Axiom Space Continues Development of Commercial Space Station Axiom Station

The International Space Station is nearing the end of its operational life. It is not yet clear exactly when it will be deorbited, but it seems likely that operations will end no later than 2032. In its place, there should be multiple commercial space stations created by different companies and with various designs. Currently, there is no commercial space station in orbit, and the latest proposals from NASA have not been positively received.

Axiom Space and Axiom Station

Among the most interesting proposals is Axiom Space with its commercial space station Axiom Station. This solution will initially be developed as an additional module for the ISS, later separating to become a standalone space station. Among the modules to be created, there will be the AxPPTM, which will ensure the generation of necessary energy as well as temperature management.

The AxHAB-1 will be the habitation module that will connect to the AxPPTM after the latter separates from the ISS. Here, astronauts can begin initial operations in low Earth orbit.

AxAL will serve as the airlock module to allow extravehicular activities (EVA), where the AxEMU space suits (the same used during the Artemis program on the Moon) will also be employed. Expansion will continue with AxHAB-2, which will further enlarge the habitable internal volume to accommodate more crew members and facilitate various scientific research. Finally, there will be the AxRMF, a module oriented towards Earth with a large transparent surface to allow observation of our Planet from a different perspective.

The American company, to effectively develop its project, has recruited various prominent individuals. For example, former astronaut Michael López-Alegría has stated that Axiom Station can host dedicated modules from different nations with contributions that may be unlimited.

Peggy Whitson (another former astronaut and part of the company's staff) added that Axiom Station will utilize the Sabatier reaction, in particular, methane and water could be produced, starting from the ECLSS (Environmental Control and Life Support System) to generate propellant for the space station’s thrusters. This could reduce the number of resupply missions to the station, while not eliminating them, giving it greater operational autonomy.

In February, Axiom Space announced that it had raised an additional $350 million from investors to expedite the development of Axiom Station and the AxEMU space suits. Recently, the commercial space station has been at the center of criticism regarding the performance of Thales Alenia Space concerning the production of pressurized modules, a situation that should be resolved in a short time.