NASA and Axiom Space set to launch 5th private crew to ISS in January 2027
International Space Station (Photo: Wikipedia)
NASA and Axiom Space have signed a contract for the fifth private crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS), according to NASA.
The Axiom Mission 5 launch is scheduled for January 2027 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA emphasizes that missions like this demonstrate the transition of commercial spaceflight from concept to reality and expand opportunities for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
The crew is expected to spend up to two weeks aboard the ISS, with the exact launch date depending on station scheduling and orbital traffic.
Axiom Space will submit four crew candidates for approval by NASA and its international partners. Once approved, they will undergo a full training cycle alongside NASA, partner agencies, and the launch operator.
The company notes that previous missions have significantly expanded microgravity research capabilities and laid the groundwork for the future Axiom Station orbital outpost.
Under the agreement, Axiom Space will receive the necessary NASA resources to complete the mission, including logistics, consumables, and orbital support, while NASA will be able to return scientific samples to Earth under controlled cold-storage conditions.
NASA also confirmed that preparations are already underway for the sixth private crewed mission to the ISS, which will be part of a broader strategy for Moon and Mars exploration, including the Artemis program.
Flights to the Moon
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that the US plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 to power future bases as part of the Artemis program.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized that, under U.S. national space policy, the goal is not only to return to the Moon but also to establish infrastructure for permanent habitation, which will serve as a stepping stone for future missions to Mars.
American company SpaceX has unveiled an updated, simplified Moon mission plan aimed at reducing preparation time and improving crew safety.
The announcement comes amid criticism from NASA over the slow pace of development for the Starship system, a key component of the Artemis lunar program.
