Axiom Space Launches Third Private Astronaut Mission to ISS with First Turkish Astronaut Onboard

The Ax-3 mission, organized by Axiom Space, marks a milestone in space exploration as the first all-European commercial astronaut mission to the International Space Station.

SpaceX launched Axiom Space's third private astronaut mission, Ax-3, to the International Space Station (ISS) on January 18, 2024.
The crew includes Turkey's first astronaut, Alper Gezeravci, along with Marcus Wandt from Sweden, Walter Villadei from Italy, and Axiom's Chief Astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria.
The mission, organized by Houston-based Axiom Space, is the first all-European commercial astronaut mission to the ISS.
The crew will spend approximately two weeks conducting microgravity research, educational outreach, and commercial activities aboard the ISS.
The Ax-3 mission is part of Axiom Space's efforts to build operational expertise for its future private space station, which it plans to begin constructing as part of the ISS in 2026.