Axiom Space

File:Michael Suffredini (cropped).jpg

Former Axiom Space CEO Michael T. Suffredini was previously the program manager for the International Space Station from 2005 to 2015.{{cite web|last1=Reichhardt|first1=Troy|title=This Group of NASA Veterans Wants to Build Their Own Space Station|url=https://www.airspacemag.com/space/13_sep2018-michael-lopez-alegria-180969922/|website=airspacemag.com|publisher=Smithsonian Institution|access-date=June 12, 2020|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612192908/https://www.airspacemag.com/space/13_sep2018-michael-lopez-alegria-180969922/|url-status=live}} After retiring from NASA, Suffredini and Kam Ghaffarian started Axiom Space to target the emerging commercial spaceflight market. Ghaffarian is an engineer and entrepreneur who sold his company, Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, Inc., a large NASA contractor, to KBR in 2018.{{cite web|last1=Wilkers|first1=Ross|title=In SGT deal, KBR further transforms its government services business|date=26 April 2018|url=https://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2018/04/26/kbr-sgt-deal-closes.aspx|publisher=Washington Technology|access-date=June 12, 2020|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612192905/https://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2018/04/26/kbr-sgt-deal-closes.aspx|url-status=live}} Ghaffarian is also the Executive Chairman of Quantum Space.

The company was selected by NASA to provide the first commercial destination module on the ISS. Axiom Space also announced in March 2020 a contract with SpaceX to fly commercial astronauts to the ISS via Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon scheduled for March 2022; the launch took place on 8 April 2022{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/03/05/axiom-strikes-deal-with-spacex-to-ferry-private-astronauts-to-space-station/|date=5 March 2020|title=Axiom strikes deal with SpaceX to ferry private astronauts to space station|author=Stephen Clark|publisher=Spaceflight Now|access-date=June 12, 2020|archive-date=21 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421233410/https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/03/05/axiom-strikes-deal-with-spacex-to-ferry-private-astronauts-to-space-station/|url-status=live}} and the crew returned on 25 April.{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/04/25/1094633659/spacex-international-space-station-splashdown |title=The 1st private astronaut mission to International Space Station is back on Earth |website=NPR |date=April 25, 2022 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=25 April 2022 |archive-date=25 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425225522/https://www.npr.org/2022/04/25/1094633659/spacex-international-space-station-splashdown |url-status=live }}

The company had 110 employees as of February 2021,{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/16/axiom-space-raises-130-million-and-becomes-the-latest-space-unicorn.html|title=Private spaceflight specialist Axiom Space raises US$130 million to become the latest space unicorn|publisher=CNBC|first=Michael|last=Sheetz|date=16 February 2021|access-date=21 June 2021|archive-date=7 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507064450/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/16/axiom-space-raises-130-million-and-becomes-the-latest-space-unicorn.html|url-status=live}} with offices located in Houston and Los Angeles.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}{{Cite news |date=2022-05-11 |title=Axiom Space Breaks Ground on New Headquarters and Space Station Production Facility at Houston Spaceport |url=https://spacenews.com/axiom-space-breaks-ground-on-new-headquarters-and-space-station-production-facility-at-houston-spaceport/}}

File:Axiom modules connected to ISS.jpg

In 2020, as part of the broader Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) cislunar initiative, NASA awarded Axiom a US$140 million contract to provide at least one habitable spacecraft to attach to the ISS.{{cite web|last1=Northon|first1=Karen|title=NASA Selects First Commercial Destination Module for International Space Station|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-first-commercial-destination-module-for-international-space-station|website=nasa.gov|date=27 January 2020|publisher=NASA|access-date=June 12, 2020|archive-date=28 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628122145/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-first-commercial-destination-module-for-international-space-station/|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}} Axiom Space was the only selected proposal from the solicitation process due in 2019.{{cite web|title=NextSTEP J - Opportunities to Stimulate Demand in Low Earth Orbit through Applied Research|url=https://www.nasa.gov/nextstep/leo_demand|website=nasa.gov|date=21 June 2019|publisher=NASA|access-date=June 12, 2020|archive-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821200153/https://www.nasa.gov/nextstep/leo_demand/|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}} Bigelow Aerospace did not submit a proposal and has subsequently ceased operations.{{cite web|last1=Foust|first1=Jeff|title=Bigelow Aerospace lays off entire workforce|date=23 March 2020|url=https://spacenews.com/bigelow-aerospace-lays-off-entire-workforce/|publisher=SpaceNews|access-date=June 19, 2020|archive-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200324011153/https://spacenews.com/bigelow-aerospace-lays-off-entire-workforce/|url-status=live}}

