Axiom Space, alongside SpaceX, is planning the first fully private human spaceflight to the International Space Station, putting travelers one step closer to space tourism. The launch, which will take place in 2021, will take three private astronauts to and from the International Space Station, living aboard and experiencing the International Space Station for at least eight days.

Following the flight, Axiom plans to offer private flights to the International Space Station twice yearly, while simultaneously constructing its own private space station.

“This history-making flight will represent a watershed moment in the march toward universal and routine access to space,” said Michael Suffredini, CEO, Axiom Space. “This will be just the first of many missions to ISS to be completely crewed and managed by Axiom Space — a first for a commercial entity. Procuring the transportation marks significant progress toward that goal, and we’re glad to be working with SpaceX in this effort.”

“Since 2012, SpaceX has been delivering cargo to the International Space Station in partnership with NASA and later this year, we will fly NASA astronauts for the first time,” added Gwynne Shotwell, president and COO, SpaceX. “Now, thanks to Axiom and their support from NASA, privately crewed missions will have unprecedented access to the space station, furthering the commercialization of space and helping usher in a new era of human exploration.”