June 9, 2025, 7:40 PM 1:06 In this handout provided by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), back dropped by planet Earth the International Space Station (ISS) is seen from NASA space shuttle Endeavour after the station and shuttle began their post-undocking relative separation May 29, 2011 in space. (Photo by NASA via Getty Images) Nasa/Getty Images NASA is planning on decommissioning the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of 2030. But before that happens, Axiom Space, a privately funded space infrastructure company based in Houston, wants to build a replacement. The company has begun construction of the world's first commercial space station, Axiom Station. But Axiom isn't waiting for their station to be completed before transporting people into space. The company has been launching teams of private astronauts to the ISS since 2022, allowing them to conduct research, train, and participate in scientific activities. And on Wednesday at 8 a.m., Axiom Space will attempt to send its fourth crew to the ISS as part of its AX-4 mission. "The AX-4 crew represents the very best of international collaboration, dedication, and human potential. Over the past 10 months, these astronauts have trained with focus and determination, each of them exceeding the required thresholds to ensure mission safety, scientific rigor and operational excellence," said Allen Flynt, Axiom Space's chief of mission services, during a pre-launch press conference on Monday. The four-person crew will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and travel to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched into orbit by a Falcon 9 rocket. It will be the maiden mission for an updated Dragon capsule. A new SpaceX Dragon capsule awaits a one day delay for USA Commander Peggy Whitson, Shubhanashu isniewskiShukla, Pilot ISRO India, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, Poland and Tibor Kapu Hungary on LC-39A Kennedy Space Center, Brevard County, Florida USA. (Photo by Scott Schilke/SipaUSA)(Sipa via AP Images) Scott Schilke/Sipa USA via AP MORE: A private company wants to build a city on the moon. But it has to land a probe first