Axiom Space Launches International Crew to ISS Led by Whitson

Axiom Space, in partnership with SpaceX, launched a historic mission to the International Space Station featuring retired NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and crew members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking the first time astronauts from these countries visited the ISS. The mission lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, using the Crew Dragon capsule, and is planned to last two weeks, focusing on scientific research and cultural exchange, including flying food representative of the crew's heritage. This mission underscores Axiom Space's growing role in commercial space travel and international collaboration, with ticket prices exceeding $65 million per customer, shared by the participating nations. The astronauts' journey also reconnects to their countries' earlier space history, as none of the current astronauts were alive when their nations last sent astronauts to space decades ago. The crew is expected to dock with the ISS after about 28 hours in flight, where they will be welcomed by current occupants. This venture signals expanding global access to space and paves the way for future manned missions from these countries.