SpaceX astronauts arrive at International Space Station

NASA said four private astronauts docked at the International Space Station after a successful launch of Axiom Mission 2.

This is the second all private astronaut mission to the ISS. They lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 5:37 p.m. Sunday.

NASA said a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the company’s Dragon spacecraft carrying Ax-2 crew members Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot John Shoffner, and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi into orbit. Their mission is to conduct scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities on the space station.

It’s an honor to be here,” Astronaut John Shoffner said. “I’ve been working toward this since I was eight.”

He also thanked NASA for supporting private flights to space.

With big smiles on their faces, the astronauts encouraged people to dream big. Some of the astronauts are from Saudi Arabia, and they said they were proud to represent their country.

Below is video of the welcome ceremony for the astronauts in outer space.

“Congratulations to Axiom, SpaceX, and the Axiom Mission 2 crew on a successful launch! During their time aboard the International Space Station, the Ax-2 astronauts will carry out more than 20 scientific experiments, helping us better understand space radiation, weather in low-gravity conditions, and more,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “This mission is more proof of NASA’s commitment to help our industry partners develop the next generation of space technology and a support a growing commercial space economy.”

NASA said they will be providing live coverage of SpaceX Dragon docking, hatch opening, and a ceremony to welcome the crew on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website beginning at 6:30 a.m. Houston time Monday.

Axiom Space astronauts are expected to depart the space station May 30, pending weather.


About the Authors:

Christian Terry covered digital news in Tyler and Wichita Falls before returning to the Houston area where he grew up. He is passionate about weather and the outdoors and often spends his days off on the water fishing.

Cynthia Miranda graduated from UT Austin and is a proud Houstonian. She is passionate about covering breaking news and community stories. Cynthia previously covered elections, the historic 2021 Texas winter storm, and other news in East Texas. In addition to writing, she also loves going to concerts, watching movies, and cooking with her family.