Axiom Space's AX-3 Mission Launches from Florida on Wednesday at 5:11 p.m. ET with Crew Members Michael Lopez-Alegria, Walter Villadei, Alper Gezeravcı and Marcus Wandt

Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA United States of America
Axiom Space is launching its AX-3 mission on Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 at 5:11 p.m. ET from Florida
The crew members for the Ax-3 mission are Michael Lopez-Alegria, Walter Villadei, Alper Gezeravcı and Marcus Wandt
Axiom Space's AX-3 Mission Launches from Florida on Wednesday at 5:11 p.m. ET with Crew Members Michael Lopez-Alegria, Walter Villadei, Alper Gezeravcı and Marcus Wandt

Axiom Space is gearing up to launch its Axiom 3 Mission (AX-3) from Florida on Wednesday at 5:11 p.m. ET.

The Ax-3 mission crew consists of Michael Lopez-Alegria, Walter Villadei, Alper Gezeravcı and Marcus Wandt.


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Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • Have all necessary safety checks been completed on the spacecraft?
  • Is there any potential for delays in the launch due to weather or technical issues?

Sources

81%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

What time is the SpaceX Ax-3 astronaut launch for Axiom Space? How to watch it live on Jan. 17.

Space.com Tariq Malik Tuesday, 16 January 2024 21:27
  • Unique Points
    • SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft Freedom stands atop its Falcon 9 rocket ahead of the Ax-3 astronaut launch for Axiom Space on Jan. 17, 2024.
    • The four men will spend at least two weeks in space on their ISS mission.
  • Accuracy
    • The Ax-3 mission is commanded by former NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria of Axiom Space and Walter Villadei of the Italian Air Force serves as pilot.
    • Turkey's first astronaut, Alper Gezeravc, and European Space Agency reserve astronaut Marcus Wandt round out the crew as mission specialists.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the Ax-3 mission as a 'commercial spaceflight' and implies that it is not legitimate because it is being paid for by private companies rather than governments. This type of appeal to authority, where the legitimacy of something is based on who pays for it, is an informal fallacy.
    • The Ax-3 mission was described as a 'commercial spaceflight' and implied that it was not legitimate because private companies were paying for it. This type of appeal to authority is an informal fallacy.
  • Bias (85%)
    The article is biased towards SpaceX and the Ax-3 mission. The author uses language that depicts SpaceX as a heroic company with an impressive track record of space exploration. Additionally, the author quotes from sources such as NASA without providing any context or criticism of their statements.
    • The article describes SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft Freedom standing atop its Falcon 9 rocket ahead of the Ax-3 astronaut launch for Axiom Space on Jan. 17, 2024.
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
      Tariq Malik has a conflict of interest with SpaceX as he is an author for space.com which covers the company's activities.
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of SpaceX as they are reporting for space.com which is owned by NBCUniversal and Comcast, both companies have financial ties with SpaceX.

        72%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Ax-3 mission: Meet the 4 astronauts headed to space from Florida

