Meet the Crew of Ax-3: Four Astronauts Poised to Make History on a Mission to the International Space Station

 

SpaceX, in partnership with Axiom Space, is gearing up for the launch of Ax-3, the first all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This historic flight, scheduled for no earlier than January 2024, will carry a crew of four diverse and accomplished individuals, each with their own unique story and passion for space exploration.

 

Let's meet the intrepid crew of Ax-3:

 

Commander Michael López-Alegría (U.S./Spain):

 

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A veteran astronaut with four spaceflights and 273 days in orbit under his belt, López-Alegría will command the Ax-3 mission. He brings a wealth of experience, having flown on the Space Shuttle, the Soyuz spacecraft, and the International Space Station. López-Alegría is also a fluent Spanish speaker, contributing to the mission's international outreach.

 

Pilot Walter Villadei (Italy):

 

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Colonel Villadei is an Italian Air Force pilot and a test pilot with extensive experience flying military and experimental aircraft. He will be responsible for piloting the Dragon spacecraft during the launch and docking phases of the mission. Villadei is also a space tourism pioneer, having flown on a suborbital flight with Virgin Galactic in 2023.

 

Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravcı (Türkiye):

 

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Gezeravcı will be the first Turkish citizen to fly to space. He is a highly decorated fighter pilot and test pilot in the Turkish Air Force and holds a master's degree in aerospace engineering. Gezeravcı's participation in Ax-3 marks a significant moment for Türkiye's space program and inspires future generations to reach for the stars.

 

Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt (Sweden/ESA):

 

 

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Dr. Wandt is a Swedish physician and a project astronaut for the European Space Agency (ESA). He holds a doctorate in molecular biology and has conducted research in microgravity environments. Wandt's expertise in life sciences will be valuable for conducting research aboard the ISS during the Ax-3 mission.

 

 

The Ax-3 mission represents a significant step forward in the commercialization of spaceflight and paves the way for a future where space exploration is accessible to a wider range of individuals and nations. The crew's diverse backgrounds and expertise highlight the international nature of space exploration and the collaborative spirit that drives humanity towards the stars.

 

 

As Ax-3 prepares for launch, the world watches with excitement and anticipation. These four courageous astronauts are about to embark on a journey that will not only advance scientific research and technological innovation but also inspire a new generation to dream big and reach for the impossible.

 

 

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We wish the Ax-3 crew a safe and successful mission and look forward to their return to Earth with stories of their incredible experience aboard the International Space Station.

 

 

Additional Information:

• The Ax-3 mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than January 2024 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
• The crew will spend approximately eight days aboard the ISS, conducting scientific research and participating in educational outreach activities.
• This mission marks the first time that a private company, Axiom Space, has managed an entire mission to the ISS.

Stay tuned for updates on the Ax-3 mission and follow the crew's journey as they make history!