"Axiom Space Set to Disrupt Traditional Pathways to Space with Multinational Crew Launch to ISS"

Axiom Space is preparing for its third private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, with a scheduled launch on Jan. 17. Technical issues, including problems with joints connecting the Dragon spacecraft to the Falcon 9 upper stage and the parachute system, have compressed the timeline for launch preparations. The mission, commanded by former NASA astronaut Michael López-Alegría, aims to serve as a precursor to commercial modules that Axiom plans to install on the ISS, leading to the development of a standalone commercial space station after the retirement of the ISS.