Former astronauts will provide “experienced guidance to special astronauts during preflight and mission.”
A number of changes will affect space tourists, including new medical standards for private astronauts, more time to prepare special research projects, changes to cargo return rules, and additional time for private astronauts to adapt to microgravity.
The new changes were the result of “lessons” from the Axiom Space flight last April, when passengers paid $55 million each to fly the first private astronaut to the ISS, according to the statement. the crew returned after the mission, according to interviews with the astronauts.
The Ax-1 mission was led by former NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria. Company president Michael Saffredini said the company is considering teaming up for future missions without a professional astronaut on board, as this will make room for an additional (paid) passenger. NASA’s new policy is likely an attempt to prevent such unattended flights.
Source: Ferra
