Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Houston-based Axiom Space has revealed the four astronauts for its fourth commercial mission to the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled for no earlier than October 2024.
The Ax-4 mission will be led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson as the commander. She will be joined by three international astronauts: Shubhanshu Shukla of India as the pilot, Sławosz Uznański of Poland (ESA) as a mission specialist, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary as another mission specialist.
Credit: ESA
This mission marks the first time in over 40 years that a Polish astronaut will travel to space, underscoring the international significance of the Ax-4 mission.
Axiom Space aims to conduct scientific research, demonstrate new technologies, and further the commercialization of space through Ax-4. The mission emphasizes global cooperation and innovation in low-Earth orbit.
Michael Suffredini, a member of Axiom Space's board, highlighted the mission's role in expanding global access to space. Ax-4 will enable countries to advance scientific, technological, and economic pursuits through international collaboration.
Axiom Space's partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) for a second time, along with the inclusion of astronauts from Hungary and India, illustrates the company’s commitment to fostering global partnerships in space exploration.
Peggy Whitson, embarking on her fifth space mission, praised Axiom Space's efforts in creating international opportunities. She emphasized the mission’s role in advancing scientific knowledge and international collaboration.
Whitson noted the significance of previous Axiom missions, including the first all-private mission to the ISS, the first Saudi female astronaut, and the first Turkish astronaut, showcasing Axiom's pioneering efforts in commercial spaceflight.
The Ax-4 mission is set to launch atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS conducting their research and demonstrating new technologies.