StoryCommercial
Axiom's Ax-2 mission launches to the ISS on Crew Dragon
Axiom's Ax-2 launched May 21, 2023 aboard Crew Dragon with a four-person crew led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. The 10-day mission included Saudi astronauts Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi, making Barnawi the first Saudi woman in space. The crew conducted 26 research projects across 19 partner organizations.
- Launched 21 May 2023 at 5:37 p.m. EDT; splashdown 30 May; 10-day mission to ISS with 26 research projects.
- Crew: Peggy Whitson (commander, former NASA astronaut), John Shoffner (pilot), Ali Alqarni (Saudi), Rayyanah Barnawi (Saudi, first Saudi female astronaut).
- Research included stem cell work, tissue engineering, and space radiation protection; demonstrated commercial access to ISS for scientific research and technology demonstration.