Axiom Station is America’s first commercial space station, built to take over from the International Space Station by 2030. A private team is behind this orbital facility, aiming to serve paying customers while still supporting important research in low Earth orbit.
Axiom Space kicked off its commercial space station project in 2016. NASA got involved in January 2020, awarding the company a contract that let them develop the first habitable commercial modules to attach to the ISS.
The company wants to create a self-sustaining commercial destination in orbit. Axiom Station will welcome government astronauts, private citizens, and commercial researchers.
NASA’s partnership with Axiom Space signals a big shift away from government-run facilities toward commercial space infrastructure. NASA can now focus on deep space exploration, but still access microgravity research through commercial partners.
Axiom’s modular design lets the station expand as customers show interest. The company plans to launch modules one by one, assembling them in orbit for a platform that can adapt to changing needs.
Axiom Station will become America’s main commercial space station after the ISS retires, probably around 2030. The facility is built for three groups: government agencies, private researchers, and space tourists.
Commercial services range from astronaut training to orbital flights and longer stays for those who can pay. The station will have living quarters, research labs, and even some space for fun and relaxation.
The Payload, Power, and Thermal Module will launch first, so Axiom Station can work on its own by 2028. This new schedule means the station can break away from the ISS two years sooner than planned.
Onboard manufacturing will let companies create products in microgravity. Businesses can rent space to develop materials or run experiments they simply can’t do on Earth.
The International Space Station is a joint project run by NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, and others. In contrast, Axiom Station is a private space station—owned and managed by a commercial company.
Size and capacity set them apart. The ISS stretches 356 feet and has six sleeping quarters. Axiom Station will grow as needed, depending on commercial demand.
| Feature | International Space Station | Axiom Station |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Government partnership | Private company |
| Primary users | Government astronauts | Commercial customers |
| Expansion | Fixed configuration | Modular growth |
| Access | Limited civilian flights | Regular commercial service |
Operational focus is another big difference. The ISS leans on scientific research and international teamwork. Axiom puts commercial activities and paying customers front and center.
Axiom’s cost structure is more straightforward. Customers pay market rates for services, skipping the complicated procurement process that comes with the ISS.
Axiom Station’s new assembly plan puts power and thermal systems first. This move lets the station run independently from the ISS by 2028.
The modular design links five specialized modules, each added through a step-by-step construction timeline.
The build starts with the Payload Power Thermal Module, which forms the backbone. This module brings in the power and thermal systems needed for the station to operate on its own.
Habitat 1 comes next. It attaches to the power module and gives the first crew their living and working space.
The airlock module is third, creating safe entry and exit points for spacewalks and cargo. It’s essential for outside maintenance and research.
Habitat 2 follows, doubling the living space and allowing more astronauts and researchers to stay for longer missions.
The Research and Manufacturing Facility wraps up the assembly. This module is built for commercial manufacturing and science experiments in microgravity.
Thales Alenia Space constructs the main structures in Turin, Italy. The modules then ship to Houston for systems integration, with work starting in fall 2025.
The Payload Power Thermal Module acts as the station’s backbone. It houses the power systems, thermal controls, and mounting points for experiments. This module lets Axiom Station separate from the ISS and run solo.
Habitat 1 and Habitat 2 bring living quarters, life support, and workspaces. They support longer missions and include sleeping, hygiene, and shared spaces for the crew.
The Research and Manufacturing Facility holds gear for commercial production and science. This module generates revenue by offering manufacturing and research services.
The airlock module is the gateway for spacewalks, gear transfers, and outside repairs. It keeps the station pressurized while letting people and equipment move in and out.
Each module connects through standard docking ports, making it easy to expand or reconfigure the station. The modular architecture means Axiom can add or change modules as demand grows.
Axiom Station will start as modules attached to the International Space Station. By 2028, it’ll separate to become a stand-alone commercial facility.
NASA awarded Axiom Space the contract for this transition in February 2020, as part of the Commercial LEO Destinations program.
The process starts when the Payload, Power, and Thermal Module (PPTM) launches and docks to the ISS. This module powers the whole Axiom Station.
Axiom Space changed its assembly plan to speed up separation. The new approach means Axiom Station can detach right after installing and testing the PPTM.
The company ran its first simulated mission in Mission Control Center-A, practicing the PPTM’s docking and emergency procedures. Controllers worked through real-world scenarios and system failures.
