Monday May 22, 2023
A private mission organized by Axiom Space successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying the first two Saudi Arabian astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). This second-ever private mission to the ISS represents a significant milestone in space exploration. Rayyanah Barnawi, a breast cancer researcher, became the first Saudi woman to go into space, accompanied by Saudi Arabian astronaut Ali Al-Qarni, a fighter pilot.
The Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) crew embarked on a journey aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that launched from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. The launch took place at 17:37 and caught the attention of the world. Along with Barnawi and Al-Qarni, the crew includes Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut making her fourth flight to the ISS, and John Shoffner, a businessman from Tennessee serving as the pilot.
During the press conference, Barnawi expressed her immense pleasure and honor to be the first Saudi female cosmonaut. She spoke of her excitement about the research she will be doing in space and her eagerness to share her experiences with children. Al-Qarni, a career fighter pilot, shared his lifelong passion for exploring the unknown and his desire to fly among the stars.
The mission includes a number of experiments to be performed on the ISS, including a study of the behavior of stem cells in zero gravity. The team will join existing crew members already aboard the ISS, which includes astronauts from Russia, the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Together, they will contribute to the continued research and advancement of space exploration.
Axiom Space's mission to the ISS represents a significant step towards its ultimate goal of building its own space station. The company plans to launch the first module in 2025 with an initial connection to the ISS before the station becomes an independent entity in orbit. This ambitious effort is in line with NASA's vision to decommission the ISS by 2030 and shift focus to private stations, encouraging the development of various companies' programs.
The successful launch of the Axe-2 mission demonstrates the progress and potential of private space travel. It marks Saudi Arabia's entry into the space exploration arena and the nation's commitment to changing its image. As the Axiom crew embarks on their mission, the world eagerly awaits the valuable contributions they will make during their time aboard the ISS.
