Axiom recently announced that it would refurbish what NASA used to cart cargo to and from the ISS during the Space Shuttle Program. A third research and science module will join by 2027. “It builds working relationships with NASA and with SpaceX so that when we eventually get to the point where we launch our first module, we’ll have a solid capability in place that’s based on these precursor missions that we’ve executed,” he said.Ī second module will greatly expand Axiom’s flexibility with space for up to eight crew and its own two docking ports.
Each opportunity to visit will make Axiom’s space station plans run smoother, Hassmann said.
Until then, NASA looks each year to support up to two private missions, open to Axiom or its competitors. The plan is for Axiom Space to construct its own living and working space in modules attached to the ISS, the first of which is expected in late 2025. Axiom Space aims to attach three modules to the International Space Station from 2025-2027. The fees paid by the Ax-2 or future customers, though, has not been revealed. Axiom in turn has to pay SpaceX and NASA for the travel and accommodations for these missions. The three private customers who flew on Ax-1 paid $55 million each to Axiom Space for what ended up being about two weeks in space. The Ax-3 mission has already been approved by NASA and could come before the end of the year. Unlike Ax-1, the crew is a mix of private and government customers, a shift in Axiom Space’s business plan that it intends to pursue even more with upcoming flights to the ISS. “I have no questions or concerns about either the integration of our crew or their capabilities. “Once they get their space legs under them, I know these guys are going to be extremely competent and I’m really looking forward to watching them perform,” Whitson said. The two remaining seats go to a pair of Saudi Space Commission astronauts, Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni.īarnawi will become the first Saudi woman in space and the pair will be the first Saudis to visit the ISS. He and Whitson were the backup crew for the Ax-1 mission. Along for the ride is private customer and aviator John Shoffner who will act as pilot.
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