If it is up to NASA, from now on retired astronauts will have to join private flights to and from the space station as mission leaders. The American space agency has a policy proposal written.-
Former astronauts accompanying them must increase passenger safety. It would also ensure that existing activities on board the ISS are less disrupted.
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NASA says that the experienced former astronauts can guide the private astronauts well. It is not only about the flight itself, but also about the preparation in the run-up to the trip.
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The proposal also states that space tourists will be given more lead time for research projects and more training to get used to microgravity.
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The aerospace company Axiom Space already anticipated NASA’s policy during its first tourist mission to the ISS. In April, former NASA astronaut Michael López-Alegría accompanied three space tourists. In the fall of this year, Axiom will fly again to the ISS. Then former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson is the mission leader.
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