Ax-1 Mission | Return

SpaceX・2 minutes read

SpaceX and Axiom are covering the Splashdown of Axiom One, the first all-private astronaut mission to the ISS. The crew is preparing to splash down off the coast of Florida after 17 days in space, with Dragon spacecraft undergoing re-entry preparations.

Insights

  • SpaceX and Axiom are collaborating on the Splashdown of Axiom One, the first all-private astronaut mission to the ISS, with Dragon spacecraft undergoing re-entry preparations, including jettisoning the trunk and utilizing forward thrusters for de-orbit burn.
  • The Axiom One mission involves private citizens in significant space activities, emphasizing crew diversity and training simplicity for effective interaction with space systems, marking a transition to Dragon capsules from shuttles.
  • Axiom Space Station's construction and mission aim to establish routine space living and working, with future independence from the ISS, reflecting a historic shift towards commercial elements potentially transforming humanity into a multi-planet species.

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Recent questions

  • How does Dragon spacecraft prepare for re-entry?

    By jettisoning trunk and using forward thrusters.

  • What is used to cool the cabin during re-entry?

    Nitrox is used for cooling during re-entry.

  • How are Dragon capsule's parachutes deployed?

    Drogue parachutes stabilize before main parachutes release.

  • What is the Dragon capsule's heat shield made of?

    Heat shield material is Pika 3.0 for re-entry safety.

  • How does Dragon capsule operate during Splashdown?

    Capsule operates autonomously with crew as backup.

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Summary

00:00

SpaceX, Axiom: Private Astronauts Return from ISS

  • SpaceX and Axiom are covering the Splashdown of Axiom One, the first all-private astronaut mission to the ISS.
  • The crew, after 17 days in space, is in the final phase, preparing to splash down off the coast of Florida.
  • Dragon spacecraft is undergoing re-entry preparations, including jettisoning the trunk and using forward thrusters for de-orbit burn.
  • During re-entry, a loss of communication is expected due to plasma buildup around the spacecraft.
  • Nitrox is used to cool the cabin and suits during re-entry to keep the crew comfortable.
  • After regaining communication, drogue parachutes will deploy to stabilize Dragon before the main parachutes release.
  • The main parachutes will further slow down Dragon, bringing its velocity from 350 to 15 miles per hour for Splashdown.
  • Recovery teams are pre-positioned in Florida to secure Dragon quickly after Splashdown.
  • The Axiom One mission involves private citizens in meaningful space activities, with crew members from various backgrounds.
  • Delays in undocking from the ISS are due to weather, but the crew is well-prepared with sufficient supplies and contingency days.

18:15

Dragon Capsule Splashdown Prep and Recovery Operations

  • MLA expressed excitement about the Dragon capsule, having previously flown on the shuttle Endeavor on sts-113.
  • The transition from the shuttle to the Dragon capsule represents a significant advancement in vehicle development.
  • The crew's training for the Dragon capsule was simpler yet effective, allowing for crew interaction with the system when necessary.
  • The crew is preparing for re-entry through the Earth's atmosphere, targeting a Splashdown outside Jacksonville, Florida.
  • The deorbit burn has begun, lasting about 10 minutes, aligning the vehicle for its final trajectory.
  • Dragon is capable of Splashdown on either side of the Florida Panhandle, with two recovery vessels ready in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Weather conditions are crucial for Splashdown, requiring no rain, lightning, wind speeds less than 15 feet per second, and calm seas.
  • SpaceX coordinates with the United States Coast Guard to establish a safety zone during recovery operations.
  • The ax1 crew underwent extensive training in SpaceX protocols, ISS systems, and research portfolios.
  • The crew's training included zero-g flights, centrifuge training, wilderness survival training, and medic training to prepare for space missions.

33:27

"Axiom One Crew's Mission Details Revealed"

  • Crew monitors the locking of the nose cone during re-entry using screens and hooks.
  • Draco thrusters firing during undocking observed on screens, enhancing the viewing experience.
  • Dragon capsule operates autonomously from separation to splashdown, with crew as backup.
  • Crew composition and seating arrangement detailed, including the zero-g indicator.
  • Dragon capsule's heat shield material, Pika 3.0, optimized for re-entry safety and cost efficiency.
  • Thermal Protection System (TPS) of the Crew Dragon capsule primarily composed of SpaceX's proprietary ablative material.
  • Axiom One crew's astronaut pins ceremony and significance explained, rooted in space travel history.
  • Association of Space Explorers' astronaut pin classification system and design described.
  • Axiom Space's promotion of space-themed art through NFTs during the mission highlighted.
  • Axiom One crew's research-focused mission aboard the ISS, collaborating with various institutions for scientific investigations.

