Axiom Mission 1 carried Eytan Stibbe to the International Space Station on 8 April 2022, marking his status as the second Israeli to reach orbit. Departing from Cape Canaveral, the mission lasted 17 days, during which he functioned as a private astronaut aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft after securing his passage through a commercial agreement.
Military Service and Aviation
Stibbe entered the Israeli Air Force fighter pilot training program in July 1976. His active service included piloting Skyhawk and Phantom aircraft before transitioning to the F-16. While serving in Squadron 117, he operated under the command of Ilan Ramon, who later became the first Israeli in space. Stibbe completed his mandatory service in 1984 but maintained his role as a reservist in the same squadron until 2012, eventually achieving the rank of aluf mishne, or colonel.
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Following his military exit in 1984, Stibbe contributed to development systems for the Lavi fighter jet at Israel Aircraft Industries. He co-founded the LR Group in 1985 with former pilots Roy Ben-Yami and Ami Lustig, focusing on infrastructure and defense projects across Africa. After divesting his 33 percent stake in 2011, he acquired 35 percent of the engineering firm Mitrelli in 2012, ultimately selling his interest in 2018. In 2010, he founded the Vital Capital Fund, an organization dedicated to impact investing for low- and middle-income communities.
Academic and Portfolio Interests
In July 2025, Stibbe began a three-year appointment as the Chancellor of the International Space University in France, where he supports academic programs and global institutional partnerships. Beyond his primary investment roles, he maintains interests in diverse sectors including cancer treatment through LISOD and Pangea Therapeutics, simulation technology via HarTech, and STEM education through the Proprep platform. He also serves on the advisory committee for the impact fund Bridges Israel.
Fast facts
- Born: 1958, Haifa, Israel
- Military rank: Aluf mishne
- Space mission: Axiom Mission 1
- Launch date: 8 April 2022
- ISU appointment: Chancellor, July 2025
Questions readers ask
How long was the mission to the International Space Station?
The mission was originally planned for ten days but was extended to 17 days.
What was the purpose of the Rakia mission?
Named after the diary of Ilan Ramon, the mission served as a vehicle for Stibbe to test and demonstrate various Israeli technologies, including the AstroRad radiation protective vest.
Achievements
- Worked as aircraft pilot, astronaut and amateur radio operator
