations, space industry, and other organizations. During the live event, the Ax-3 astronauts answered questions from members of SGAC about their life, experiences, and important work being conducted in space, as the first all-European commercial astronaut mission.

Tomorrow, Wandt will do a recorded interview with Aftonbladet, which is the largest newspaper in Scandinavia. He will discuss the importance of human spaceflight, living and working in space, and microgravity research.

The Ax-3 astronauts completed the ICE Cubes Media Set setup with Bluetooth headphones and Bose Soundlink Revolve+II Bluetooth speaker pairing. They conducted practice Q&A sessions as a group and individually. This test event will ensure the crew is comfortable with using the equipment and understands the protocols for ICE Cubes Media Set events. ICE Cubes is a platform that offers ability to connect astronauts to the ground in support of experiments, research, technology demonstrations, and outreach engagements. The ICE Cubes service provides fast and direct access to the ISS for any country, institute, or user.

Gezeravcı had his first interaction, since going to space, with Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During this live event, the Ax-3 Mission Specialist and Türkiye President participated in a public celebration of Gezeravcı being the first Turkish astronaut and commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.

Tomorrow at 10:40 a.m. CT, MLA will participate in a live event with ASTM International, the American Society for Testing and Materials, which is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. During this event, MLA will speak with ASTM chair members about the difference between commercial and government astronaut missions, as well as safety frameworks and standards.

Ax-3 Mission Update Flight Day #4

Ax-3 crew is shown greeted by the Expedition 70 crew as they enter the ISS on Jan. 20.

Crew Status

Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt entered the International Space Station (ISS) around 6:15 a.m. CT on Jan. 20 after docking to the ISS Harmony module at 4:42 a.m. CT, while soaring over the Pacific Ocean. Today officially marks the crew’s fourth flight day after launching to the ISS at 3:49 p.m. CT on Jan. 18 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The fourth flight day was the crew’s first full day aboard the orbiting laboratory to kick off their two-week stay — they are happy, healthy, and eager to begin a full slate of microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and outreach engagements. 

Highlights of the Day

Since arriving to the ISS, the Ax-3 crew has worked to settled in on station. The crew set up their sleeping bags in their sleeping quarters — with MLA located in the airlock campout, Villadei in the Dragon, Gezeravcı in the JEM campout, and Wandt in Columbus. The crew also synced up with their Expedition 70 crew colleagues for handover activities and to help them acclimate to the microgravity environment.

After their first sleep on the ISS, the Ax-3 crew completed unpacking the Dragon cargo. The ISS emergency roles and responsibility review was also completed, ensuring the entire crew aboard the ISS is ready to respond in case of a contingency.

Research

During the planned 14-day stay on the ISS, the Ax-3 crew will conduct over 30 research projects and experiments on station. Today, Gezeravcı began preparations for the Extremophyte Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) experiment in the Destiny laboratory module. Gezeravcı set up the lights and plant samples. Led by TÜBİTAK UZAY, this project will examine how the stress responses of plants in microgravity could translate to improved agricultural practices on Earth, in space, or on other terrestrial bodies for future space exploration missions.

Villadei started preparations for the PROtection MEdiated by antioxidant nanoTEchnOlogy against neuronal damage in space II (PROMETEO II)experiment—the payload was installed in the Columbus Kubik facility. Led by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), this project is a continuation of an ongoing study aimed to investigate how exposure to microgravity and space radiation affects cellular response to stress, as well as the neuroprotective effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles. 

Media

Yesterday, soon after entering the ISS, the Ax-3 crew was greeted by the Expedition 70 crewmembers and celebrated their arrival during the welcome ceremony. During the live event, MLA presented his Ax-3 crewmates with their official astronaut pins, declaring Gezeravcı to be the 676th and Wandt the 677th to go to space. Villadei became number 666 during his Virgin Galactic flight on Jun. 29, 2023. 

Tomorrow at 9:55 a.m. CT, MLA will be joined by Gezeravcı for the first (out of three) webcast mission updates, which will provide insight into the work, experiences, and day-to-day activities of the crewmembers at the beginning, middle, and upon the conclusion of their 14-day stay aboard the space station.  

Outreach

The Ax-3 crew will also participate tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. CT, in a NASA PAO event, with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) for a live Q&A. SGAC is a professional network with more than 27,000 members from more than 165 countries bringing together the views of students and young space professionals to the United Nations, space industry, and other organizations. 

Tomorrow, Gezeravcı will have his first interaction, since going to space, with Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During this NASA PAO event, the Ax-3 Mission Specialist and Türkiye President will conduct a public celebration of Gezeravcı being the first Turkish astronaut and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.

Axiom Space Celebrates Arrival of Ax-3 crew to International Space Station

The Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) crew has successfully reached their destination and will begin their planned 14-day mission on the International Space Station (ISS). After seamlessly docking to the orbiting laboratory, Ax-3 Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Walter Villadei, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı, and Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt entered the space station at 7:15 a.m. ET on Jan. 20.

As a symbolic gesture, Commander López-Alegría ceremoniously adorned his fellow crewmates with the official astronaut pin, marking the crew’s formal commencement of becoming astronauts. López-Alegría presented his crewmates with their official astronaut pins, declaring Gezeravcı to be the 676th and Wandt the 677th to go to space. Villadei became number 666 during his Virgin Galactic flight on Jun. 29, 2023.

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying the Ax-3 astronauts, embarked on its voyage to space atop a Falcon 9 rocket at 4:49 p.m. ET on Jan. 18 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

During their time aboard the space station, the Ax-3 crew will conduct a diverse array of over 30 experiments spanning various fields in science and technology. These endeavors aim to propel advancements in human spaceflight and contribute to enhancing life on our home planet. Ax-3 stands as the third among multiple proposed Axiom Space human spaceflight missions, laying the groundwork for Axiom Station, which is set to become the world’s first commercial space station.

