SpaceX, NASA, And Axiom Space Successfully Launched Axiom 3 Mission

The Axiom 3 mission was successfully launched (photo: dock. NASA)

JAKARTA After being postponed a day, SpaceX finally launched the Dragon spacecraft for MissionAxiom 3(Ax-3). The plane carrying the four astronauts took off on Thursday, January 18.

SpaceX deployed Dragon aircraft from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center owned by the United States Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA). The company owned by Elon Musk uses a Falcon 9 rocket as an aircraft booster.

Now, the four crew members consisting of Commander Michael L!pez-Alegr!, Pilot Walter Villade, Mission Specialist Marcus Wandt, and Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravci are heading to Earth orbit. The four astronauts will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS).

This launch was welcomed by NASA. According to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, the Ax-3 Mission, which is a collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space, is proof that the three companies can create innovative and clever missions.

Congratulations to Axiom and SpaceX for the successful launch! Together with our commercial partners, NASA supports the growth of the commercial space economy and the future of space technology," Nelson said in an official statement.

Dragon aircraft is expected to arrive on the ISS on Saturday, January 20. The aircraft will dock in front of the Harmony module at 04.19 local time, but the hatch door connecting Dragon and the ISS will open at 06.00.

Upon arrival at the ISS, the four astronauts will conduct a number of experiments for two weeks. They will research microgravity forces, demonstrate technology, and do various sciences that can reach education.

While on the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts Ax-3 will conduct more than thirty scientific experiments that will help advance research at Low Earth Orbit (LEO), "explained Nelson.

After the Ax-3 task is complete, the four astronauts will leave the ISS on Saturday, February 3. However, the date of return will depend on weather conditions. If the weather is not good, it is likely that the return schedule will be postponed.