AXIOM-2 PRE-LAUNCH NEWS CONFERENCE, May 20, 2023, virtual, ~6:00 pm ET

NASA, Axiom Space, SpaceX and the Saudi Space Agency will hold a virtual pre-launch news conference for the Axiom-2 private astronaut mission to the International Space Station on May 20, 2023 at 6:00 pm ET following the Launch Readiness Review (LRR).

The launch is scheduled for the next day (see our separate Calendar entry). The crew includes two Saudi nationals.

Audio of the briefing will be livestreamed on NASA Live. The briefing could be delayed if the LRR runs long.

Participants are:

• Joel Montalbano, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program
• Derek Hassmann, chief of mission integration and operations, Axiom Space
• Mishaal Ashemimry, microgravity research lead, Saudi Space Agency
• Benji Reed, senior director, Human Spaceflight Programs, SpaceX
• Mike McAleenan, 45th Weather Squadron, U.S. Space Force