Snapshots from Atlas 5 launch

The chief executive of Axiom Space says agreements with NASA, SpaceX, and fare-paying passengers should be finalized in the coming weeks for the launch of the first all-private crew to the International Space Station in October 2021, and former NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria is set to command the mission.

NASA declared the Spitzer Space Telescope’s 16-year mission complete Thursday after sending final commands for the spacecraft to enter hibernation as it drifts farther from Earth.

The high-end sunglasses brand is the latest non-traditional partner to join Axiom Space in designing its spacesuits for exploring the Moon as part of the Artemis Program.