The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule will soon carry the first Saudi astronauts to the International Space Station.
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.
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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.
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Written by: Griffin Davis
