Editing Axiom Space

Axiom Space CEO Michael T. Suffredini was previously the program manager for the [[International Space Station]] from 2005 to 2015.<ref>{{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}}</ref> After retiring from NASA, Suffredini and Kam Ghaffarian started Axiom Space to target the emerging [[Private spaceflight|commercial spaceflight]] market. Ghaffarian is an engineer and entrepreneur who sold his company, Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, Inc., a large NASA contractor, to [[KBR (company)|KBR]] in 2018.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Ghaffarian is also Executive Chairman of [[Quantum Space (company)|Quantum Space]].

The company was selected by NASA to provide the first commercial destination module on the International Space Station.<ref name=nasa20200612/> Axiom Space also announced in March 2020 a contract with [[SpaceX]] to fly commercial astronauts to the International Space Station via [[Falcon 9]] and [[Crew Dragon]] scheduled for March 2022; launch took place 8 April 2022<ref>{{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}}</ref> and crew returned on 25 April.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

Axiom Station intends to have its [[spacecraft]] modules individually launched and assembled in-orbit, first attaching to the [[International Space Station]]. Before ISS retirement (and [[atmospheric reentry]]), the company plans to detach its modules and commence orbit on its own as Axiom Station.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.axiomspace.com/axiom-station|title=Axiom Space - Axiom Commercial Space Station|publisher=Axiom Space|access-date=2020-02-14|archive-date=6 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306211512/https://www.axiomspace.com/axiom-station|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Etherington|first1=Darrell|title=NASA taps startup Axiom Space for the first habitable commercial module for the Space Station|date=27 January 2020|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/01/27/nasa-taps-startup-axiom-space-for-the-first-habitable-commercial-module-for-the-space-station/|publisher=TechCrunch|access-date=June 12, 2020|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128010232/https://techcrunch.com/2020/01/27/nasa-taps-startup-axiom-space-for-the-first-habitable-commercial-module-for-the-space-station/|url-status=live}}</ref> Axiom Space renderings from 2020 illustrate how modules might be berthed and relocated on the ISS by the [[Mobile Servicing System]], specifically the [[Mobile Servicing System|Canadarm2]]. Canadarm2 might also continue its operations on the Axiom Space Station after the retirement of ISS in late 2020s.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> The company is currently targeting late 2026 for the launch of its first module to the ISS and the late-2020s for station completion.<ref name="sn-20231213">{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/spacex-yet-to-select-launch-pad-for-next-axiom-space-private-astronaut-mission/ |title=SpaceX yet to select launch pad for next Axiom Space private astronaut mission |work=[[SpaceNews]] |date=13 December 2023 |access-date=13 December 2023 |quote=Ondler said in the briefing that the first of those modules is now scheduled to launch to the ISS at the end of 2026, about a year later than the company previously announced. |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224033915/https://spacenews.com/spacex-yet-to-select-launch-pad-for-next-axiom-space-private-astronaut-mission/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="sn-20221014" />

Axiom Space plans to conduct astronaut training for [[commercial astronaut]]s, to host governments and commercial partners. Up to three Axiom Space modules could attach to the International Space Station. The first module is expected to dock to the forward port of [[Harmony (ISS module)|''Harmony'']], which would require relocation of the [[Pressurized Mating Adapter|PMA-2]]. Axiom Space plans to attach up to two additional modules to its initial core module, and send private astronauts to visit<!-- no source shows firm plans for long-term habitation while attached to the ISS --> the modules.<ref name="ACSS">{{cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-selects-axiom-space-to-build-commercial-space-station-module/|title=NASA selects Axiom Space to build commercial space station module|date=2020-01-28|publisher=SpaceNews |access-date=2020-02-14}}</ref>

The interior for 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 color-changing LEDs.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Axiom Space has publicly stated an intent to maintain at least one astronaut in the station continuously,{{when|date=June 2021}}<!-- after what point in time? the podcast is unclear. After the first Axiom module is at the ISS? the third in the late 2020s? --> who will be assigned to take care of research projects and station repairs.<ref>{{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}}</ref> This includes amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, video screens, picture windows, and a glass-walled cupola.<ref name="Axiom Station">{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Missions could extend for longer periods of time depending on the focus of the spaceflight. Former NASA astronauts [[Peggy Whitson]] and [[Michael López-Alegría]] are employees and serve as commanders of missions.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref>

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

[[File:Axiom Mission 1 Static Fire (NHQ202204060008).jpg|thumb|Axiom Mission 1 at [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A|LC-39A]] undergoing prelaunch preparations]]

{{main|Axiom Mission 3}}

{{Update|section|date=February 2024}}

'''Ax-3''' was a private crew mission to the ISS. The flight launched on 18 January 2024 and carried four people to the ISS on an expected 14-day mission. The crew included Italian aviator [[Walter Villadei]], the first Turkish astronaut [[Alper Gezeravcı]], and [[Marcus Wandt]] of the [[ESA]], the third Swedish astronaut.<ref>{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/axiom-space-names-crew-for-third-private-astronaut-mission-to-iss/ |title=Axiom Space names crew for third private astronaut mission to ISS |work=[[SpaceNews]] |date=13 September 2023 |access-date=17 September 2023 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224033050/https://spacenews.com/axiom-space-names-crew-for-third-private-astronaut-mission-to-iss/ |url-status=live }}</ref>