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�ڰ�������, architect of the world’s first commercial space station, will hold two upcoming virtual press conferences to provide an overview of the �ڰ������� Mission 2 (Ax-2) and discuss research on the mission.

First, the mission overview virtual press conference will feature leaders from �ڰ�������, NASA, SpaceX, the Saudi Space Commission to provide a high-level review of mission operations and objectives for the Ax-2 mission.

The following week, the science on the mission virtual press conference, featuring select principal investigators for Ax-2 research, will highlight the more than 20 different experiments crew members will conduct while aboard the space station.

The Ax-2 mission is targeted for launch in early May 2023 and will be the first private space mission to include both private astronauts and astronauts representing foreign governments, as well as the first private mission commanded by a woman. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Ax-2 crew aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once docked, the �ڰ������� astronauts plan to spend 10 days aboard the orbiting laboratory implementing a full mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities.

�ڰ�������’s Director of Human Spaceflight Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut, will lead the privately funded mission, and aviator John Shoffner of Knoxville, Tennessee, will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists, Ali AlQarni and Rayyanah Barnawi from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are members of the inaugural Saudi national astronaut program.  

Briefings include:

AX-2 MISSION OVERVIEW PRESS CONFERENCE
Thursday, April 6 at 11:00am CT

During this virtual press conference, �ڰ�������, NASA, SpaceX, and the Saudi Space Commission will provide an overview of the Ax-2 mission. The event will provide a high-level review of mission operations and objectives and officially kicks off major media effort for the Ax-2 mission.  

Participants include:

• Michael Suffredini, CEO & President, �ڰ�������
• Peggy Whitson, Ax-2 Commander, �ڰ�������
• Mishaal Ashemimry, Microgravity Research Lead, Saudi Space Commission
• Angela Hart, Commercial LEO Development Program Manager, NASA
• Joel Montalbano, International Space Station Program Manager, NASA
• Sarah Walker, Director of Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX

This press conference will be held virtually. Media must register to participate in this briefing and must RSVP by 12:00pm CT on April 5.

Register here for the mission overview press conference:

SCIENCE ON THE MISSION PRESS CONFERENCE
Tuesday, April 11 at 1:30pm CT

The �ڰ������� In-Space Manufacturing and Science Team and select principal investigators will highlight the science research, technology demonstrations, and in-space manufacturing projects that will occur on the Ax-2 mission, as well as touch upon �ڰ������� Station and the future on in-space solutions.

Participants include:

• Dr. Lucie Low, Chief Scientist, �ڰ�������
• Jana Stoudemire, Director of In-Space Manufacturing, �ڰ�������  
• Mishaal Ashemimry, Microgravity Research Lead, Saudi Space Agency
• Mari Anne Snow, Chief Executive Office, Eascra Biotech
• Dr. Clive Svendsen, Executive Director of Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai
• Dr. Catriona Jamieson, Director, Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center at UC San Diego Health
• Dr. Anthony Atala, Director, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine
• Dava Newman, Director, MIT Media Lab

This press conference will be held virtually. Media must register to participate in this briefing and must RSVP by 12:00pm CT on April 10.

Register here for the science on the mission press conference:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Reporters unable to attend in person may submit questions by emailing media@axiomspace.com by noon the day before the event. Those wishing to submit a question on social media may do so using #AskAx2

The public can watch the press conferences live at .

Follow along for mission updates with #Ax2 on , , and , and on our website.

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