Friends of NASA

Friday, April 08, 2022

NASA's Space to Ground—First Time Callers: Week of April 8, 2022

NASA's Space to Ground—First Time Callers: Week of April 8, 2022

NASA's Space to Ground is your weekly update on what's happening aboard the International Space Station. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft launched on Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) to the International Space Station with Commander Michael López-Alegría of Spain and the United States, Pilot Larry Connor of the United States, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe of Israel, and Mark Pathy of Canada aboard, Friday, April 8, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. López-Alegría, Connor, Pathy, Stibbe launched at 11:17 a.m. from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center to begin their 10-day mission.

During their 10-day mission, the crew will spend eight days on the International Space Station conducting scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities. Ax-1 is the first of several proposed Axiom missions to the orbiting laboratory and an important step toward Axiom’s goal of constructing a private space station, Axiom Station, in low-Earth orbit that can serve as a global academic and commercial hub.

Learn more about Ax-1 at Axiom Space:

https://www.axiomspace.com

The seven-member Expedition 67 crew is gearing up for a pair of spacewalks scheduled for later this month while ensuring the International Space Station orbits Earth in tip-top shape.

An international partnership of space agencies provides and operates the elements of the International Space Station (ISS). The principals are the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. The ISS has been the most politically complex space exploration program ever undertaken.

Learn more about the important research being operated on the International Space Station:

https://www.nasa.gov/iss-science

For more information about STEM on Station:

https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Education

Credit: NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Duration: 2 minutes, 30 seconds

Release Date: April 8, 2022

#NASA #Space #ISS #Axiom #AxiomSpace #Ax1 #SpaceX #CrewDragon #Spacecraft #Falcon9 #Rocket #Private #SpaceXCrew4 #Mission #Astronauts #MichaelLópezAlegría #Spain #Espana #LarryConnor #UnitedStates #EytanStibbe #Israel #MarkPathy #Canada #Science #Research #Kennedy #KSC #Florida #Expedition67

SpaceX Axiom Mission 1 Launch | NASA's Kennedy Space Center

SpaceX Axiom Mission 1 Launch | NASA's Kennedy Space Center

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft is launched on Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) to the International Space Station with Commander Michael López-Alegría of Spain and the United States, Pilot Larry Connor of the United States, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe of Israel, and Mark Pathy of Canada aboard, Friday, April 8, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. López-Alegría, Connor, Pathy, Stibbe launched at 11:17 a.m. from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center to begin their 10-day mission.

Learn more about Ax-1 at Axiom Space:

https://www.axiomspace.com

Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

Image Date: April 8, 2022

#NASA #Space #ISS #Axiom #AxiomSpace #Ax1 #SpaceX #CrewDragon #Spacecraft #Falcon9 #Rocket #Private #Commercial #Mission #Astronauts #MichaelLópezAlegría #Spain #Espana #LarryConnor #UnitedStates #EytanStibbe #Israel #MarkPathy #Canada #Science #Research #Kennedy #KSC #Florida #International #STEM #Education

Axiom Space Mission 1 Specialist Mark Pathy Profile

Axiom Space Mission 1 Specialist Mark Pathy Profile

Mark Pathy, a mission specialist on Ax-1, is CEO and chair of MARVIK of Montreal, Canada. MARVIK performs investments in firms that focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and "responsible investing" in areas focused on food, agriculture, environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Pathy is also chair of the board of Stingray Group Inc., a publicly traded music, media and technology company that is also in Montreal. His previous affiliations include president and CEO of dry bulk shipping company Fednav International, and co-CEO of the parent company of Fednav (called Fednav Ltd.)

For philanthropy, Pathy is on the board of the Pathy Family Foundation. He is also a member of the boards and executive committees of the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation, along with homeless youth support organization Dans la Rue ("On the Street.")

Axiom Space’s Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), the world’s first all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), launched Friday. The four-person multi-national crew of Ax-1 is now in orbit following an 11:17 a.m. EDT liftoff from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com.