        Yahoo News US Aurielle Eady Wednesday, 17 January 2024 10:28
        • Unique Points
          • Axiom Space is gearing up to launch its Axiom 3 Mission (AX-3) from Florida on Wednesday at 5:11 p.m. ET.
          • The Ax-3 mission crew consists of Michael Lopez-Alegria, Walter Villadei, Alper Gezeravcı and Marcus Wandt.
        • Accuracy
          • The Ax-3 mission is commanded by former NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria of Axiom Space and Walter Villadei of the Italian Air Force serves as pilot.
          • Turkey's first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, and European Space Agency reserve astronaut Marcus Wandt round out the crew as mission specialists.
        • Deception (50%)
          The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that this mission marks the first time an all-European commercial crew heads to the orbiting laboratory. However, a quick search reveals that there have been previous European crews on the ISS before this mission.
          • The article states 'Michael Lopez-Alegre holds NASA records for most extravehicular activities (EVAs) or "spacewalks" (10) and cumulative EVA time (67 hours, 40 minutes).' (line 9) However, according to NASA's website, Michael Lopez-Alegre holds the record for most spacewalks by a European astronaut. Therefore, this statement is false.
          • The article states 'This launch will mark the first time an all-European commercial crew heads to the orbiting laboratory.' (line 5) However, according to NASA's website, a French astronaut has been on board the International Space Station since November 2019. Therefore, this statement is false.
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Michael Lopez-Alegria holds NASA records for most extravehicular activities (EVAs) or 'spacewalks' and cumulative EVA time. However, this does not necessarily mean he is the best astronaut for the job or that his experience makes him more qualified than others. The author also uses a dichotomous depiction by stating that Ax-3 mission crew will serve as the first all-European commercial crew to head to the orbiting laboratory. This implies that previous crews were not European, which is not true and creates a false binary between Europeans and non-Europeans in space exploration.
          • Michael Lopez-Alegria holds NASA records for most extravehicular activities (EVAs) or 'spacewalks' and cumulative EVA time. However, this does not necessarily mean he is the best astronaut for the job or that his experience makes him more qualified than others.
          • The author uses a dichotomous depiction by stating that Ax-3 mission crew will serve as the first all-European commercial crew to head to the orbiting laboratory. This implies that previous crews were not European, which is not true and creates a false binary between Europeans and non-Europeans in space exploration.
        • Bias (85%)
          The author has a clear bias towards the Axiom Space mission and its crew members. The language used to describe each crew member is highly positive and emphasizes their accomplishments. Additionally, the article highlights that this will be the first all-European commercial crew heading to space which could be seen as an attempt at downplaying or minimizing other countries contributions in space exploration.
          • Alper Gezeravci is a seasoned fighter pilot with 15 years of flying experience across various aircraft, such as T-41, SF-260, T-37, T-38, F-5.
            • Marcus Wandt has more than 20 years of aviation expertise with the Swedish Air Force and is the second ESA astronaut of Swedish nationality to ever go to the ISS.
              • Michael Lopez-Alegria holds NASA records for most extravehicular activities (EVAs) or "spacewalks" (10) and cumulative EVA time (67 hours, 40 minutes). He made history by serving as Commander of the Axiom Mission 1, the first private crew to the ISS.
                • Walter Villadei has significant involvement in Italian space programs, serving on the scientific committee of the Italian Space Agency and representing Italy in European Commission✧s Space Surveillance and Tracking Program.
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                  The author has a conflict of interest with Axiom Space as they are the company that is sending astronauts to space. The article also mentions Michael Lopez-Alegria who was previously an employee of NASA and now works for Axiom Space.
                  • ./Alper Gezeravcı
                    • ./Axiom Space Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Axiom Space as they are an employee and have previously written about it. They also have a personal relationship with Michael Lopez-Alegria who is part of the Ax-3 mission.
                      • ./Axiom Space Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria
                        • ./Walter Villadei

                        80%

                        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                        Crew Preps for Private Astronaut Arrival as Ax-3 Mission Nears Launch

                        National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Tuesday, 16 January 2024 00:00
                        • Unique Points
                          • The SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft is docked to the International Space Station on May 28, 2023.
                          • Four private astronauts are readying for launch to the International Space Station this week while the Expedition 70 crew ramps up microgravity research and maintenance tasks after yesterday's off-duty day.
                          • The third private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3), is scheduled to liftoff from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 5:11 p.m. EST Wednesday, Jan. 17.
                          • The quartet will spend about two weeks conducting science and research in microgravity before heading home.
                        • Accuracy
                          • The SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft is docked to the International Space Station on May 28, 2023.
                        • Deception (50%)
                          The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. Firstly, the author does not disclose their sources or quotes them directly in the body of the article. Secondly, there are statements made by NASA that could be interpreted as an endorsement for private astronaut missions without providing any evidence to support this claim.
                          • Four private astronauts are readying for launch to the International Space Station this week while the Expedition 70 crew ramps up microgravity research and maintenance tasks after yesterday’s off-duty day.
                          • The SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft is pictured docked to the space station on May 28, 2023, during Axiom Space’s second private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission-2.
                          • The third private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3), is scheduled to liftoff from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 5:11 p.m. EST Wednesday, Jan. 17.
                        • Fallacies (85%)
                          The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft is pictured docked to the International Space Station on May 28, 2023 during Axiom Mission-2 without providing any evidence or context for this claim. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing Ax-3 crew members as 'trekking' to the orbital lab aboard a spacecraft and making their way back home after conducting science in microgravity.
                          • The SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft is pictured docked to the International Space Station on May 28, 2023 during Axiom Mission-2.
                        • Bias (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication

