SpaceX Delays Ax-3 Crew Dragon Launch for Axiom Space Mission
SpaceX has postponed the Crew Dragon mission by one day, announcing the change through its X social media channel. The Ax-3 flight is now scheduled to lift off on Thursday, January 18, marking a commercial venture under Axiom Space’s third mission package. The delay allows the team to complete final preflight checks and perform additional data analysis before liftoff, according to the company. (SpaceX press service)
The Ax-3 crew includes a diverse international team. American former NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, Italian pilot Walter Villadei, Swedish mission specialist Markus Wandt, and Turkish entrant Alper Gezeravcı compose the crew roster. Each astronaut brings unique expertise to the mission, with the collaboration reflecting broad international participation in contemporary commercial spaceflight. (SpaceX press service)
SpaceX indicated that the extended preparation time is intended to ensure safety, reliability, and a thorough evaluation of flight data in the run-up to launch. This approach aligns with standard practice for high-stakes manned operations where rigorous checks are essential for mission success. (SpaceX press service)
Earlier in the countdown period, SpaceX conducted a separate orbital mission on New Year’s Eve using the Falcon Heavy rocket. The U.S. armed forces-sponsored unmanned spaceplane, the X-37B, executed another spaceflight during that window, underscoring the ongoing tempo of complex aerospace activities. (SpaceX press service)
In related context, the Crew Dragon vehicle associated with these missions has previously carried cosmonauts in onboard operations and continues to serve as a flexible platform for crewed spaceflight, research, and commercial collaboration. The latest mission design emphasizes safe, controlled deployment and recovery, consistent with SpaceX’s broader program objectives. (SpaceX press service)