Credit: Axiom Space

Duration: 2 minutes, 44 seconds

Release Date: April 8, 2022

Axiom Space Mission 1 Specialist Eytan Stibbe Profile

Axiom Space Mission 1 Specialist Eytan Stibbe Profile

Eytan Stibbe, a mission specialist on Ax-1, is the founding partner of the Vital Capital impact investment fund that focuses on opportunities in under-resourced countries, such as some nations of Africa. The fund focuses on companies seeking gains in social and environmental metrics, along with a competitive financial return.

A selection of Stibbe's international work includes member of the World Economic Forum, member of the advisory committee of impact investment fund Bridges Israel, and (with his wife, Ora) founding and supporting the social benefit company Anatta and central Israel's Human Spirit Treatment Center that subsidizes mental health treatment.

Stibbe is a former fighter pilot for the Israel Air Force (IAF) and flight instructor at the Israel Air Force Flight Academy, flying thousands of flights and numerous aircraft types. He also participated in the 1991 Gulf War under Ilan Ramon, who later went on to become Israel's first astronaut; the two became close friends.

Ramon died during the Columbia space shuttle accident of 2003, along with six space shuttle crewmates. Following the death of Ramon's son Asaf in 2009 during an IAF training accident, Stibbe and members of the Ramon family were among the co-founders of the Ramon Foundation (which promotes academic excellence in aviation and space). Stibbe still serves on its board of directors.

More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com.

Credit: Axiom Space

Duration: 3 minutes, 8 seconds

Release Date: April 8, 2022

SpaceX Axiom Mission 1: Launch Success | NASA's Kennedy Space Center

SpaceX Axiom Mission 1: Launch Success | NASA's Kennedy Space Center

Ax-1 Crew in Dragon

Ax-1 Commander Michael López-Alegría and Mission Specialist Mark Pathy

Ax-1 Pilot Larry Connor and Mission Specialist Eytan Stibbe

Ax-1 Mission Specialist Eytan Stibbe signs white room wall

The crew is traveling aboard SpaceX’s Dragon Endeavor spacecraft, which was launched by the company’s Falcon 9 rocket. Dragon Endeavour is anticipated to dock to the space-facing port of the ISS Harmony module around 7:45 a.m. Saturday, April 9. A live webcast on axiomspace.com will begin at 5:30 a.m. for the approach initiation burn.

The Ax-1 crew includes Commander Michael López-Alegría of Spain and the United States, Pilot Larry Connor of the United States, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe of Israel and Mark Pathy of Canada.

During their 10-day mission, the crew members will spend eight days on the ISS conducting more than 25 scientific research and technology demonstrations. This robust portfolio opens more opportunities to scientists and researchers around the globe and will provide vital data in preparation for Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station.

“I first want to congratulate Michael, Larry, Eytan, and Mark. We will usher in a new era in private human spaceflight when they cross the threshold to enter the ISS,” said Michael Suffredini, president and CEO of Axiom Space. “This journey is the culmination of long hours of training, planning, and dedication from the crew and the entire Axiom Space team, our partners at SpaceX, and of course, a credit to NASA’s vision to develop a sustainable presence in low-Earth orbit.”

NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts and Roscosmos cosmonauts already aboard the space station will welcome the Ax-1 crew after docking.

“What a historic launch! Thank you to the dedicated teams at NASA who have worked tirelessly to make this mission a reality,” said Administrator Bill Nelson. “NASA’s partnership with industry through the commercial cargo and crew programs has led our nation to this new era in human spaceflight — one with limitless potential. Congratulations to Axiom, SpaceX, and the Axiom-1 crew for making this first private mission to the International Space Station a reality.”

