The Axiom Mission 3, a private space journey to the International Space Station (ISS) by Axiom Space using the SpaceX Dragon Crew Capsule, faced a delay in its planned departure from the ISS on February 3, 2024.
The delay was caused by unfavorable weather conditions in Florida. Now, NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are considering a new departure date on February 5, 2024, pending a weather review to ensure safe conditions.
The Axiom Mission 3 crew comprises four private astronauts: Michael López-Alegría, Walter Villadei, Marcus Wandt, and Alper Gezeravci. They are set to return to Earth with over 550 pounds of cargo, including hardware and data from 30 experiments and 50 outreach activities.
The return is expected to involve a splashdown in the ocean off the coast of Florida, where recovery teams will retrieve the astronauts and hardware. The process, including hatch closure and undocking, is estimated to take more than two hours.
Before their planned departure, the Axiom 3 crew wrapped up their two-week stay at the ISS by completing housekeeping tasks, packing experimental hardware, and conducting a departure conference. The delay provided the crew with some unexpected leisure time.
NASA plans to broadcast and livestream the departure in real-time, and both Axiom Space and SpaceX will also livestream the intricate undocking operation, which is anticipated to last over two hours.