After separation, Axiom Station will fly solo in low Earth orbit. Additional modules will join the station after it leaves the ISS, making Axiom less dependent on ISS resources and schedules.
NASA picked Axiom Space through the Commercial LEO Destinations program to keep things running after the ISS retires in 2030. The agency oversees technical certification for all modules and safety systems.
This partnership lets NASA shift from running its own station to buying commercial services. It’s a cost-saving move, but it keeps the U.S. present in low Earth orbit.
NASA astronauts will still use station facilities through commercial agreements with Axiom. The agency buys crew time and research access instead of owning the whole station.
Some former ISS program managers now work at Axiom Space, bringing their expertise along. This helps keep operations consistent and safety standards high.
Axiom Space runs full crew training programs and manages all activities during missions to the International Space Station. The company takes care of both private astronaut missions and government crews with detailed prep and mission support.
Axiom Space puts astronauts through extensive training before launch. Crew members spend months getting ready for the challenges of spaceflight and life on the ISS.
Training Components cover several phases. Astronauts learn how to operate spacecraft, handle emergencies, and follow research protocols. They get hands-on with Dragon spacecraft systems and prep for launch on the Falcon 9.
Spacewalk prep is a big part of the program. Astronauts train in underwater facilities and use virtual reality to simulate working outside the station.
Medical training is crucial, too. Crew members learn to monitor their health and run medical experiments while in orbit.
Astronauts tackle a wide range of tasks during their time on the ISS. Missions usually last 10 to 20 days, giving crews time to complete multiple objectives.
Research Operations include experiments in microgravity. Astronauts gather data for studies in medicine, materials science, and Earth observation. They also connect with schools and universities back on Earth through outreach.
Private astronauts often work on personal projects. These might be photography, filmmaking, charity work, or tech demos.
Spacewalks are among the toughest jobs. Astronauts leave the station to fix equipment, install new gear, or collect samples from the outside.
Everyday life includes maintenance, meals, exercise, and chatting with mission control.
Axiom Space has already flown four successful private astronaut missions to the ISS. These flights set the stage for commercial spaceflight and prove that civilians can do real research in space.
Axiom Mission 1 took off in April 2022 as the first all-private astronaut mission to the ISS. The four-person crew spent 17 days in orbit, running over 25 science and research experiments.
Axiom managed the mission from its Houston control center. This marked a shift—private companies started running space operations on their own, not just governments.
Mission Specs:
Ax-1 set up the playbook for future private missions. The crew’s microgravity research benefited both government and commercial groups.
Private astronauts showed they could handle complex science in space. That success opened the door for more researchers and companies to try low Earth orbit.
Michael López-Alegría led Axiom Mission 1. His deep spaceflight experience helped set safety and operational standards for private missions.
He’s flown multiple NASA missions and completed spacewalks. That background was invaluable for managing the first private crew on the ISS.
Peggy Whitson has commanded later Axiom missions. She holds the U.S. record for most days in space, making her a natural leader for commercial flights.
Whitson’s experience spans three long ISS missions. She helps private astronauts get the most out of their time in orbit.
These commanders bridge the old world of government spaceflight and the new era of commercial missions. Their know-how keeps private astronaut flights safe and effective, following NASA’s high standards.
Axiom Space Station is shaping up to be a game-changer for experiments in space. Up there, gravity just isn’t a thing, so scientists get to work in conditions you literally can’t find on Earth.
The station will welcome research in everything from human physiology to materials science and biology. The results will matter both for future space missions and for stuff we deal with on Earth.
Microgravity wipes out sedimentation and buoyancy, making things behave in ways you just don’t see on the ground. Researchers can finally observe how molecules interact without gravity messing things up.
Protein crystals, for example, grow much bigger and more uniform in space. That’s a huge deal for scientists trying to understand diseases or cook up new medicines.
Materials science gets a boost, too. Without gravity, heavy elements don’t sink, so metals and alloys come out more evenly mixed.
Biological research takes off in microgravity. Cell cultures grow in totally new ways, showing us things about cells and tissues we just can’t see otherwise.
Human physiology studies dig into how bodies adapt to space. Scientists track bone loss, muscle changes, and shifts in the cardiovascular system during long missions.