Learn more about Ax-1 at Axiom Space:

https://www.axiomspace.com

Credit: Axiom Space/SpaceX

Release Date: April 8, 2022

SpaceX Axiom Mission 1 Launch | NASA's Kennedy Space Center

SpaceX Axiom Mission 1 Launch | NASA's Kennedy Space Center

Learn more about Ax-1 at Axiom Space:

https://www.axiomspace.com

Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

Image Date: April 8, 2022

Axiom Space Mission 1 Pilot Larry Connor Profile

Axiom Space Mission 1 Pilot Larry Connor Profile

Larry Connor has experience in more than 16 different aircraft and fighter jets, as well as helicopter time.

Connor's industry accolades include winning five aerobatic competitions and participating in several U.S. National Aerobatic Championships. He also is familiar with racecar driving, a high-speed sport demanding careful attention and procedures, much like in spaceflight. He has racked up 70 race wins in different vehicle types.

Connor's The Connor Group is for real estate and technology investment and has a reported $3.3 billion in assets under management. It focuses on luxury apartment communities and has won several industry awards. He also co-founded two financial technology companies, such as First Billing Services.

On the philanthropic side, Connor also founded The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners(opens in new tab), with an aim to address generational poverty. The group plans to spend $300 million in non-profit work in the next decade.

Axiom Space Misson 1 (Ax-1) crew members Commander Michael López-Alegría of Spain and the United States, Pilot Larry Connor of the United States, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe of Israel, and Mark Pathy of Canada are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.

More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com.

Credit: Axiom Space

Duration: 2 minutes, 33 seconds

Release Date: April 8, 2022

Axiom Space Mission 1 Commander Michael López-Alegría Profile

Axiom Space Mission 1 Commander Michael López-Alegría Profile

Former NASA astronaut, Michael López-Alegría, is vice-president of business development for Axiom Space. López-Alegría has flown four times in space already on space shuttle missions STS-73, STS-92, and STS- 113; he was also the commander of the ISS Expedition 14, coming to and from the space station aboard a Russian Soyuz TMA-9.

As of this writing, López-Alegría holds the record for the most extravehicular activities (spacewalks) ever performed, at 10 different excursions. He also has the most accumulated time in a spacesuit, at 67 hours and 40 minutes. His various NASA achievements earned him an induction in the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2020.

López-Alegría is a former president of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, a former member of the Human Exploration and Operations Committee of the NASA Advisory Council, and former part of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration. Another of his many affiliations is past president of the Association of Space Explorers USA.

Michael López-Alegría (born May 30, 1958) is a Spanish-American astronaut; a veteran of three NASA Space Shuttle missions and one International Space Station mission prior to Ax-1. He has performed ten spacewalks in his career to date.

Ax-1 crew members Commander Michael López-Alegría of Spain and the United States, Pilot Larry Connor of the United States, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe of Israel, and Mark Pathy of Canada are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.

During their 10-day mission, the crew will spend eight days on the International Space Station conducting scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities.

More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com.

Credit: Axiom Space

Duration: 2 minutes, 40 seconds

Release Date: April 8, 2022

SpaceX Falcon 9: Axiom Space Mission 1 | NASA's Kennedy Space Center

SpaceX Falcon 9: Axiom Space Mission 1 | NASA's Kennedy Space Center

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen at sunrise on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Friday, April 8, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members Commander Michael López-Alegría of Spain and the United States, Pilot Larry Connor of the United States, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe of Israel, and Mark Pathy of Canada are scheduled to launch at 11:17 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.

Learn more about Ax-1 at Axiom Space:

https://www.axiomspace.com

Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

Image Date: April 8, 2022

Soyuz MS-19 Spacecraft Departs International Space Station

Soyuz MS-19 Spacecraft Departs International Space Station

NASA Astronaut Mark Vande Hei's Ride Home!

The Soyuz MS-19 crew ship, carrying three Expedition 66 crew members, departs the International Space Station after undocking from the Rassvet module on March 30, 2022. The Soyuz crew ship would parachute to a landing in Kazakhstan just over four hours later with NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and Roscosmos cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov.

