Private astronaut mission marks next step toward a new space station

NASA plans to decommission the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of 2030, prompting Axiom Space to construct the first commercial space station, Axiom Station. In the meantime, Axiom has been sending private astronauts to the ISS since 2022, with the upcoming AX-4 mission set to launch four international crew members, including former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, aboard an updated SpaceX Dragon capsule. The mission will last up to 14 days, focusing on scientific research and laying the groundwork for Axiom Station’s future operations.