The Axiom Space Mission That Was Supposed To Carry Saudi Astronauts To Space Has Been Delayed

The Saudi crewed Axiom space mission has hit a small snag in its launch plans. The highly anticipated Axiom Mission 2, featuring two Saudi astronauts, including the first Arab woman in space, was set to launch on May 8.

The International Space Station (ISS) has hinted they are no longer targeting options in early May.

.@NASA, @Axiom_Space, and @SpaceX are working together to identify the best available opportunity to launch the Axiom Mission 2 to the @Space_Station; we are no longer targeting opportunities in early May. More information on the updated target launch date will be shared soon. pic.twitter.com/C3npW3ix5G

— International Space Station (@Space_Station) May 3, 2023

But fear not, the dream of reaching for space is still alive and kicking. NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are putting their heads together to figure out the best available opportunity for launching Axiom Mission 2 to the ISS.

The crew, consisting of Ali Al-Qarni, Rayyanah Barnawi, and two others, has been undergoing rigorous training and preparation for this historic mission.

They’ve even simulated living in space for 12 days and participated in intensive training programmes. These brave explorers are more than ready to embark on their cosmic adventure. So the only thing left now is the new launch date.

When the time comes, the astronauts will blast off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.