In a last-minute update, SpaceX has announced a one-day delay in the launch of Axiom Space’s Ax-3 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The delay, extending the launch to 4:49 p.m. EST (2149 GMT) on Thursday (Jan. 18), provides SpaceX additional time to ensure the health and readiness of the mission vehicle.
The delay was communicated via a post on SpaceX’s X platform, formerly known as Twitter, where the company explained that the additional time is essential for completing pre-launch checkouts and data analysis on the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft.
For those eagerly anticipating the launch, coverage will commence at 2:30 p.m. EST (1845 GMT) on January 18, with live streams available from NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space.
The Ax-3 mission marks another significant milestone in private space exploration, with a four-person, all-European crew set to embark on a journey to the ISS. The mission will be commanded by Michael “LA” López-Alegría, a former NASA astronaut, meeting the agency’s requirement that private crewed missions to the ISS must have a commander with a NASA background.
The diverse crew includes mission specialist Walter Villadei, known for his suborbital spaceflight aboard Virgin Galactic’s Galactic 01 in June 2023, European Space Agency astronaut reserve member Marcus Wandt, and Alper Gezeravcı, Turkey’s first astronaut. López-Alegría, holding dual citizenship in the U.S. and Spain, adds an “all-European” dimension to the crew composition.
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During their approximately two-week stay aboard the ISS, the crew will undertake over 30 science experiments, contributing valuable data for understanding human physiology both on Earth and in orbit. Axiom Space emphasizes that the data collected before, during, and after the mission will not only advance scientific knowledge but also present opportunities for industrial advancements and the development of technologies contributing to humanity’s progress.
Axiom Space outlined the mission’s objectives, stating, “Data collected on ground before and after the mission as well as in flight will impact understanding of human physiology on Earth and on orbit, as well as advance scientific understanding, harness opportunities for industrial advancements and develop technologies for humanity’s progress.”
While delays in space missions are not uncommon due to the complexity and precision required in space travel, SpaceX’s commitment to ensuring the vehicle’s readiness underscores the company’s dedication to safety and mission success. As the private space industry continues to evolve, the Ax-3 mission represents a significant step forward in expanding access to space and conducting valuable research in microgravity environments.