Axiom Space’s missions already show off what’s possible. They’ve hosted around 60 studies from 31 countries, covering a ton of different topics.
Academic partnerships let universities all over the world get in on the action. Students and professors can finally run experiments in space, not just government agencies.
Companies are getting involved, too. Pharmaceutical firms use microgravity to make better drugs and explore how diseases work.
Manufacturing applications are pretty wild—think fiber optics, semiconductors, and advanced materials that turn out better in space than on Earth.
International collaboration is a big part of the story. Countries share experiments and resources, building up their own space know-how while contributing to global science.
The Axiom Station’s Research and Manufacturing Facility is set to seriously shake up space-based production. This module uses microgravity conditions to create materials and run experiments that just aren’t possible back home.
Inside the facility, microgravity wipes out sedimentation and buoyancy. Scientists use this to make materials with next-level purity and structure.
Fiber optics manufacturing is a great example. Without gravity, manufacturers can make ultra-pure optical fibers that let light travel farther and clearer than anything made on Earth.
Metal alloy production gets a huge upgrade. The facility lets scientists create perfectly round metal particles and alloys that mix evenly. On Earth, gravity makes heavier parts settle out when things cool, but that doesn’t happen up there.
Biological manufacturing also gets a boost. Researchers grow bigger, more uniform protein crystals for new medicines. The facility is designed to support this kind of biomedical production, which could totally change how we make drugs.
The module supports scalable manufacturing, with astronauts keeping an eye on things. There’s equipment for both small-scale research and larger production runs.
Research in this facility tackles real-world problems, not just space stuff. Scientists use what they learn in orbit to solve challenges here on Earth.
Pharmaceutical development benefits from better protein crystals. Bigger, more uniform crystals give clearer structural data, speeding up new drug design.
Materials science innovations come out of these space experiments, too. Think stronger, lighter materials for planes, cars, and buildings—stuff you just can’t make with Earth’s gravity in the way.
Regenerative medicine projects are especially promising. The facility supports research into tissue engineering, maybe even organ growth someday. Medical teams study how microgravity changes cells and tissues.
The facility’s state-of-the-art capabilities open doors for companies to develop products and processes you simply can’t get from traditional manufacturing.
Axiom Space has teamed up with big corporations and international partners to push commercial space forward. They work with organizations from all over the globe to run research and development on the International Space Station.
Axiom Space keeps strong partnerships with several major companies. SpaceX handles launch services using Falcon 9 rockets, sending crews and cargo up from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
They’ve also teamed up with Omega Watches to make custom timepieces for space. These modified Speedmaster X-33 watches survive the wild conditions of low Earth orbit.
José Andrés Think Food Group designs meals for astronauts. Their chefs work with NASA’s Food Lab to make sure the food meets nutrition requirements and still tastes like home.
Other partnerships include G.H. Mumm for space-friendly champagne and Timeshifter for managing sleep cycles. These collaborations help Axiom Space offer more than just rides and beds—they’re building a full experience.
Axiom Space missions bring together astronauts from all over. The recent Ax-4 mission in June 2025 had crew members from different countries running experiments on the International Space Station.
These collaborations open up microgravity research to scientists everywhere, even if their countries don’t have their own space programs.
Axiom’s partnership with NASA lets private companies use ISS utilities and docking ports. That means Axiom can attach commercial modules to the station while working toward its own independent outpost.
Axiom Space has mapped out a bold plan to lead in low Earth orbit with its future Axiom Station. They want to create a lasting human presence in orbit, helping NASA shift away from the ISS.
Axiom Space sees low Earth orbit as the next big commercial hub. Their Axiom Station will be modular and support both private astronauts and national space programs.
The station isn’t just for research. It’ll handle in-space manufacturing, scientific breakthroughs, and technology development that takes advantage of microgravity.
Axiom Space runs missions to the ISS now, even as they build next-gen infrastructure. This way, they’re earning revenue and building for the future at the same time.
They’ve already proven themselves with successful private astronaut flights. These missions have included international crews and research that hints at what’s possible for commercial space.
NASA and Axiom Space are working together to keep low Earth orbit open after the ISS retires. NASA picked Axiom in 2020 to attach commercial modules to the ISS.
The transition plan has a few steps. First, Axiom modules will hook up to the ISS, adding more commercial space. Later, those modules will separate and become their own free-flying station.
