Texas-based Axiom Space has launched Ax-2, its second all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
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Significance
Ax-2 is the first private mission commanded by a woman and marks the first time that astronauts from Saudi Arabia will visit ISS.
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Crew
The four-membered crew includes Rayyana Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni who serve as mission specialists. Peggy Whitson is the commander and John Shoffner is the pilot.
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Investigations
The astronauts will perform more than 20 different experiments during their stay at the ISS, which include growing stem cells for the first time in space.
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Study
The crew will study how microgravity conditions in space impact the way the cells divide, and their ability to take up DNA.
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Mission activities
Along with science investigations, the crew will also carry out outreach, and commercial activities, among other mission-related tasks on the ISS.