The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule will soon carry the first Saudi astronauts to the International Space Station.
(Photo : Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the manned Crew Dragon spacecraft attached takes off from the Kennedy Space Center on May 30, 2020 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley lifted off today on an inaugural flight and will be the first people.
Various sources reported that the Saudi Space Commission, Riyadh's space agency, purchased two seats from an independent aerospace company.
However, SSC hasn't confirmed this detail yet. The information only came from anonymous individuals who were familiar with the deal.
SpaceX Crew Dragon Will Send First Saudi Astronauts to ISS
According to India Today's latest report, Axiom Space is the one handling the latest SpaceX seat purchase of SSC, especially since the American space infrastructure developer operates SpaceX commercial flights.
(Photo : Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
A mock up of the Crew Dragon spacecraft is displayed during a media tour of SpaceX headquarters and rocket factory on August 13, 2018 in Hawthorne, California. - SpaceX plans to use the spaceship Crew Dragon, a passenger version of the robotic Dragon cargo ship, to carry NASA astronauts to the International Space Station in 2019.
Also Read: SpaceX Starship Fired 7 Engines in Static Fire Test, All 33 to Test in a Few Weeks Says Elon Musk
Business Insider reported that Axiom is responsible for sending missions to and from the International Space Station.
Ever since the commercial space flight industry became popular, Axiom and other private space companies have infringed on diplomatic positions between the United States and other nations.
Now, Axiom Space is believed to have signed the deal with SSC back in 2021. The space agency allegedly approved the commercial space flight contract privately.
Meanwhile, Axiom allegedly approved a deal with Saudi Arabia, allowing it to be the latest Gulf nation to enhance its relationship with private U.S. aerospace firms.
Expect Scheduled and Other Details
As of press time, the first Saudi astronauts are expected to be launched to ISS as early as 2023.
They will join two American astronauts, specifically retired NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and John Shoffner, a race car driver.
Some sources claimed that the Ax-2 mission would be the one sending the first Saudi astronauts to the orbiting space laboratory.
If you want to learn more about the deal between Axiom Space and Saudi Space Commission, just click here.
Recently, a former SpaceX employee reportedly plans to use space mirrors to generate solar power at night.
Previously, SpaceX Starlink internet service finally expanded to Antarctica.
For more news updates about SpaceX and other independent aerospace companies, keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
Related Article: SpaceX is Launching Rockets Every 5 Days, Aims to Complete 100 Flights in 2023
This article is owned by TechTimes
Written by: Griffin Davis