49:49

Axiom Space Station: Future of Space Living

  • Axiom Space Station aims to make living and working in space routine, responding to a forecasted demand for NASA crew members conducting research in low earth orbit.
  • The first two modules of the Axiom Space Station are under construction, with a critical design review underway, indicating 90% completion before manufacturing.
  • The initial module of the Axiom Space Station includes crew quarters, payload accommodations, and life support systems to sustain crew health and well-being.
  • A total of four modules will be flown to the ISS, with the fourth module enabling independence from the ISS, allowing for future expansion and crew growth every five years.
  • The AX1 mission is considered historic, refining flight techniques and operational concepts for a fully commercial element within the Axiom station, potentially transforming humanity into a multi-planet species.
  • The crew aboard Dragon Endeavor is preparing for re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, with a detailed process involving undocking, maneuvering, trunk jettison, heat shield exposure, and nose cone closure.
  • The crew experiences about Four G's during re-entry, with the Dragon capsule autonomously orienting itself using Draco thrusters and slowing down from 17,500 miles per hour to 350 miles per hour.
  • Communication blackout occurs during re-entry due to plasma formation, with Dragon designed to fly autonomously and utilize its thermal protection system to withstand temperatures up to 3500 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The crew undergoes a loss of signal period during re-entry, with the capsule utilizing drogue parachutes for stabilization and deceleration before deploying the main parachutes for a safe Splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The crew reports a successful deployment of drogue and main parachutes, with a planned Splashdown in the Jacksonville recovery zone, highlighting the reliability and simplicity of water landings for Dragon capsules.

01:07:02

Dragon Capsule Safely Splashes Down Off Florida

  • Splashdown confirmation scheduled for about two minutes from the current time
  • Capsule's appearance changed from Pure White during launch to a toasted marshmallow look due to thermal protection systems
  • Crew's safety ensured by the thermal protection systems
  • Crew's return to Earth's atmosphere confirmed with live view inside the Dragon capsule
  • Parachutes slowed the vehicle down to about 15 miles per hour during Splashdown
  • Dragon capsule successfully splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida near Jacksonville
  • Recovery team preparing to lift Dragon onto the recovery vessel after confirming safety measures
  • Crew inside the Dragon capsule being equipped with necessary gear for hoisting onto the recovery vessel
  • Recovery team lassoing the Dragon capsule and moving parachutes out of the way for safe approach of the recovery vessel
  • Crew inside the Dragon capsule preparing for egress through the side hatch after being hoisted onto the recovery vessel

01:27:11

Spacecraft Recovery: Megan, Shannon, and Dragon Capsule

  • The recovery vessel, named Megan after astronaut Megan MacArthur, is used to hoist the Dragon capsule out of the water.
  • Another recovery vessel, Shannon, is used for Dragon capsules in the Gulf, named after astronaut Shannon Walker.
  • Fast boats approach Dragon after splashdown to ensure safety and prepare for extraction.
  • Background noise heard during communication with the crew inside Dragon is identified as a bilge pump starting at splashdown.
  • The recovery team is positioned a safe distance away from the splashdown site for safety reasons.
  • The crew is seen preparing to lower the vessel's hydraulic lift mechanism into the water to bring the spacecraft onto the deck.
  • The crew undergoes final checks to ensure no hypergolic vapors are being released from the Dragon capsule.
  • The Dragon capsule, with its ablative shield, undergoes its third recovery after previous missions.
  • The capsule's cabin pressure is equalized before the crew egresses through the side hatch for the first time since launch.
  • The crew, including Commander MLA and pilot Larry Connor, is seen waving and in good spirits as they prepare to exit the capsule.

01:49:23

"First Splashdown: Crew Returns from Space"

  • MLA, Mark, Larry, and Eton experienced their first trip to space, with MLA returning to Earth via Splashdown for the first time.
  • The crew returned on the Endeavor capsule, splashing down instead of landing on a runway.
  • The recovery teams prepared the side hatch for crew egress, using a white frame to protect it during the process.
  • Footrests detach from seats in Dragon capsules to aid crew in getting out of their seats and increase usable volume.
  • Crew members exit the vehicle using a five-point safety harness for safety and comfort during dynamic mission phases.
  • Crew members, including Larry Connor and Eton, were escorted to medical bays on the recovery vessel for immediate assessment post-egress.
  • Axiom's Chief Business Officer, Amir Blackman, highlighted the success of the ax1 mission in advancing space travel for international cooperation.
  • The crew of ax1, including MLA, Larry, Eton, and Mark, were praised for their exemplary performance, inspiring future space explorers and innovators.
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