Axiomatic Truths

NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX will provide coverage of the pre-launch and launch activities of Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), the second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Liftoff of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is slated for 17:37 EDT on Sunday, 21 May. The mission’s crew—which comprises Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—will travel to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft dubbed Freedom.

NASA’s mission responsibility comprises integrated operations, which begin during the spacecraft’s approach to the International Space Station, continue during the crew’s stay aboard the orbital facility—during which they will conduct scientific, educational, and commercial activities—and conclude once Freedom departs the vicinity of the space station.

NASA coverage of the Ax-2 launch is as follows:

Saturday, 20 May:

18:00 EDT—Pre-launch News Conference (targeted for one-hour following the mission’s launch readiness review).

The prelaunch news conference will address final preparations for the Ax-2 mission and discuss the results of the launch readiness review, which evaluates the mission hardware and its readiness for launch.

Participants include:

• Joel Montalbano, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program.
• Derek Hassmann, chief of mission integration and operations, Axiom Space.
• Mishaal Ashemimry, microgravity research lead, Saudi Space Agency.
• Benji Reed, senior director, Human Spaceflight Programs, SpaceX.
• Mike McAleenan, 45th Weather Squadron, U.S. Space Force.

 Sunday, 21 May:

16:30 EDT—NASA launch coverage begins.

The broadcast will end following orbital insertion—approximately 15 minutes after launch. As Ax-2 is a commercial launch, NASA will provide no clean feed thereof.

19:00 EDT—Post-launch Media Briefing (targeted one hour following launch).

Leadership from NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX will participate in a post-launch media briefing to provide an update on the launch and mission operations. Participants include:

• Joel Montalbano, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program
• Matt Ondler, chief technology officer, Axiom Space
• Benji Reed, senior director, Human Spaceflight Programs, SpaceX

 Monday, 22 May

07:30 EDT—NASA docking coverage begins and airs through the conclusion of the welcome ceremony.

09:24 EDT—Docking

11:13 EDT—Hatch Opening

11:45 EDT—Crew Welcome Ceremony

FMI: www.nasa.gov