KBR Conducts Private Astronaut Training for 1st Commercial Mission to Space Station

KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today the completion of its private astronaut training for the upcoming Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1); the first private astronaut mission in history planned to visit the International Space Station (ISS).

Crew preparation is critical to the safety and success of every human spaceflight mission, a support service KBR has provided for more than 60 years. KBR is currently serving as prime contractor for the Integrated Mission Operations Contract II (IMOC II) and Human Health and Performance Contract (HHPC) with NASA. In 2019, KBR was granted the opportunity to train private astronauts at NASA facilities, a space-industry first.

"KBR is one of the only companies with the expertise needed in ISS systems and space medical operations to deliver this crucial commercial space training," said Stuart Bradie, KBR President and CEO. "We have pioneered space travel for more than half a century and are proud to leverage this domain expertise for the next phase of exploration and research."

Led by KBR, the Ax-1 crew completed a months-long private astronaut training curriculum focused on health, safety and daily life onboard the ISS.

"The KBR team's expertise was key in the preparation of the Ax-1 crew. They facilitated our readiness with over 100 hours of hands-on instruction for all aspects of the mission, prioritizing the safety and health of the Ax-1 crew as well as of the residents aboard the International Space Station on our mission. My crew mates and I are grateful to the KBR team and our partners at NASA for their focus and dedication to training," said Michael Lopez-Alegria, commander of the Ax-1 mission.

Scheduled to launch on April 6, the Ax-1 mission plans to focus its efforts on microgravity research, conducting more than 25 experiments while onboard the space station.