Axiom Space hopes for cheaper future missions as SpaceX dominates the launch market

  • SpaceX to launch Axiom Space’s third private astronaut mission to the ISS on Jan. 9
  • Four commercial astronauts will ride on board the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft
  • Axiom Space hopes future missions will become cheaper as SpaceX becomes more efficient
  • SpaceX is the dominant launch provider, responsible for half of global launch activity in 2023
  • Boeing’s Starliner and Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser may also bring astronauts to the ISS in the future
  • Ax-3 crew led by former NASA astronaut Michael López-Alegría, with members from Italy, Sweden, and Turkey
  • Ax-3 crew aims to complete 30 assigned experiments in two weeks
  • Axiom Space plans to put private modules on the ISS starting in 2026
  • NASA is encouraging the development of commercial space stations to succeed the ISS

Axiom Space is set to launch its third private astronaut mission, Ax-3, to the International Space Station (ISS) on Jan. 9, 2024. The mission will be carried out by SpaceX using their Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft, with four commercial astronauts on board. Axiom Space hopes that future missions will become cheaper as SpaceX continues to improve its operations. SpaceX is currently the dominant launch provider, responsible for over 90 orbital missions in 2023. However, other companies like Boeing and Sierra Space are also working on systems to bring astronauts to the ISS in the future. The Ax-3 crew will be led by former NASA astronaut Michael López-Alegría, with members from Italy, Sweden, and Turkey. They aim to complete 30 assigned experiments in just two weeks. Axiom Space also has plans to put private modules on the ISS starting in 2026. NASA is encouraging the development of commercial space stations to succeed the ISS, which is expected to retire in 2030.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides factual information about Axiom Space’s plans for future missions, including the launch date, the number of astronauts on board, and the estimated cost. It also includes information about other companies and countries developing their own crewed capabilities. The article cites statements from Axiom Space’s president and former NASA astronaut Michael López-Alegría. Overall, the article presents information in a straightforward manner without significant bias or opinion.
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article provides information about Axiom Space’s plans for future private astronaut missions using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. It discusses the cost of these missions and the hope that they will become cheaper in the future. The article also mentions other companies and countries that are developing their own crewed capabilities for space missions. It provides details about the crew for Axiom’s upcoming mission and their training. The article also mentions NASA’s plans for commercial space stations and the agency’s efforts to avoid a gap in low-Earth orbit operations after the retirement of the ISS. Overall, the article stays on topic and provides relevant information about Axiom Space’s plans and the broader context of commercial space exploration.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Space industry, aerospace companies
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The article discusses the cost of private astronaut missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and the hope for future missions to become cheaper. It mentions the involvement of SpaceX and Axiom Space in launching these missions. While there is no mention of an extreme event or its impact, the financial relevance lies in the potential impact on the space industry and aerospace companies as private space travel becomes more accessible and affordable.
Public Companies: SpaceX (N/A), Axiom Space (N/A), Boeing (N/A), Sierra Space (N/A), Virgin Galactic (N/A), National Outdoor Leadership School (N/A), Northrop Grumman (N/A)
Key People: Matt Ondler (President of Axiom Space), Elon Musk (CEO of SpaceX), Michael López-Alegría (Former NASA astronaut and Chief Astronaut of Axiom Space), Walter Villadei (Italian Air Force Col.), Marcus Wandt (European Space Agency project astronaut), Alper Gezeravcı (Turkey’s first citizen in space), Angela Hart (Manager of NASA’s commercial low Earth orbit development program)

Reported publicly: www.space.com