Vande Hei arrived at the International Space Station on April 9, 2021, spending 355 days in low-Earth orbit, breaking the previous record held by retired NASA astronaut Scott Kelly by 15 days.

“Mark’s mission is not only record-breaking, but also paving the way for future human explorers on the Moon, Mars, and beyond,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Our astronauts make incredible sacrifices in the name of science, exploration, and cutting-edge technology development, not least among them time away from loved ones. NASA and the nation are proud to welcome Mark home and grateful for his incredible contributions throughout his year-long stay on the International Space Station.”

During his 355 days aboard the station, Vande Hei experienced:

Approximately 5,680 orbits of Earth

Approximately 150,619,530 statute miles traveled (equivalent of approximately 312 round trips to the Moon and back)

NASA Astronaut Mark Vande Hei's Official NASA Biography

https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/mark-t-vande-hei/biography

Learn more about the important research being operated on the International Space Station:

https://www.nasa.gov/iss-science

For more information about STEM on Station:

https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Education

Image Credit: NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Image Date: March 30, 2022

#NASA #Space #ISS #Astronaut #MarkVandeHei #Cosmonauts #AntonShkaplerov #PyotrDubrov #Roscosmos #Роскосмос #Soyuz #Spacecraft #MS19 #Science #Technology #Engineering #Research #Laboratory #Russia #Россия #Kazakhstan #космонавт #UnitedStates #Expedition66 #International #Human #Spaceflight #STEM #Education

Thursday, April 07, 2022

SpaceX Axiom Space Mission 1 Crew | NASA's Kennedy Space Center

SpaceX Axiom Space Mission 1 Crew | NASA's Kennedy Space Center

Left to right: Mark Pathy, Larry Connor, Michael López-Alegría, Eytan Stibbe

Left to right: Larry Connor, Michael López-Alegría, Mark Pathy, Eytan Stibbe

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members Commander Michael López-Alegría of Spain and the United States, Pilot Larry Connor of the United States, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe of Israel, and Mark Pathy of Canada are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.

Learn more about Ax-1 at Axiom Space:

https://www.axiomspace.com

Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

Release Date: April 7, 2022

SpaceX Axiom Space Mission Launch | NASA's Kennedy Space Center

SpaceX Axiom Space Mission 1 Launch | NASA's Kennedy Space Center

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), Thursday, April 7, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members Commander Michael López-Alegría of Spain and the United States, Pilot Larry Connor of the United States, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe of Israel, and Mark Pathy of Canada are scheduled to launch on April 8 at 11:17 a.m. EDT, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.

Learn more about Ax-1 at Axiom Space:

https://www.axiomspace.com

Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

Image Date: April 7, 2022

Space Symposium: NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy's Speech

Space Symposium: NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy's Speech

[Event starts at 2 minute, 18 second mark]

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy delivers remarks on NASA’s Moon-to-Mars strategy, and shares updates on current milestones in a plenary session at the 37th Annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado on April 5, 2022.

About NASA's Moon-to-Mars Strategy:

https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars

About Pam Melroy: https://go.nasa.gov/3JcYDrn

Air Force veteran, Pam Melroy, is one of only two women to command a space shuttle. Melroy logged more than 38 days (924 hours) in space. She served as pilot on two flights, STS-92 in 2000 and STS-112 in 2002, and was the mission commander on STS-120 in 2007. All three of her missions were assembly missions to build the International Space Station.

