NASA and Axiom Space Announce Fifth Commercial Space Tourism Mission to ISS in 2027

• January 31, 2026

NASA has formalized an agreement with Axiom Space to conduct another commercial mission sending private astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). This upcoming mission, designated Ax-5, is planned for no earlier than January 2027, with the precise launch date contingent upon flight scheduling at that time.

The Ax-5 mission represents the fifth collaborative commercial expedition between NASA and Axiom Space, continuing the growing trend of private-sector participation in orbital space activities. The mission aims to transport four privately funded astronauts who will stay aboard the ISS for a fourteen-day duration.

Expanding Private Access to Orbital Habitats

Since its inception, the partnership between NASA and Axiom Space has paved the way for commercial crews to join professional astronauts on the ISS, marking a significant shift in how human spaceflight is conducted. By opening the ISS to private individuals outside of national space agencies, these missions underscore an evolving ecosystem where commercial entities play a pivotal role in space exploration.

The upcoming Ax-5 flight will continue this legacy by providing a platform for space tourists to experience microgravity and conduct activities aboard the orbital station. Although specific mission details and schedules will depend on NASA’s broader flight calendar in 2027, the contract confirms ongoing commercial utilization of the ISS for non-governmental astronauts.

With private spaceflight gaining momentum, NASA’s collaboration with Axiom Space illustrates the agency’s commitment to fostering a sustainable low-Earth orbit economy. These arrangements not only expand human presence in space but also stimulate innovation within the commercial space sector.

Further information regarding mission specifics, crew composition, and pricing has yet to be released. However, the confirmed contract highlights sustained momentum for commercial space tourism ventures in the coming years.

NASA and Axiom Space will launch a private space tourism mission to the ISS in early 2027, marking their fifth joint commercial flight.