Axiom Space's first private mission to the ISS has launched successfully

The first fully private crew of astronauts will be on the International Space Station after the launch of the AX-1 mission. The group left Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a Dragon capsule that was propelled by a rocket. The Dragon and the first stage separated.

On April 9th, the spaceship is expected to dock at the International Space Station. The welcoming ceremony will take place at 10:00AM after the hatch opening.

The crew is made up of a commander and former NASA astronauts, as well as three businessmen. Four people are going to spend eight days on the International Space Station, where they will take part in scientific research, outreach and commercial activities. Some scientific samples will be retrieved by them.

Over the next several years, the company plans to conduct more private missions to the International Space Station. The first commercial module for the space station will be built by the company. A module containing a film studio and sports arena is expected to be attached to the International Space Station as early as December 2024. The Axiom Station is going to split from the International Space Station in 2028.