The mission is scheduled to conclude on Feb. 3 with undocking, culminating in a splashdown off the coast of Florida aboard the Dragon spacecraft.

Click here to watch the Ax-3 welcome ceremony.

Ax-3 Crew Docks to International Space Station

Axiom Space’s Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) crew successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS) in a journey that lasted approximately 36 hours. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the ISS Harmony module at 5:42 a.m. ET on Jan. 20, while soaring over the Pacific Ocean.

The Ax-3 mission marks another milestone with the first all-European commercial astronaut mission to launch to the 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.

The multinational Ax-3 astronauts embarked on their historic mission to the ISS from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The liftoff occurred at 4:49 p.m. ET on Jan. 18.

The Ax-3 crew will soon enter the space station and be greeted by NASA’s Expedition Crew for the welcome ceremony. This will begin their up to 14-day mission on the orbiting laboratory conducting microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and outreach engagements. 

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

Ax-3 Crew Checks in from Orbit

The astronauts of Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) did a quick check-in from the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft during their journey to the International Space Station (ISS), shortly after launching from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew shared their first experiences of being in space.

During the check-in, Ax-3 Commander Michael López-Alegría confirmed the crew's well-being and safety as they navigate the interim period between launch and docking with the ISS.

Collaborative efforts between Axiom Space, SpaceX, and NASA ground personnel are in full swing, as teams meticulously coordinate and ensure a viable interception of the space station. As Dragon moves through space, the spacecraft will autonomously navigate a careful and calculated rendezvous with the ISS. The Dragon spacecraft is now anticipated to dock to the space-facing port of the ISS Harmony module as early as 4:19 a.m. ET on Jan. 20.  

In advance of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docking with the ISS, at 2:30 a.m. ET, the Ax-3 live webcast will begin. Watch the crew arrive at the ISS live at axiomspace.com, 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. This will begin the crew’s mission on the orbiting laboratory conducting microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and outreach engagements.

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

Ax-3 to Now Launch on Jan. 18

SpaceX and Axiom Space are now targeting Thursday, Jan. 18 at 4:49 p.m. ET for the launch of Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) to the International Space Station (ISS). This launch date change will allow additional time for teams to complete pre-launch checkouts and data analysis, including of the parachute system energy modulator.

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

Listen to the Pre-Launch Press Conference

Axiom Space held a virtual pre-launch press conference on Jan. 16, one day ahead of the Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) launch. Participants included 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.

Participants included:

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

• 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 

Listen to the press conference here. 

Tomorrow 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. 

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

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

Boryung Corporation, Axiom Space Announce Joint Venture to Revolutionize Space Industry in Korea

Boryung Corporation, Axiom Space Announce Joint Venture to Revolutionize Space Industry in Korea

Boryung Corporation, a pioneer in innovative solutions based in South Korea, and Axiom Space, a leader in commercial human spaceflight and architect of the world’s first commercial space station, are proud to announce the formation of a joint venture aiming to leverage the unique strengths of both companies to advance the commercialization of low-Earth orbit (LEO) and push the boundaries of space exploration.

Through the JV, Boryung and Axiom Space will jointly explore business opportunities related to the future Axiom Station. The newly established JV will conduct all projects that Axiom Space will pursue in collaboration with South Korean companies and government and will have exclusive domestic rights for all operations utilizing Axiom Space’s technology and space station infrastructure in LEO.

The joint venture, named BRAX Space Corporation, will be headquartered in South Korea. The collaboration will focus on various businesses, including research and development, new initiatives in the space industry, and joint production efforts.

Jay Kim, Chairman & CEO of Boryung Corporation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, "This joint venture with Axiom Space marks a significant milestone in our commitment to innovation and excellence. We are excited to combine our expertise with Axiom's to create unprecedented opportunities in the space industry throughout Korea."

Jack Lim, Head of New Portfolio Investments (NPI) Group in Boryung, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BRAX. Lim has been overseeing Boryung's space business, including its investment in Axiom Space. In addition, Ryan Lee has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Lee joined Boryung in 2023 and leads the Strategic Operations Group, which is responsible for investment review, finance, accounting, and legal affairs.

"The launch of BRAX is significant in that it opens the way for Korea to utilize the space station for space exploration, scientific research, and commercial purposes," said Lim. "As access to low-Earth orbit expands, the demand to utilize space platforms for research and experimentation will continue to grow."

BRAX Space Corporation will initiate its operations by focusing on several key areas, including research and experimentation platform services on Axiom Station, Korean human spaceflight projects, and joint development of space station modules.

"We have established a foothold to promote projects exclusively in South Korea with Axiom Space, which has the strongest competitiveness in the private sector in terms of LEO, the gateway to the Moon and Mars," Kim said. "Beyond our financial investment in Axiom Space, we will continue to develop our relationship as close strategic partners.”

Michael Suffredini, CEO of Axiom Space, added, “Boryung has become a vital partner over the years and is quickly asserting leadership within the space industry in Korea by promoting innovation, advancing research, and unlocking the potential for large-scale, on-orbit manufacturing. We are pleased to join Boryung in the venture to shape the future of LEO for their nation.”

About Boryung Corporation:
Boryung is a healthcare investment company founded in 1957 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. Following the company’s mission to become an indispensable contributor to human health, the company has expanded their business portfolio to the space healthcare industry. Recognizing space as a new realm for growth, Boryung acknowledges the increasing number of individuals anticipated to embark on prolonged space missions, highlighting the importance of ensuring human survival in the hostile space environment. Hence, the company believes there will be substantial opportunities to foster new technologies and meet the emerging needs in this field. For more information about Boryung, visit www.boryung.com.

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.