For Eytan Stibbe, a former Israeli fighter pilot and founding partner of Vital Capital, the journey to the International Space Station is a deeply personal mission. Before the flight, his enthusiasm was obvious; he did a little dance when he arrived at the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center. But his purpose reaches back nearly two decades. Stibbe is carrying copies of recovered pages from the space diary of Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut, who died aboard the shuttle Columbia in 2003. The two men were in the same fighter pilot squadron. Stibbe also carries a song composed by Ramon’s musician son and a painting of pages falling from the sky by Ramon’s daughter. “To be a part of this unique crew is proof for me that there’s no dream beyond reach,” Stibbe said.
Stibbe is one of three paying customers on SpaceX’s first private charter flight to the orbiting laboratory, which launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Friday. Joining him are Larry Connor of Dayton, Ohio, who runs the Connor Group, and Mark Pathy, founder and CEO of Montreal’s Mavrik Corp. Each is paying $55 million apiece for the rocket ride and accommodations, all meals included, for more than a week’s stay at what is being called the world’s most expensive tourist destination. The three businessmen, who run investment, real estate, and other companies, are accompanied by former NASA astronaut and chaperone Michael Lopez-Alegria.
“It was a hell of a ride and we’re looking forward to the next 10 days,” Lopez-Alegria said on reaching orbit. He spent seven months at the space station 15 years ago and noted that SpaceX and NASA have been upfront with the visitors about the risks of spaceflight.
A New Chapter in Private Space Travel
This flight marks SpaceX’s first private charter to the International Space Station after two years of carrying astronauts there for NASA. The visitors’ tickets include access to all but the Russian portion of the station. They will need permission from the three cosmonauts on board. Three Americans and a German also live up there. The private Axiom Space company arranged the visit with NASA.
Russia has been hosting tourists at the space station, and before that the Mir station, for decades. Just last fall, a Russian movie crew flew up, followed by a Japanese fashion tycoon and his assistant. This trip, however, adds a new dimension as NASA joins Russia in hosting guests at the station.
A Focus on Collaboration Amid Global Tensions
Lopez-Alegria plans to avoid talking about politics and the war in Ukraine while he is at the space station. “I honestly think that it won’t be awkward. I mean maybe a tiny bit,” he said. He expects the “spirit of collaboration will shine through.”
For the three paying customers, the journey is a culmination of personal ambition and professional achievement. Connor, Pathy, and Stibbe each bring their own stories to the mission, but all share a common goal: experiencing the unique perspective of space.
Looking ahead, the success of this mission could pave the way for more private charters to the International Space Station, expanding access to the orbiting laboratory for individuals and organizations beyond government space agencies. The next steps for Axiom Space and SpaceX will be closely watched as they continue to develop their capabilities for commercial spaceflight.