The modules constructed by Axiom Space are designed to commercially provide services and products in the low Earth orbit economy. The "Axiom Segment" of the station was planned, {{asof|2020|01|lc=y}}, to include a node module to act as a connector, a research and manufacturing facility, a crew habitat, and a "large-windowed" module for viewing the Earth.{{cite news|last1=Foust|first1=Jeff|title=NASA selects Axiom Space to build commercial space station module|url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-selects-axiom-space-to-build-commercial-space-station-module/|publisher=SpaceNews|date=28 January 2020|access-date=June 19, 2020}} In December 2024, Axiom Space revised their station assembly plans to require only the first module, the Payload Power Thermal Module (PPTM), to dock with the ISS before separating in 2028 to join with the Habitat One (Hab-1) module in a separate orbit.

{{Main|Axiom Station}}

Before the ISS is retired in 2030, the company plans to assemble and operate an independent space station, Axiom Station. Axiom Space plans to have the modules individually launched and assembled in orbit, with the first attaching to the ISS.{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/axiom-space-revises-space-station-assembly-plans/ |title=Axiom Space revises space station assembly plans |work=SpaceNews |date=18 December 2024 |access-date=18 December 2024}} The company is currently targeting 2027 for the launch of its first module, PPTM, and the late-2020s to early-2030s for station completion. Following the launch of the second module, Hab-1, and the separation of PPTM from the ISS to join with Hab-1, Axiom Station will function as an independent free-flying space station. {{As of|December 2024}}, five modules are manifested on Axiom Station's assembly roadmap.

Axiom Space plans to conduct astronaut training for commercial astronauts, to host governments and commercial partners. The first module is expected to dock to one of two ISS ports currently used for cargo spacecraft. Canadarm2 may continue its operations on Axiom Station after the retirement of the ISS.{{cite web|title=Assembly Sequence: Watch the Axiom Segment of the ISS constructed module-by-module|date=26 January 2020|url=https://www.axiomspace.com/post/axiom-space-international-space-station-assembly-sequence|publisher=Axiom Space|access-date=June 12, 2020|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806062547/https://www.axiomspace.com/post/axiom-space-international-space-station-assembly-sequence|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=A Private Space Station Might Be Born From the ISS - Seeker|url=https://www.seeker.com/international-space-station-retire-private-axiom-orbit-commercializati-2214242152.html|access-date=2021-09-26|website=seeker.com|date=25 January 2017|archive-date=24 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224180445/https://www.seeker.com/international-space-station-retire-private-axiom-orbit-commercializati-2214242152.html|url-status=live}}

File:Axiom Earth Observatory interior.jpg

The interior of Axiom Station was designed in 2018 by French architect Philippe Starck. Renderings of the habitat show a chamber with walls that are covered with tufted padding and studded with hundreds of colour-changing LEDs.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/french-designer-creates-womblike-habitat-space-tourists-ncna884801|title=French designer creates womblike habitat for space tourists|publisher=NBC News|access-date=2018-07-01|archive-date=25 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525152848/https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/french-designer-creates-womblike-habitat-space-tourists-ncna884801|url-status=live}} Axiom Space has publicly stated an intent to maintain at least one astronaut in the station continuously,{{when|date=June 2021}} who will be assigned to take care of research projects and station repairs.{{cite web|url=https://mainenginecutoff.com/podcast/147|title=Episode T+147: Mike Suffredini, President & CEO of Axiom|last=Colangelo|first=Anthony|website=mainenginecutoff.com|access-date=2020-02-14|archive-date=14 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214041504/https://mainenginecutoff.com/podcast/147|url-status=live}} This includes amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, video screens, picture windows, and a glass-walled cupola.{{cite web|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/01/nasa-axiom-space-build-commercial-station-segment/|title=NASA selects Axiom Space to build commercial space station segment|first=Tobias|last=Corbett|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com|date=2020-01-27|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128043725/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/01/nasa-axiom-space-build-commercial-station-segment/|url-status=live}}