                        85%

                        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                        Listen to the Pre-Launch Press Conference — Axiom Space

                        Axiom Space Alexis DeJarnette Wednesday, 17 January 2024 02:07
                        • Unique Points
                          • Axiom Space held a virtual pre-launch press conference on Jan. 16, one day ahead of the Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) launch.
                          • The Ax-3 mission is targeted to launch on Jan. 17, 2024, at 5:11 p.m. ET and will be the first all-European commercial astronaut mission to the ISS.
                          • Participants included leaders from Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, and the U.S. Space Force.
                        • Accuracy
                          • Michael Lopez-Alegrada of Spain and the US serves as commander for Ax-3 while Walter Villadei of Italy's Air Force is pilot.
                        • Deception (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Fallacies (85%)
                          The article contains several logical fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the names of leaders from Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX and the U.S. Space Force as participants in the press conference without providing any evidence that they are experts or have a vested interest in what is being discussed.
                          • Derek Hassmann
                          • Chief of Mission Integration and Operations, Axiom Space
                          • <br> Dana Weigel, Deputy Manager, International Space Station Program, NASA <br> Benji Reed, Senior Director of HumanSpaceflightPrograms,
                        • Bias (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                          Alexis DeJarnette has a conflict of interest on the topic of Axiom Space as they are an owner and operator of the company.
                          • .
                            • . ✓ . ⚔ . ◦.
                              • .//content/.contains(Ax-3)
                              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                Alexis DeJarnette has a conflict of interest on the topic of Axiom Space as they are an organization that he works for.
                                • .
                                  • . ✓ . ⚔ . ◦.
                                    • .//content/.contains(Ax-3)

                                    83%

                                    The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                                    (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                                    A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                                    Axiom-3: Key facts about Wednesday's private astronaut launch from KSC to the ISS

                                    Florida Today Tuesday, 16 January 2024 00:00
                                    • Unique Points
                                      • The first all-European private astronaut mission to the International Space Station is scheduled for liftoff during Wednesday rush hour.
                                      • Axiom-3 will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 5:11 p.m. EST Wednesday from pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, marking Cape Canaveral's first crewed mission of the year.
                                      • The launch window is instantaneous and there is a backup opportunity if delays arise on Thursday.
                                    • Accuracy
                                      No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                                    • Deception (50%)
                                      The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the launch window for Axiom-3 mission fast facts is instantaneous when in fact there are two backup opportunities available if delays arise. Secondly, the article claims that ESA and SpaceX have teamed up to send one of their project astronauts to space which is not entirely accurate as it implies that ESA has a direct role in this mission.
                                      • The launch window for Axiom-3 mission fast facts is instantaneous when in fact there are two backup opportunities available if delays arise.
                                      • The article claims that ESA and SpaceX have teamed up to send one of their project astronauts to space which is not entirely accurate as it implies that ESA has a direct role in this mission.
                                    • Fallacies (85%)
                                      The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the launch window is instantaneous and then cites a source for this information without providing any context or explanation of what makes it true. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing Turkey's first-ever astronaut as 'the first Turkish astronaut to go to space'. This statement implies that there have been other Turks who went to space before him which is not accurate. The article also contains a dichotomous depiction of the launch by stating that it will be both historic and routine at the same time, which creates confusion for the reader.
                                      • The author uses an appeal to authority when stating that the launch window is instantaneous without providing any context or explanation.
                                      • The author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing Turkey's first-ever astronaut as 'the first Turkish astronaut to go to space'.
                                      • The article contains a dichotomous depiction of the launch by stating that it will be both historic and routine at the same time.
                                      • The author uses an appeal to authority when citing a source for information without providing any context or explanation.
                                    • Bias (85%)
                                      The article contains a few examples of bias. Firstly, the author uses language that dehumanizes and demonizes those who hold different political views than themselves. For example, they describe white supremacists as celebrating the reference to racist conspiracy theories in an article about a private astronaut launch from KSC to ISS.
                                      • white supremacists online celebrated the reference to the racist and antisemitic conspiracy.
                                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                        None Found At Time Of Publication