Axiom's Ambitious Plan

In a groundbreaking announcement, Axiom Space has unveiled plans to expedite the launch of its commercial space station, now aiming for operations to begin as early as 2028. This significant shift comes as Axiom revises the assembly timeline for its modules intended for Earth orbit.

Revised Timeline

Previously slated to start operations in 2030, the new timeline signifies a two-year advancement. Axiom Space, headquartered in Houston, originally secured a contract with NASA in 2020 to integrate one or more modules into the International Space Station (ISS) before its planned retirement no sooner than 2030. The aim was to detach a cluster of modules from the ISS to establish a sustainable commercial outpost in low Earth orbit after the iconic space station’s decommissioning. However, these plans have been transformed to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Manager’s Insights

Mark Greeley, Axiom’s Station program manager and Chief Operating Officer, stated, "Our ongoing assessment of the assembly sequence revealed opportunities for flexibility and enhancements." This optimization allows for the earlier operational capacity needed to support current program demands and the ISS's requirements, including providing space for a deorbit vehicle from SpaceX, expected to bring the ISS down in a controlled manner around 2030.

Launch Components

To build its station, Axiom plans to launch five crucial components: a payload/power/thermal module, an airlock, a research and manufacturing facility, plus two habitat modules. In a strategic pivot, instead of launching the Habitat 1 module first, the Payload, Power, and Thermal module will be the inaugural launch to the ISS. This module is poised to detach and initiate free-flying operations as the "Axiom Station" in 2028.

Future Development

Following this initial launch, Axiom will continue to develop the station, with the Habitat 1 module positioned to rendezvous shortly thereafter, followed by the airlock, Habitat 2, and the research and manufacturing hub. Angela Hart, a NASA manager involved in the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program, confirmed the coordination of this new assembly timeline in support of both NASA and Axiom's objectives.

Seamless Transition

This change not only expedites the departure of Axiom Station from the ISS but also ensures a seamless transition from a government-operated platform to a commercial one, maintaining a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit. Greeley emphasized that this transition will serve a global community of customers, including NASA.

Company Background and Future

Founded in 2016, Axiom Space has already made waves in the space industry, notably succeeding with its Ax-1 mission in April 2021, the first to send a flight crew of entirely private citizens to the ISS. With these new developments, the future of commercial space exploration is more promising than ever, and the countdown to 2028 has officially begun!