The first all-private team of astronauts ever launched to the International Space Station were welcomed aboard the orbiting research platform to begin a weeklong science mission hailed as a milestone in commercial spaceflight.

Source: Reuters

International Space Station – 9 April 2022

• 1. Various of Axiom-1 crew docking operation at International Space Station
• 2. Various of Axiom-1 crew makes contact and capture to International Space Station
  NASA TV – MUST CREDIT NASA TV
  NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston – 9 April 2022
• 3. NASA Johnson Space Center operators
  NASA TV – MUST CREDIT NASA TV
  International Space Station – 9 April 2022
• 4. Various of Axiom-1 crew docking at International Space Station

STORYLINE:

Three rich businessmen and their astronaut escort arrived at the International Space Station on Saturday in SpaceX’s first private charter to the orbiting lab.

The SpaceX tourist charter flight docked at 7:29 am CT (12:29 GMT) to the orbiting lab after two years of carrying astronauts there for NASA.

The American, Canadian and Israeli passengers, who run investment, real estate and other companies, will stay onboard the space station for more than a week..

They paid $55 million apiece for the rocket ride and accommodation with all meals included.

The private Axiom Space company arranged the visit with NASA who are hosting the guests with Russia at the world’s most expensive tourist destination.

Source: AP Archive