Axiom Space announced that it is revising the Axiom Station module sequence to enable its commercial space station to become an independent orbital platform as early as 2028. Revising the order in which modules will attach to the International Space Station allows Axiom Station to operate as a free-flyer about two years earlier than planned, supporting customer needs as well as national objectives preparing the International Space Station for a U.S. deorbit vehicle and decommissioning station by the end of this decade.

“We were ready to answer the call when NASA asked us to relook at our space station development plan,” said Mark Greeley, Axiom Space Chief Operating Officer and Axiom Station program manager. “Our ongoing assessment of the assembly sequence revealed opportunities for flexibility and enhancements. With the International Space Station needing to protect for the ability to accommodate a deorbit vehicle on station, we were able to accelerate this work to support the program’s requirements. NASA has been extremely collaborative and supportive of the new plan as it addresses its deorbit operational concerns and preserves critical capabilities currently utilized on the International Space Station. This revised approach not only aligns with U.S. objectives but also delivers immediate value for our customers and investors.”

Originally, the plan was to attach Habitat 1 (AxH1) first, before the power and thermal module. Now, the on-orbit assembly sequence will start with the Payload Power Thermal Module (AxPPTM), followed by AxH1, an airlock, Habitat 2 (AxH2), and finally the Research and Manufacturing Facility (AxRMF).

“The result – free-flight capability after the launch and berthing of PPTM,” Greeley explained, “allowing us to add modules while on orbit once we have separated from station. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition from a government to a commercial platform, maintaining a continuous human presence on orbit to serve a community of global customers and partners, to include NASA.”

The AxPPTM primary structure will be built by Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy, and then relocated to Houston no earlier than fall 2025, where the integration of the internal structure and systems will take place at Axiom Space facilities.

“We thank Axiom Space for the trust in our company, commending to Thales Alenia Space an additional module to the ones currently under development for Axiom Station,” said Walter Cugno, Vice President for Exploration and Science. “We proudly welcome the challenge to further increase our effort by providing a new pressurized module in addition to AxH1 and AxH2. Thales Alenia Space has proven in the past, consolidating today, the capabilities and the commitment to be a key enabler of humanity’s exploration ambitions in LEO and beyond.”

Thales Alenia Space plans to produce the PPTM utilizing structural elements from AxH1 and AxH2 to accelerate construction. Elements from these modules are already underway and will be back-filled – AxH1 being the priority to enable its rendezvous with PPTM once separated from the International Space Station.

Tejpaul Bhatia, Axiom Space Chief Revenue Officer, underscored the importance of international collaboration regarding this effort, stating, “Working with leading experts like Thales Alenia, who have a proven record in module development and a strong relationship with NASA, is integral to our operations and vision.

“By engaging and integrating with a network of partners from around the world, we access cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that enhance our capabilities and supply chain,” Bhatia added. “Our customer base is truly global, including governments, private entities, and research institutions. This diversity enables us to meet a wide range of needs and reinforces our belief that space exploration is a collective endeavor for the benefit of all of humanity.”

Axiom Space is working alongside NASA to execute on this revised sequence and realize the company’s and the nation’s space exploration objectives. Axiom Space was awarded a contract by NASA in 2020 to attach a privately developed module to the International Space Station, as part of NASA’s efforts to commercialize LEO and retire the International Space Station.

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