It’s days away from the launch of the first space tourists to the International Space Station (ISS). This tourism mission initiated by NASA includes a number of outreach and commercial activities. But when will the ISS tourists launch?
NASA prepares to launch ISS tourists
NASA is almost about to begin its first space tourism mission to the International Space Station. The Ax-1 mission, to be carried out in partnership with the space agency and Axiom Space, will fly a crew of 4 to the ISS with the help of a SpaceX rocket.
The 10-day Ax-1 mission will take place at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, April 6th. A team of four is planned to be sent in cooperation with Axiom Space and SpaceX.
Ax-1 team members include Canadian philanthropist Mark Pathy, American entrepreneur Larry Connor and former Israeli Air Force pilot Eytan Stibbe, and most recently ex-NASA astronaut Michael López-Alegría, who will lead the mission.
Space tourists, who paid $55 million to go to the ISS, were guaranteed a “lifetime trip”. But beyond that money, crew members went through months of space training for the Ax-1 mission.
The launch, which will be held on Wednesday, April 6, can be watched live by NASA. During the broadcast, it will be possible to watch the tourists who will be attached to the Crew Dragon capsule, as well as the launch of the SpaceX rocket Falcon 9. The Crew Dragon spacecraft will arrive at the station on Friday, April 8.
It should also be reminded that bad weather conditions or last-minute technical problems may occur, although there is very little time left for the launch. You can check the last-minute developments on NASA’s Twitter account.
What do you think about NASA and Axiom Space sending tourists to the ISS station? You can share your views with us in the comments section or on the SDN Forum.
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