Over a week after they docked with the International Space Station, four private astronauts are set to return home after finishing their research and life-changing science and technology demonstrations in zero gravity. Led by retired NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, the crew arrived at the flying outpost on April 9.
Dubbed Axiom Mission-1 (Ax-1), the crew will board SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft to begin the journey home with a splashdown off the coast of Florida on April 20. The departure was delayed earlier after unfavourable weather at the splashdown location for the recovery of the Dragon Endeavour.
“During the Ax-1 mission, the crew pioneered a new path in space to allow more opportunities for individuals, nations, and researchers around the world to work in microgravity,” Axiom Space said in a statement.
WHAT DID AXIOM-1 PRIVATE ASTRONAUTS DO ON SPACE STATION?
During their over a week-long stay in the flying laboratory, the crew conducted over 26 experiments, including technology demonstrations. The experiments included self-assembling technology for satellites and future space habitats, cancer stem cell study, air purification, and testing edge computing, made possible by Axiom’s full-service integration into the NASA process for science and technology activities.
“Data collected in-flight will impact understanding of human physiology on Earth and in orbit as well as establishing the utility of novel technologies that could be used for future human spaceflight pursuits and people on Earth,” the commercial space company said adding that these tests will directly improve life on Earth, and simultaneously support efforts to help the most vulnerable on the planet.
López-Alegría, Stibbe, and Larry Connor completed the final session of the neurowellness research by monitoring brain activity with a high-density EEG system. The crew had been utilizing a new dry sensor EEG device to take two recordings per day of up to 10 minutes. This study demonstrated an innovative EEG system for cognitive assessment and training for long-term space mission research.
They also concluded the BioMonitor study, which will help investigate new analysis techniques to detect negative effects on the interaction of the heart, lungs, and circulation through real-time monitoring.
While the space station has hosted civilian visitors from time to time, the Ax-1 mission will mark the first all-commercial team of astronauts to use ISS for its intended purpose as an orbiting laboratory. As the flying outpost heads into what could be its final extension into orbit, Nasa is handing over the baton to commercial space stations it gets direct competition from China, which is readying its own lab in microgravity.
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