by Update for April 9th: SpaceX’s private Ax-1 astronaut crew will dock with the International Space Station at 7:45 a.m. EDT today. You can watch it live in the window above and see our live mission updates.
After docking, the hatches between the spacecraft will open at approximately 9:30 a.m. EDT (1330 GMT), with a welcome ceremony scheduled for 10:05 a.m. EDT (1405 GMT).
Our original story, including the original mission start date, is below.
Four people are to go into space axiom space‘s first manned mission and you can follow many of the events live.
Launch of the historic Ax-1 mission is scheduled for Wednesday (April 6) at 12:05 p.m. EDT (1605 GMT), according to Axiom Space. Aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket will be former NASA astronaut Michael López-Alegría and fare-paying passengers Larry Connor, Mark Pathy and Eytan Stibbe.
Axiom will launch a broadcast of pre-launch activities, launch and then dock at 8:40 am EDT (1240 GMT). You can watch the broadcast on axiomspace.com (opens in new tab) and its social media, possibly on the SpaceX website and where possible here on Space.com.
NASA will also begin a dedicated broadcast on NASA Television, NASA’s app, at 10:45 am EDT (1445 GMT). (opens in new tab)NASA’s social media and agency’s website (opens in new tab). (The agency says (opens in new tab) its coverage will “join the joint broadcast of Axiom Space and SpaceX,” allowing for the same feed to be played in all three entities.)
We’ve listed some of the key milestones below so you know what key moments to look out for during broadcasts.
photos: The first space tourists
Friday, April 1 – 1:00 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT)
This virtual press conference will be attended by Axiom executives as well as the astronauts who will fly aboard Ax-1. The full list of participants includes:
You can tune in here to watch the conference live at 1:00 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT) on Friday (April 1). (opens in new tab)or in the YouTube video embedded below, courtesy of Axiom Space.
Tuesday, April 5, no earlier than (NET) 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT)
Pre-launch press conference scheduled for an hour after launch readiness review. Reporting is provided where possible by Axiom Space, NASA and here on Space.com. Participants include:
- Dana Weigel, Deputy Program Manager, International Space Station, NASA
- Angela Hart, director of the Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) program, NASA
- Michael Suffredini, President and CEO, Axiom Space
- Derek Hassmann, Operations Manager, Axiom Space
- Benjamin Reed, Senior Director, Human Spaceflight Programs, SpaceX
- Launch Weather Officer, 45th Weather Squadron, US Space Force
Wednesday, April 6th
All times listed below are subject to change depending on weather and technical factors.
The launch webcast begins at 8:40 am EDT (1240 GMT) at Axiom Space and at 10:45 am EDT (1445 GMT) at NASA. There may be coverage from SpaceX. Where possible, we will also simulcast on Space.com. Launch is expected at 12:05 p.m. EDT (1605 GMT).
Assuming launch is on time, a media briefing is scheduled for 1:15 pm EDT (1715 GMT) after launch with the following attendees. Reporting will be available where possible at Axiom Space, NASA and here at Space.com. Participants include:
- Kathy Lueders, Assistant Administrator for Space Operations, NASA
- Dana Weigel, Deputy Program Manager, International Space Station, NASA
- Angela Hart, director of the commercial LEO program, NASA
- Michael Suffredini, President and CEO, Axiom Space
- Derek Hassmann, Operations Manager, Axiom Space
- Benjamin Reed, Senior Director, Human Spaceflight Programs, SpaceX
TBD – In-Flight Event
Axiom Space may hold an in-flight event at some point after launch, but the exact timing is not yet available. When it’s up we’ll simulcast it here on Space.com if possible. This is what Axiom says about the event:
“Subject to crew schedules and ground station coverage, Michael López-Alegría, Vice President of Axiom Space and Commander of Ax-1, will participate in a Dragon spacecraft flight event.”
If the webcast is not running, Axiom will instead switch to the next transmission opportunity, which is approximately two hours before Dragon docks with the ISS.
Friday, April 8th
Where possible, coverage of these events will be available at Axiom Space, NASA and here at Space.com. All timings are approximate and subject to change based on mission progression.
- 1 am EDT (0500 GMT) – The webcast will resume and docking coverage will begin.
- 2:45 am EDT (0745 GMT) – Docking.
- 5 am EDT (1000 GMT) – Hatch opening and crew arrival ceremony.
Follow Elizabeth Howell on Twitter @howellspace (opens in new tab). Follow us on Twitter @spacedotcom (opens in new tab) or Facebook.
