NASA awards Axiom Space fourth private ISS mission

.@NASA and @Axiom_Space have signed an order for the fourth private astronaut mission to the @Space_Station, targeted to launch no earlier than August 2024 from @NASAKennedy in Florida. More: https://t.co/1rRtnS2WPB pic.twitter.com/Bh6nXKx26E

— NASA Space Operations (@NASASpaceOps) August 3, 2023

The mission is part of NASA’s efforts to transition low Earth orbit from primarily a government-sponsored activity to one where NASA is one of many customers. “NASA has been directed to develop commercial platforms to sustain a continuous United States presence in low Earth orbit and to transition beyond International Space Station operations. These private astronaut missions are helping to pave the way for that transition,” said Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

Axiom Space will obtain from NASA crew supplies, cargo delivery, storage, and in-orbit resources for daily use. The order also includes up to seven contingency days aboard the ISS. NASA will also obtain from Axiom Space the return of scientific samples and other cargo, as well as the use of the private astronaut mission commander’s time for NASA tasks.

SpaceX as the launch provider

Axiom Space has contracted SpaceX as the launch provider for the mission. The private astronauts will fly on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which will also carry cargo and experiments to and from the ISS. The private astronauts will train with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX for their flight, learning about the systems, procedures, and emergency preparedness for the Dragon spacecraft.

Axiom Space is obtaining NASA services via both a mission-specific order and a reimbursable Space Act Agreement. Through the latter, Axiom Space will reimburse NASA for services such as training, facilities use, and launch services.

NASA announced its selection of Axiom Space for the third private astronaut mission in March. The mission, dubbed Ax-3, is now targeted to launch no earlier than January 2024. The proposed crew members for Ax-3 are currently under review by NASA and its international partners.

NASA selected Axiom Space for the third and fourth private astronaut missions from proposals received in response to its September 2022 NASA Research Announcement. The agency evaluated the proposals based on the provider’s ability to execute a successful mission, NASA’s ability to support the mission, and the mission’s contribution to NASA’s goal of low Earth orbit commercialization.