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Launch Spotlight: Axiom-1 – Axiom’s First all-commercial astronaut mission to the ISS

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 from LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 8, 2022, at 11:17 a.m. EDT. This launch carried the first astronauts trained by Axiom Space to the International Space Station.

Launch Overview

Launch Date: April 8, 2022, 11:17 a.m. EDT

Payload: Crew Dragon Endeavour

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9 (B1062-5)

Launch Pad: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Destination: International Space Station

Landing Site: A Shortfall of Gravitas, Atlantic Ocean


The Mission

Axiom’s first private mission to the International Space Station will launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 and use the Dragon spacecraft. The spacecraft will carry a former NASA astronaut and now Axiom VP as the commander and three highly successful businessmen to enjoy low Earth orbit and conduct their experiments on the station. The most notable member of the crew, Eytan Stibbe, will be the second Israeli to go to space. The first was Ilan Ramon, who perished in the Columbia Disaster.


What is the Falcon 9?

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is the workhorse of commercial launches into Earth orbit. Nine Merlin engines power the partially reusable rocket on the first stage and a single vacuum optimized Merlin on the second stage. The Falcon 9 has launched a total of 146 times with a 98% success rate, making it a highly trusted vehicle among the commercial, scientific, and defense sectors.


The Booster

B1062-5 is set to launch the Axiom-1 mission. The following is the flight log for this booster.

B1062 Flight Log

  • GPS III SV04
  • GPS III SV05
  • Inspiration 4
  • Starlink Group 4-5

The Weather

April 8, 2022

  • 90% GO
  • Primary Concern(s):
    • Liftoff Winds
  • Risk(s):
    • Upper Level Wind Shear – Moderate
    • Ascent Corridor Weather – Moderate
    • Booster Recovery Weather – Moderate

24-hour Delay

  • 80% GO
  • Primary Concern(s):
    • Liftoff Winds
  • Risk(s):
    • Upper Level Wind Shear – Moderate
    • Ascent Corridor Weather – High
    • Booster Recovery Weather – High

Last Updated: April 7, 6:47 p.m. EDT

Read the full forecast here


Where to watch?

You can find coverage of Wednesday’s launch on SpaceX’s YouTube channel. The live stream will usually go live about 15 minutes before liftoff and will offer the best views of the launch.

Featured Image: Axiom-1 – Derek Wise for SpaceExplored.com

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