International training for Axiom Space astronauts is essential for the safety and success of their mission to the International Space Station (ISS). While on orbit, the Ax-2 crew will live and work alongside astronauts from NASA and international partner (IP) nations. All astronauts must be familiar with the systems and activities aboard the orbiting laboratory.
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) offer specialized training programs to ensure crews are prepared to operate in the multinational modules of the ISS. This training is critical to ensuring Axiom Space crews are ready to work effectively within the respective modules and complete all mission tasks assigned.
ESA's astronaut training in Cologne, Germany, provides a wide range of courses that cover topics such as robotics, emergency training, and space science. Working closely with the ESA training team, and the support from the Aerospace Logistics Technology Engineering Company (ALTEC), the Ax-2 crew received additional training on the various aspects of the Columbus module, Europe's contribution to the ISS, a multi-purpose laboratory for multi-disciplinary research under microgravity conditions.
Training at JAXA's headquarters in Tsukuba, Japan, the Ax-2 crew worked with the JAXA team and support staff from the Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS) on the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), nicknamed Kibō. Training included technical skills related to space research and more in-depth knowledge of the capabilities of the JEM module, such as the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD), a mechanism for deploying small satellites.