Axiom Space provides human spaceflight services to people, corporations, and space agencies. Missions to the International Space Station are offered by Axiom Space, with a 10-day mission including 15 weeks of training.{{cite web|last1=Sheetz|first1=Michael|title=SpaceX signs deal to fly 3 space tourists to the International Space Station late next year|date=5 March 2020|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/05/spacex-axiom-deal-to-fly-three-space-tourists-to-iss-in-late-2021.html|publisher=CNBC|access-date=June 16, 2020|archive-date=3 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603220255/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/05/spacex-axiom-deal-to-fly-three-space-tourists-to-iss-in-late-2021.html|url-status=live}} In addition to training, Axiom Space states that the packages include mission planning, hardware development, life support, medical support, crew provisions, hardware and safety certifications, on-orbit operations, and mission management.{{cite web|last1=Boyle|first1=Alan|title=Axiom Space makes deal with SpaceX to send customers to space station next year|date=5 March 2020|url=https://www.geekwire.com/2020/axiom-space-makes-deal-spacex-send-customers-space-station-next-year/|publisher=GeekWire|access-date=June 17, 2020|archive-date=18 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618221006/https://www.geekwire.com/2020/axiom-space-makes-deal-spacex-send-customers-space-station-next-year/|url-status=live}} Missions could extend for longer periods depending on the focus of the spaceflight. Former NASA astronauts Peggy Whitson and Michael López-Alegría are employees and serve as commanders of missions.{{Cite web |title=Peggy Whitson |url=https://www.axiomspace.com/team/peggy-whitson |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=Axiom Space |language=en-US |archive-date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408165210/https://www.axiomspace.com/team/peggy-whitson |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Michael Lopez-Alegria |url=https://www.axiomspace.com/team/michael-lopez-alegria |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=Axiom Space |language=en-US |archive-date=6 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406014118/https://www.axiomspace.com/team/michael-lopez-alegria |url-status=live }}

In June 2020, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said NASA was involved with the filming of a Tom Cruise movie to the ISS {{cite web|title=Origins: Jim Bridenstine|url=https://www.offnominal.space/episodes/origins-jim-bridenstine|website=offnominal.space|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=18 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618095141/https://www.offnominal.space/episodes/origins-jim-bridenstine|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}} with SpaceX expected to be the transportation partner for the flights.{{cite web|last1=Sheetz|first1=Michael|title=NASA is working with Tom Cruise to film a movie in space|date=5 May 2020|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/05/nasa-is-working-with-tom-cruise-to-film-a-movie-in-space.html|publisher=CNBC|access-date=June 16, 2020|archive-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617001113/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/05/nasa-is-working-with-tom-cruise-to-film-a-movie-in-space.html|url-status=live}}

File:Crystals grown in microgravity.jpg

Axiom Space intends to commercialize microgravity research and development, using the ISS National Lab until its modules are operational.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

In early June 2021, Axiom Space announced a deal with SpaceX which added three additional crewed flights to the ISS, for a total of four.{{cite web|last=Sheetz|first=Michael|date=2021-06-02|title=Axiom Space expands SpaceX private crew launch deal, with four total missions to the space station|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/02/axiom-space-expands-spacex-deal-for-private-crew-launches-to-iss-.html|publisher=CNBC|access-date=2021-06-03|archive-date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529151534/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/02/axiom-space-expands-spacex-deal-for-private-crew-launches-to-iss-.html|url-status=live}}

File:Axiom Mission 1 Static Fire (NHQ202204060008).jpg undergoing pre-launch preparations]]

{{excerpt|Axiom Mission 1|only=paragraph}}

{{main|Axiom Mission 2}}

Ax-2 was a private crew mission to the ISS. The flight launched on 21 May 2023 and sent four people to the ISS.{{cite web |last=Wall |first=Mike |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/21/world/spacex-axiom-mission-2-launch/index.html |title=SpaceX mission lifts off with former NASA astronaut, three paying customers |work=CNN.com |date=21 May 2023 |access-date=21 May 2023 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521230213/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/21/world/spacex-axiom-mission-2-launch/index.html |url-status=live }} On 25 May 2021, Axiom Space announced that former NASA Astronaut Peggy Whitson would be the mission commander and John Shoffner would be the mission pilot.{{cite web|last=Harwood|first=William|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/05/25/whitson-to-command-planned-commercial-flight-to-space-station/|title=Whitson to command planned commercial flight to space station|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=25 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531015053/https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/05/25/whitson-to-command-planned-commercial-flight-to-space-station/|url-status=live}} Two astronauts from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ali Alqarni{{Cite web |title=Ali Alqarni - Saudi Space Commission |url=https://saudispace.gov.sa/en/people/4721/ |access-date=2023-05-29 |website=saudispace.gov.sa |language=en-US |archive-date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516203747/https://saudispace.gov.sa/en/people/4721/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Meet Ali Alqarni, Ax-2 Mission Specialist |url=https://www.axiomspace.com/astronaut/ali-alqarni |access-date=2023-05-29 |website=Axiom Space |language=en-US |archive-date=27 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527071042/https://www.axiomspace.com/astronaut/ali-alqarni |url-status=live }} and Rayyanah Barnawi{{Cite web |title=Rayyanah Barnawi - Saudi Space Commission |url=https://saudispace.gov.sa/en/people/rayyanah-barnawi/ |access-date=2023-05-29 |website=saudispace.gov.sa |language=en-US |archive-date=2 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602191333/https://saudispace.gov.sa/en/people/rayyanah-barnawi/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Meet Rayyanah Barnawi, Ax-2 Mission Specialist |url=https://www.axiomspace.com/astronaut/rayyanah-barnawi |access-date=2023-05-29 |website=Axiom Space |language=en-US |archive-date=26 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526043003/https://www.axiomspace.com/astronaut/rayyanah-barnawi |url-status=live }} were also on board as mission specialists.

