Axiom Mission 4 – Advancing Space Exploration

I am unable to explain the feeling of excitement at the Axiom Space announcement of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) – the next step in its venture into commercial space exploration. In the fourth collaboration between Axiom Space and NASA, private astronauts will conduct in-orbit activities alongside International Space Station crew members.

Building upon the previous successes of Ax-1, Ax-2, and Ax-3, this mission marks the next milestone in our collective journey into the cosmos, further advancing the frontiers of space exploration and expanding the excitement of human space flight to large populations on earth.

About Ax-4: The Next Frontier

Scheduled to launch no earlier than April 2025 from Kennedy Space Center, Ax-4 is poised for a 14-day period docked to the space station. Like all the Axiom Missions that have preceded it, Ax-4 will be instrumental in expanding international commercial space activity, continuing our scientific research in microgravity conditions, and increasing our experience of life and work in microgravity.

In preparation for the mission, Ax-4 crew members will spend months in Axiom Space’s rigorous training program, learning the systems, procedures, and emergency protocols that will enable them to live and work productively in space and in synergy with the ISS crew members.

The crew, announced on August 5, includes Commander Peggy Whitson, Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański of ESA/Poland, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu from Hungary have been selected as crewmembers for an upcoming mission to the International Space Station.

Peggy Whitson in the ISS (Image Credit: NASA from Flickr)

Their assignment is currently awaiting approval from the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). This panel, comprising representatives from NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency, makes decisions based on a consensus among the five international partners representing the 15 nations operating the international space station.

Reflection on Ax-1: Laying the Foundation

I was fortunate to be part of the genesis of Axiom’s success, the inaugural mission that went into orbit on April 8, 2022 – Ax-1. As the cornerstone for subsequent missions, with Ax-1 crew we not only proved that Axiom could successfully integrate with the existing ISS programs and processes, but also showcased the space industry leader’s ability to conduct meaningful research in low-Earth orbit.

These key achievements paved the way for subsequent missions, each of which have built on the foundations, achievements and lessons learned.

Training Progress – Preparing for the Unknown

Having completed the Axiom Space training for my flight on Ax-1, I can confirm that it is an intense, rigorous, and challenging program which ensures that astronauts are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for their mission on the ISS.

To start with, spaceflight has its own peculiar language, a lexicon of acronyms and abbreviations, which needs to be learned and familiarized so that communication is streamlined, uniform, and precise. Technical training encompasses equipment operation and maintenance, acquaintance with a variety facilities and laboratories, electronic and communication systems.

The spacecraft is a constrained environment packed with hi-tech equipment. Every single item is inventoried, and every movement of an item is accounted for on detailed computerized procedure sheets. Training also includes CPR, radio communication, stills and video photography, galley usage, and station housekeeping.

Scheduling of activities is a complex affair, meticulously detailed down to single items at a 5-minute resolution with the activities of all crew members seamlessly integrated. Emergency protocols are learned and practiced from manuals like the White and Red Books, covering critical and less-critical scenarios.

Weightlessness presents further unexpected challenges for an astronaut, turning routine Earth actions into low-orbit feats, from handling objects to getting dressed and preparing food. Speaking from personal experience, it takes dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to acquire the knowledge and skills required for space exploration.

Training on CPR in microgravity

Success of Ax-1, Ax-2, and Ax-3: Building Momentum

Axiom Space’s Ax-1 and Ax-2 missions collectively shaped the future of commercial space exploration and continue to fuel the industry’s momentum today. While Ax-1 set the precedent, heralding the dawn of a new era in human spaceflight, Ax-2 made history with the first female commander of a commercial human spaceflight mission and the inaugural presence of Saudi astronauts on the ISS.

Ax-2 also advanced our knowledge of human immune responses in microgravity. The RNA Response investigation, a cornerstone of the Ax-2 program, explored mRNA decay, a process involved in gene expression changes and their consequences on inflammatory response.

Results will expand our understanding of biomarkers and therapies for inflammatory diseases, with potential application both on Earth and in space, supporting astronaut health on future missions.

Ax-3 is the first all-European commercial astronaut mission, setting the stage for Axiom Station, the future hub of commercial space exploration in low-Earth orbit after the retirement of the ISS.  The mission’s program portfolio includes many activities in partnership with leading scientific organizations and institutions, conducting microgravity research, technology development, in-space manufacturing, and STEAM outreach. Ax-3 represents a shared commitment to scientific discovery, technological advancement, education, and commercial innovation.

A Message of Encouragement for Ax-4

Ax-4 stands poised to build upon the success of its predecessors, promising breakthroughs for research, in-space manufacturing, technology, and innovation that will reshape life on Earth and beyond.

Ax-4 is more than just a mission; it is a symbol of our collective ambition and the continuous pursuit of knowledge, a testament to courage and curiosity, advancing humanity’s journey beyond our home planet.

Axiom Space’s journey is one of inspiration, and Ax-4 is a beacon guiding us toward new horizons in our understanding of the cosmos and of our own nature. May the stars align in its favor.