June 26, 2025 | Kennedy Space Center, Florida

In a major milestone for commercial spaceflight, four astronauts from the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on June 26, 2025. The docking was completed at 11:23 a.m. EDT, with the Crew Dragon spacecraft, Freedom, attaching itself to the Harmony module of the orbiting lab as both vehicles traveled more than 400 kilometers above Earth.

The Ax-4 crew launched a day earlier, on June 25, 2025, at 10:45 a.m. EDT, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking another successful collaboration between private space companies and government space agencies. The spacecraft entered low-Earth orbit just minutes after launch, beginning its journey to the ISS with a series of automated alignment maneuvers.

The mission crew includes four astronauts representing different parts of the globe. Michael López-Alegría, a veteran NASA astronaut and Axiom Space’s chief astronaut, serves as the mission commander. This is his fifth journey into space. Walter Villadei, an Italian Air Force colonel and ESA cosmonaut, serves as the mission pilot. The crew also includes Marcus Wandt from Sweden and Alper Gezeravcı, the first astronaut from Turkey, both serving as mission specialists.

The Ax-4 astronauts are expected to spend approximately 14 days aboard the ISS. During their stay, they will participate in over 30 science and technology experiments. These include studies on the effects of microgravity on human biology, advancements in space manufacturing, and technology demonstrations involving robotics and communications. The astronauts will also take part in several STEM outreach programs, engaging with students and educators across the globe via live interactions from space.

The mission is part of Axiom Space’s larger vision to build the world’s first commercial space station, which is scheduled to begin construction with the launch of its first module by late 2026. Until then, the company continues to send private crews to the ISS through partnerships with NASA and SpaceX. These missions are intended to help develop the operational experience needed for a fully private orbital outpost.

The Crew Dragon spacecraft used for the mission, named Freedom, is developed and operated by SpaceX, a key partner in making commercial spaceflight accessible. The Dragon capsule features automated docking systems, life support technologies, and a modern control interface. The Falcon 9 rocket, which carried the capsule into orbit, performed a flawless liftoff and returned its first stage booster safely to Earth for reuse.

This is the fourth mission organized by Axiom Space, following successful flights in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Each mission has expanded the scope of private space activity, allowing astronauts from various nations and backgrounds to conduct scientific work in microgravity while gaining flight experience. The inclusion of astronauts from Turkey, Sweden, and Italy on Ax-4 is part of Axiom’s ongoing effort to internationalize access to space.

NASA, which still oversees operations aboard the ISS, played a critical role in supporting the Ax-4 mission. Agency officials coordinated with Axiom and SpaceX to ensure that the docking and crew handover processes were seamless and safe. This mission represents yet another example of public-private partnerships working effectively in orbit.

With their successful arrival at the ISS, the Ax-4 astronauts will now begin their busy work schedule, contributing to scientific knowledge and preparing for a future where commercial stations replace government-led space labs in low-Earth orbit. Their return to Earth is currently scheduled for mid-July 2025, with splashdown expected off the coast of Florida.

The success of the Axiom-4 mission highlights the rapid transformation of space exploration into a more commercial, inclusive, and international endeavor. As Axiom Space continues to develop its space station and prepare for future missions, Ax-4 stands as a significant achievement in the transition toward a new era of orbital operations.