Axiom Space, a leader in human spaceflight and architect of the world’s first commercial space station, is launching the Axiom Space Access Program, designed to enable countries to realize long-term economic and scientific value in microgravity today, without the need to build or expand their own infrastructure such as on-orbit facilities, launch vehicles, medical or training programs, and support capabilities.
Under this new program, Axiom Space will offer participating countries a range of services including the unique ability to live and work in microgravity, which will provide unprecedented opportunity to unlock the benefits of on-orbit research and development for nations around the world. In addition to this access, the program includes customized astronaut training programs, expert advisory teams, priority for future missions onboard Axiom Station, and other services to advance a nation’s space objectives.
The Axiom Space Access Program was inspired by Axiom Space’s partnership with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) through a MOU signed September 21, 2022, to explore opportunities for sustained access to space and build on Canada’s legacy in human spaceflight. The MOU aims to support CSA’s groundbreaking research on the International Space Station (ISS) by potentially enabling access to the ISS through Axiom-sponsored missions and, in the future, missions to Axiom Station. The MOU also aims to leverage the existing and robust Canadian space ecosystem to mutually develop opportunities for Canadian companies across numerous sectors and industries to work and conduct research in low-Earth orbit (LEO).
Azercosmos, the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, became the first participating country in the Axiom Space Access Program. Azercosmos will be working with Axiom Space to deliver cutting edge satellite solutions, increase interest in the younger generation to pursue in-space research and development, and further develop the country’s space exploration roadmap.
Italy, through its long-standing relationship with Axiom Space since 2018, has also paved the way for sustainable space partnerships, founded on its national expertise and industry contributions. Italy recently announced its participation in Axiom's Ax-3 mission to the International Space Station, and last year entered a first-of-its-kind MOU with Axiom Space aimed at identifying potential opportunities onboard the future Axiom Station, along with fostering and supporting the growth of a commercial marketplace in low-Earth orbit.
Additional members of the Access Program include New Zealand and Uzbekistan, as well as the Rakia Mission, a space-focused education, research and outreach organization based in Israel. Axiom Space also has existing human spaceflight and in-space research agreements with Hungary, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.
Partnerships are imperative to the commercialization of space. Space is a global domain that demands international cooperation and business model innovation to benefit all of humanity. Axiom Space is providing sustainable access to low-Earth orbit through paradigm shifting commercial models that enable commercially viable flights to the ISS now and, in the near future, to Axiom Station.
"We are thrilled to announce this new global partnership program," said Michael Suffredini, president and CEO of Axiom Space. "We believe space should be accessible to all nations, and this program will allow us to work with countries around the world to advance our collective understanding of space, unlock the benefits of microgravity, and build prosperity through opportunity. We believe that by working together, we can achieve great things, and we look forward to partnering with nations worldwide to make that vision a reality."
Source: Axiom Space
