BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Axiom Space is preparing to send the next crew of four to the International Space Station in Axiom Mission 3, or Ax-3, on Wednesday.
The launch, scheduled for 5:11 p.m. from Kennedy Space Center, will send the first all-European crew to the International Space Station.
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Joining the crew inside the SpaceX crew capsule will be a small teddy bear named GiGi. The bear, produced by the Build-A-Bear company, is no stranger to space or the Axiom Space missions.
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GiGi’s first mission was Axiom Mission-2, Ax-2, last year.
According to Axiom Space, GiGi will serve as the zero-gravity indicator and will sport Axiom Space’s next-generation spacesuit.
“Our partnership with Build-A-Bear is key in helping to drive curiosity in young minds about space exploration,” said Sandra Nelson, vice president of marketing for Axiom Space. “We want our fifth crew member, GiGi, to inspire youth in space exploration and encourage them to grow their knowledge about STEAM. It’s imperative that we build a diverse workforce with a unique skillset ready to drive innovations and fuel new ideas to advance civilization.”
GiGi’s return to space continues the tradition of having a zero-gravity indicator inside the spacecraft to provide a visual indicator when the spacecraft has reached the weightlessness of microgravity, Axiom said in a news release. As the fifth crew member of Ax-3, GiGi’s mission is to inspire children around the world to learn about space and consider careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
Tomorrow the full #Ax3 crew will practice for Wednesday’s launch. Dry Dress is when you walk through every part of the launch day except for loading the rocket with propellant.
— Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) January 15, 2024
Would you be able to sleep knowing tomorrow was such an important day? pic.twitter.com/h5Ad3xXEij
“We love to foster creativity and create special moments at Build-A-Bear, so we are pleased to continue our partnership with Axiom Space and see our beloved GiGi head back to orbit as part of the Ax-3 mission. Not only does this mark a special moment in history, but we also hope GiGi’s story inspires children to consider STEAM activities, hobbies and even careers,” said Julia Fitzgerald, chief marketing officer at Build-A-Bear.
Build-A-Bear is encouraging its guests to visit select stores on Jan. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for fun sticker giveaways, an appearance from the company’s mascot Bearemy and the opportunity to make a furry friend and outfit them in the Axiom Space next-generation spacesuit.
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