Caution: Paws for laughter ahead! This article is bear-y loaded with cosmic chuckles and stellar puns – read at Your own paw-ril! 🐾🌌
In the vast expanse of space, where bears rarely dare to tread, one fluffy astronaut is gearing up for another paw-some adventure. Get ready to launch into the cosmic cuddleverse as we follow the Build-a-Bear GiGi, the teddy bear trailblazer, on her second mission to space with Axiom Space.
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Bear-ly contained excitement:
In a space odyssey that promises to be the bear-illiant highlight of the season, GiGi is set to join Axiom’s Ax-3 mission as the fur-tastic fifth crew member. Wearing the latest in bear couture – Axiom Space’s next-generation spacesuit – GiGi will boldly go where no teddy has gone before, acting as the Ax-3 mission’s zero-gravity indicator.
This furry astronaut is no stranger to the intergalactic limelight. GiGi first embarked on her space journey during the Ax-2 mission. Now, she’s back for round two, ready to inspire a new generation of stargazing bear-ologists.
Beary educational:
GiGi’s mission isn’t just about flaunting her zero-g chic; it’s also a stellar opportunity to engage young minds through STEAM education. Axiom Space and Build-A-Bear are on a mission to inspire kids worldwide to reach for the stars, fostering curiosity about space exploration and encouraging budding scientists, engineers, and artists to explore the realms of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
In a release, Sandra Nelson, Vice President of Marketing at Axiom Space, emphasizes the importance of inspiring the next generation of space explorers: “Our partnership with Build-A-Bear is key in helping to drive curiosity in young minds about space exploration. We want our fifth crew member, GiGi, to inspire youth in space exploration and encourage them to grow their knowledge about STEAM. It’s imperative that we build a diverse workforce with a unique skillset ready to drive innovations and fuel new ideas to advance civilization.”
Ax-3: A galactic game-changer:
In a space odyssey that’s more than just fluff, the Ax-3 mission is set to make history as the first all-European commercial astronaut journey to the International Space Station. Hold onto your space helmets because this bear-y exciting mission is not just about furry friends; it’s a celestial symphony of science and bear-illiance!
The Ax-3 crewmembers, hailing from different corners of Europe, will not only represent their nations but also engage in a stellar showcase of scientific experiments and demonstrations in the low-Earth orbit. These cosmic pioneers are gearing up for over 30 different experiments, turning the ISS into a playground for scientific discovery.
Meet the Ax-3 human crewmembers: Commander Michael López-Alegría of the U.S. and Spain, Pilot Walter Villadei of the Italian Air Force, and Mission Specialists Alper Gezeravcı of Türkiye and Marcus Wandt of Sweden and ESA. Together, they’re set to prove that the sky is not the limit – it’s just the beginning!
Launching aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Ax-3 crew will hitch a ride on the Dragon spacecraft, aiming for the ISS with a launch targeted no earlier than January 2024 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
So, if you thought this mission was all fluff and no substance, think again! To dive deeper into the Ax-3 adventure, explore the interstellar wonders at www.axiomspace.com/ax3.
GiGi’s galactic testimony:
In a release, GiGi, the trailblazing teddy, shares her enthusiasm for her upcoming space adventure: “My first space mission was the culmination of a lifelong dream. Now, I am a full-time astronaut and aspiring pilot, and this next space adventure will give me the opportunity to learn even more and complete my pilot training. With a little heart and a lot of hard work and dedication, I want all children to know that dreams are always within reach.”
From her blog to social media, fans can follow every paw print of her cosmic journey.
Cele-bear-ting space:
Get ready for a bear-y special celebration! Join select Build-A-Bear stores for an out-of-this-world party on January 13 and January 20. Participating stores will have sticker giveaways, appearances of the company mascot Bearemy, and the chance to make your very own furry friend dressed in the Axiom Space next-generation spacesuit.
This bear-y cute replica of the spacesuit worn by the crew is available in select stores, online at Build-A-Bear and axiomspace.com.