Credit: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Duration: 28 minutes

Record Date: April 5, 2022

#NASA #Space #Moon #Artemis #ArtemisI #SpaceShuttle #Spacecraft #Astronaut #PamMelroy #DeputyAdministrator #Leader #Commander #AirForce #Mars #JourneyToMars #Science #Engineering #Technology #DeepSpace #Exploration #SolarSystem #SpaceSymposium2022 #UnitedStates #STEM #Education #HD #Video

SpaceX Axiom-1 Rocket & NASA Artemis I Moon Rocket | Kennedy Space Center

SpaceX Axiom-1 Rocket & NASA Artemis I Moon Rocket | Kennedy Space Center

SpaceX’s Axiom-1 is in the foreground on Launch Pad 39A with NASA’s Artemis I in the background on Launch Pad 39B on April 6, 2022. This is the first time two totally different types of rockets and spacecraft designed to carry humans are on the sister pads at the same time—but it will not be the last as NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida continues to grow as a multi-user spaceport to launch both government and commercial rockets.

The Ax-1 mission is the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Ax-1 crew members Commander Michael López-Alegría of Spain and the United States, Pilot Larry Connor of the United States, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe of Israel, and Mark Pathy of Canada are scheduled to launch on April 8 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.

Learn more about Ax-1 at Axiom Space:

https://www.axiomspace.com

NASA’s Artemis I moon rocket is currently scheduled for spring 2022.

The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will be an uncrewed flight test that will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration, and demonstrate NASA's commitment and capability to extend human existence to the Moon and beyond. It will travel 280,000 miles from Earth, thousands of miles beyond the Moon over the course of about a three-week mission. Orion will stay in space longer than any ship for astronauts has done without docking to a space station and return home faster and hotter than ever before.

Learn more about Artemis I at:

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis

https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-1

Image Credit: NASA/Jamie Peer

Image Date: April 6, 2022

#NASA #Space #ISS #Axiom #AxiomSpace #Ax1 #SpaceX #CrewDragon #Falcon9 #Rocket #Artemis #ArtemisI #Orion #Spacecraft #SLS #Private #Commercial #Crew #Mission #Astronauts #MichaelLópezAlegría #Spain #Espana #Science #Research #Kennedy #KSC #CapeCanaveral #Florida #International #History #STEM #Education

The Outstretched Milky Way

The Outstretched Milky Way

The dust-filled center of our Milky Way galaxy stretches up from the Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope and one of the SMARTS Consortium telescopes at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) in this Image of the Week. CTIO, a Program of the National Science Foundation’s NOIRLab, is located at 2200 meters (7200 feet) in the mountains of Chile. Far from major cities, the dark landscape provides American, Chilean, and international researchers clear views of the southern sky.

The spectacular green colors in the sky are not due to the aurora borealis, but instead are due to a phenomenon known as airglow. Airglow is not an optical illusion, but a genuine light source that results from chemical reactions in Earth’s upper atmosphere. It is far too faint to be visible during the daytime, and in most human-inhabited places it is drowned out by light pollution. However, out in the Chilean desert, it is possible to detect it.

Credit: Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO)/National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab)/National Science Foundation (NSF)/Babak Tafreshi

Release Date: April 6, 2022

#NASA #Gemini #Astronomy #Space #Science #Galaxy #MilkyWay #Spiral #Airglow #Stars #Constellations #CTIO #Observatory #Cosmos #Universe #Telescope #Optical #NOIRLab #AURA #NSF #Chile #SouthAmerica #UnitedStates #STEM #Education

Orbital Sunrise | International Space Station

Orbital Sunrise | International Space Station

An orbital sunrise is pictured from the International Space Station beaming across Earth's horizon revealing the silhouetted clouds above the South China Sea.

Learn more about the important research being operated on Station:

https://www.nasa.gov/iss-science

For more information about STEM on Station:

https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)

Credit: NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Image Date: March 16, 2022

#NASA #Space #ISS #Earth #Sunrise #Orbital #SouthChinaSea #Astronauts #Cosmonauts #ESA #Europe #DLR #Germany #Deutschland #FlightEngineers #Science #Technology #Engineering #Research #Laboratory #Russia #Россия #UnitedStates #中国 #International #Expedition66 #OverviewEffect #STEM #Education

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Friday, April 08, 2022

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