ICE Cubes Media Set for ISS interaction during Axiom-2

The Axiom-2 mission launched on May 21st 2023 to the International Space Station and concluded with the crew safely returning to Earth on May 30th 2023. Congratulations to Axiom, to SpaceX and to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for the achievement!

During the mission, a series of real-time events using the ICE Cubes Media Set were hosted between ground and the Axiom-2 crew on-board. Our Media Set provides the capability to seamlessly communicate and interact from ground with the crew in space (ISS). The Media Set approach of being linked through an internet connection established via our ICE Cubes Media Center makes it possible to address an audience connected in real-time and distributed world-wide without the need for any specific software or communication line/channel to be established.

The live interactive events during the Axiom-2 mission covered media interviews, such as Ax-2 Commander Peggy Whitson’s interview with CBS or astronaut John Shoffner’s interview with Men’s Health, enhancing public awareness.

Some of those Media Set events involved the KSA crew members – Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut, and Ali Al Qarni – with an audience of students and kids in Saudi Arabia. Such educational sessions are truly inspiring and sparking enthusiasm among the younger generation.

Other engaging events involved scientific demonstrations, showcasing the effects of microgravity on fluids for example, igniting curiosity and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Launched in Dec. 2021, the Media Set was successfully used during both Axiom-1 and Axiom-2, having supported now over 60 interactive events. It has proven to be an invaluable asset to connect with the astronauts in space through a simple ‘plug & play’ approach, allowing to bridge space and ground easily.

Photo credits: ESA/NASA/SpaceApps/ICE Cubes

Special thanks to GoPro.