Axiom Space is redefining its ambitions for the commercial space station it plans to assemble in Earth's orbit. By reorganizing the launch order of its modules, the company aims to accelerate its timeline and establish an independent platform by 2028, two years earlier than previously announced.
An artistic rendering of the Axiom station assembled in Earth's orbit. Credit: Axiom Space
The contract signed with NASA in 2020 initially outlined that Axiom's modules would first be attached to the International Space Station (ISS) before detaching to form a standalone station. However, the program has been readjusted to better address constraints related to the future management of the ISS, whose end of life is expected by 2030.
The major change lies in the launch order of the modules. Initially, the first element to join the ISS was supposed to be a habitat, followed by other components. Now, the "Payload, Power, Thermal" service module will be launched first. This module could become operational and autonomous as early as 2028, forming the foundation of the independent station.
Once this module is operational, other components will follow: the first habitat, the airlock, a second habitat, and finally, a module dedicated to research and industrial manufacturing. This new sequence has been approved in coordination with NASA, which also aims to free up space on the ISS to integrate a deorbit vehicle designed by SpaceX.
Mark Greeley, the program manager for Axiom Station, specified that these adjustments offer greater flexibility while meeting technical and strategic requirements. This advance could help ensure the continuous human presence in low Earth orbit after the ISS's decommissioning.
The new assembly plan for Axiom Space's commercial station. Credit: Axiom Space
Angela Hart, who oversees the development of the commercial low Earth orbit program for NASA, confirmed that the new strategy facilitates a smooth transition between public and private infrastructures.
Founded in 2016, Axiom Space has quickly established itself as a key player in the private space sector. The company had already made headlines in 2021 with the Ax-1 mission, sending the first entirely civilian crew aboard the ISS. It is now part of a growing competition where players like Blue Origin and Sierra Space are vying to shape the future of orbital stations.
With this initiative, Axiom Space seems well-positioned to usher in an era where commercial infrastructures replace government-backed space stations.