{{main|Axiom Mission 3}}Ax-3 was a private crew mission to the ISS. The flight launched on 18 January 2024 and sent four people to the ISS. Former NASA Astronaut Michael López-Alegría was the mission commander and Walter Villadei was the mission pilot. Two astronauts from Turkey and Sweden, Alper Gezeravcı and Marcus Wandt were also on board as mission specialists.

{{main|Axiom Mission 4}}

Ax-4 is a planned private crew mission to the ISS. The flight will launch on 19 June 2025 and carry four people to the ISS,{{cite tweet |number=1821974345742479748 |user=NASASpaceOps |title=Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), the fourth private astronaut mission to the @Space_Station, now is targeted to launch no earlier than Spring 2025 from @NASAKennedy in Florida. |date=9 August 2024 |access-date=9 August 2024}} including veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson. The crew will include a Polish, a Hungarian, and an Indian astronaut.{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/hungary-and-poland-to-join-india-on-ax-4/ |title=Hungary and Poland to join India on Ax-4 |work=SpaceNews |date=5 August 2024 |access-date=9 August 2024}}

{{main|Axiom Mission 5}}

Ax-5 is a planned private crew mission to the ISS that will launch no earlier than May 2026.{{Cite web |title=Launches {{!}} SpaceX {{!}} Axiom Space Mission 5 |url=https://tlpnetwork.com/launches/axiom-space-mission-5 |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=tlpnetwork.com}}

In January 2022, the Axiom Space Mission Control Center (or MCC-A) completed its first on-orbit science payload operation on the ISS. At this time, MCC-A, located at Axiom's HQ in Houston, TX, was registered as a payload operations site. In April 2022, MCC-A supported a record number of on-orbit science payload operations and live on-orbit events for Axiom's Ax-1 mission to ISS, which was the first all-private mission to the ISS. In late 2022, Axiom's MCC-A became a certified ISS partner Mission Control Center, connected to NASA's ISS program, joining a small handful of International partner MCCs and SpaceX's MCC. In May 2023, Axiom Space flew their second mission to ISS, Ax-2, supported entirely out of MCC-A by an Axiom Space flight control team of 6-10 flight controllers.{{Cite web |title=Axiom Space's Mission Control Center Ready to Support Upcoming Ax-1 Mission to International Space Station |url=https://www.axiomspace.com/news/axiom-mcc |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=Axiom Space |date=29 March 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407004435/https://www.axiomspace.com/news/axiom-mcc |url-status=live }}

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On 1 June 2022, NASA announced it had selected Axiom Space to develop and provide astronauts with next generation spacesuit and spacewalk systems to first test and later use outside the International Space Station, as well as on the lunar surface for the crewed Artemis missions, and prepare for human missions to Mars.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-partners-with-industry-for-new-spacewalking-moonwalking-services |date=June 1, 2022 |title=NASA Partners with Industry for New Spacewalking, Moonwalking Services |work=NASA |access-date=June 5, 2022 |archive-date=14 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614235704/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-partners-with-industry-for-new-spacewalking-moonwalking-services/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=NASA selects Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace for spacesuit contracts | website=SpaceNews | date=2022-06-01 | url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-selects-axiom-space-and-collins-aerospace-for-spacesuit-contracts/ | access-date=2022-06-14 | archive-date=25 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925120643/https://spacenews.com/nasa-selects-axiom-space-and-collins-aerospace-for-spacesuit-contracts/ | url-status=live }}

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