Ax-4 Training Underway, Assigned Crew Gears Up for Historic Mission

During the first month of training, the assigned crew traveled to SpaceX in Hawthorne, Calif., for suit measurements and pressurization tests. They began familiarizing themselves with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 launch vehicle ahead of additional training they'll receive that includes orbital mechanics, operating in microgravity, emergency preparedness, spacesuit and spacecraft ingress and egress exercises, as well as partial and full mission simulations. Additionally, the crew visited NASA's Johnson Space Center to get acquainted with the training facilities where they will spend significant time preparing for their mission.

While the crew is awaiting approval to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), they kicked off astronaut training at NASA this month. NASA's thorough training ensures astronauts are well-prepared for missions to space. The assigned Ax-4 crew will engage in a variety of simulations, technical drills, and mission-specific training required for their stay on the International Space Station (ISS). This training covers everything from payload operations to emergency protocols, ensuring the crew can operate seamlessly in the microgravity environment of the space station.

Over the next several months, they will continue rigorous training that will equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to the mission. The Ax-4 mission not only represents a significant milestone for Axiom Space but also for the broader space community, as it continues to push the boundaries of human exploration and international cooperation.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Ax-4 crew continues preparing for their journey to space!