posted 02-21-2023 10:27 AM               

Axiom Space releases patch for Ax-2 Crew, second private crew to ISS

Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) is the second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and, furthers Axiom Space’s mission to improve life on Earth and foster possibilities beyond it by building and operating the world's first commercial space station. 

The Ax-2 mission patch highlights the beauty of space, hope for the future, and the important role of the ISS to unite the best aspects of humanity. The Ax-2 patch is a classic triangular shape, which represents stability and power.  

A sea of bright stars and constellations shine through the black canvas honoring the mission’s focus on inspiration, education and teaching, symbolized by the five S.T.E.A.M symbols. Science represented by a DNA strand, Technology represented by a set of connected circles, Engineering represented by a cog, Arts represented by a brush, and Math represented by the Pi symbol. 

At the center of the patch is the ISS with a lavender ascent and path from Earth to space.

The color lavender has a special cultural meaning in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), representing the color of the nation’s deserts and plateaus in the spring when they are covered in flower blooms. Lavender is also the color used in KSA’s ceremonial events and a symbol of hospitality. In the patch, the color reflects the nation’s desire to be a part of the space sector and position itself as a contributor to the global space community. 

Linear lines inside the lavender path represent the motion used to reach the ISS. The technical style visually expresses the cutting-edge technology of the mission. There are five lines, which represent the five pillars of S.T.E.A.M. with each line representing education: science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

At the bottom of the patch is, the Earth and the horizon, which symbolize hope and inspiration. The bright white and energetic orange colors denote the optimism of Axiom Space’s effort to expand access to low Earth orbit. 

Surrounding the inner components of the patch, are the flags of the two countries flying as part of the Ax-2 mission, Commander Peggy Whitson and, Pilot John Schoffner of the United States of America, and the two Mission Specialists, Ali AlQarni and Rayyanah Barnawi from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who are members of the inaugural Saudi national astronaut program. Together, the four crew members make up the second private astronaut mission to the ISS, a mission that is expanding access to low-Earth orbit for individuals and nations around the world.

Visit the Axiom Space store to purchase Ax-2 merchandise.

posted 04-19-2023 12:43 AM               

Saudi Space Commission Unveils Logo of Kingdom's Scientific Mission to International Space Station

The Saudi Space Commission revealed today the official logo of the Kingdom's scientific mission to the International Space Station (ISS), which will have on board the first Saudi and Arab Muslim female astronaut, Rayana Bernawi, and Ali Al-Qarni, who is also the first Saudi astronaut to reach the International Space Station.

The logo embodies the noble goals of the Kingdom's scientific mission, which is centered around empowering people, protecting the planet and opening new horizons through the researches the astronauts will conduct in the fields of health and environmental sustainability.

The logo will be placed on the official uniform of the crew, as it is customary for all space flights to have an official logo for each mission before the crew leaves the planet Earth into space.

The logo, which took a circular shape, features the Kingdom's flag, representing the identity of the Saudi astronauts, and reflecting the Kingdom's heritage, history, cultural specificity, and traditions. This is reflected on the logo through the green flag that symbolizes the banner of Islam; the white color which is the symbol of purity and on which the two Shahadahs (Islamic testimony) were written; and the drawn sword that is one of the manifestations of the authentic and ancient Saudi heritage that confirms firmness in applying justice.

The logo also highlights the Kingdom's location on the world map, and the Saudi flag appears surrounded by the names of the two Saudi astronauts – Rayana Bernawi and Ali Al-Qarni – to show the home of the astronauts within the mission. This comes in addition to two radioactive beams that launch from the Kingdom into space, representing the two Saudi astronauts, in order to present a motivational message for Saudi youth to be an interest in space science, raise awareness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs, qualify competencies, and promote higher education in the field of space.

The mission's logo also stresses the Kingdom's aspirations and commitment to support space exploration efforts and reinforce the Saudi citizens' role in space programs and its fields of science and technology, with the aim of achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 that seeks to highlight the Kingdom's role in the space sector and its technologies.

posted 05-10-2023 09:38 AM               

This is the first of a series of missions funded by NASA where, for the first time, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) will be manufactured in space by astronauts.

Astronauts on the International Space Station will grow and differentiate the stem cells to see whether microgravity has any impact on the way the cells develop into other cell types like brain and heart cells.

posted 05-21-2023 03:31 PM               

Under the direction of MHS art instructor Mrs. Callie Boyd and district STEM director Dr. Stotts, students Shelby Vaughn, Taylyn Ayers, and Madilynn Jackson worked to produce the digital artwork that centers a yellow jacket in a space suit over a backdrop of space. The logo is flanked by the slogan, "Beyond the Crater."

Dr. Stotts stated he felt the slogan conveyed not only John Shoffner's dream of one day reaching the stars, but also the vision he has for the students in Middlesboro as they couple their own aspirations with a strong educational foundation grounded in a STEM-based approach.