Ax-1 Mission Specialist Eytan Stibbe performing FLUTE research.
The Ax-1 private astronaut crew has finished most of the research and life-changing science and technology demonstrations central to their time on the International Space Station. As the clock counts down until the crew’s departure, they are spending their final moments on the orbiting lab packing up and preparing for undocking.
During the Ax-1 mission, the crew has pioneered a new path in space to allow more opportunities for individuals, nations, and researchers around world to work in microgravity.
The experiments and research conducted at the International Space Station include self-assembling technology for satellites and future space habitats, cancer stem cell study, air purification, and testing edge computing, made possible by Axiom’s full-service integration into the NASA process for science and technology activities. Data collected in-flight will impactunderstanding of human physiology on Earth and in orbit as well as establishingthe utility of novel technologies that could be used for future human spaceflight pursuits and people on Earth. These achievements made in space directly improve life on Earth, and simultaneously support efforts to help the most vulnerable on the planet.
Weather permitting, the crew is targeted to undock from the ISS around 10:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 19and will begin their journey back to Earth in the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The crew is anticipated to splash down off the coast of Florida no earlier than approximately 3:24 p.m. ET Wednesday, April 20.
Coverage of the Ax-1 return will include four separate segments over two days - farewell ceremony, hatch closure, undocking, and splashdown. All segments will be available at AxiomSpace.com