The new assembly timeline lines up with NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program. This way, there’s no gap in access to space for research or exploration.
Axiom Space is aiming for 2028 to have its station flying solo. That gives everyone time to test, integrate, and get ready. NASA keeps a presence in orbit, while commercial companies take on more responsibility.
Axiom Station packs advanced life support systems and modular power setups that really raise the bar for commercial space. The station’s design includes four modules, each with backup systems, so they’re ready for long missions.
Habitat 1 acts as the main living space, loaded with environmental controls. The module recycles air using electrolysis and keeps water flowing by recovering up to 95% from air and waste.
Designers made crew comfort a priority. There are bigger windows than on the ISS and private quarters with better soundproofing. Temperature controls keep each area just right.
Habitat 2 adds more room for crew and some recreational space. There’s exercise gear built for microgravity and upgraded food prep areas with modern heating and cooling.
Backup life support kicks in if needed, with power and air filtration for up to 72 hours. Fire suppression uses advanced gases that protect both people and equipment.
The Payload Power Thermal Module generates power from big solar panels that follow the sun. Batteries store energy for nighttime, so the station stays powered around the clock. Thermal systems keep each module at the right temperature.
Propulsion systems handle orbit and position adjustments. Small thrusters help with docking when new spacecraft arrive.
The Deorbit Vehicle makes sure modules come down safely at the end of their mission, burning up over the ocean to avoid space debris.
Power gets routed to everything—life support, communications, research gear. Redundant lines mean a single failure won’t take the whole station offline.
Axiom Space plans to work with several launch providers to build the station, starting with the first module launching no earlier than 2027.
The modular design makes it possible to move components between different docking ports as needed for assembly and ongoing operations.
Axiom Space hasn’t revealed which rockets will launch its station modules just yet. They’re talking with several launch providers to make sure they have reliable rides to orbit.
Thanks to agreements between the US and India, Axiom’s considering Indian launch systems for some missions. They’re also eyeing European launch vehicles as possible options.
SpaceX seems like a strong contender. Their track record with ISS cargo and crew missions speaks for itself. The Falcon 9 has already delivered a bunch of Dragon spacecraft to the station.
Axiom already works with NASA and SpaceX, so teaming up for commercial station launches just makes sense.
The first module—called the Payload Power Thermal Module—will dock with the ISS at one of the ports cargo ships use. Each Axiom module acts as its own spacecraft, complete with propulsion for maneuvering in orbit.
Building the station will take some tricky docking operations between modules. The Payload Power Thermal Module will first connect to the ISS, but later it’ll break off and link up with Habitat One in 2028.
Habitat One brings four radial docking ports so visiting vehicles can hook up to the station. These ports will also let Axiom add more modules as the station expands.
A special docking adapter lets different spacecraft connect to the station. SpaceX’s Dragon could handle both crew swaps and cargo deliveries once the station’s up and running.
Axiom designed the station to use the same docking interfaces as the ISS, so existing commercial crew and cargo vehicles can visit. The Mobile Servicing System and Canadarm2 will help position modules during the early assembly at the ISS.
Later, Habitat Two will come with a Canadarm 3-style robotic arm for maintenance and operations once the station goes independent.
The Axiom Space Station marks a big leap for commercial space in low-Earth orbit. Key points? Launches could start as soon as 2028. The design is modular, so it’ll first attach to the ISS, and Axiom’s building it in Houston.
Axiom Space has moved up its schedule. They now plan for the station to operate on its own by 2028, which is two years earlier than first planned.
They’ll build the station through several launches, not just one. Each module will go up separately and connect in orbit over time.
At first, these modules will attach to the ISS. Later, they’ll break off and form an independent commercial station. This step-by-step approach lets Axiom test everything and expand gradually.
Axiom Station is built for commercial space activities. The ISS mainly supports government research, but Axiom’s aiming for private and national astronauts.
The new station will use modern infrastructure made for commercial operations. Facilities will support research, manufacturing, and even tourism activities.
Unlike the ISS, which depends on international partnerships, Axiom Station will run under commercial management. That should mean more flexible missions and customer services.
Axiom Space builds the station in Houston, Texas. They picked Houston because of its aerospace infrastructure and deep talent pool.
Houston’s close to NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the broader Texas space industry. This helps Axiom collaborate with NASA and other partners.
Being in Texas also gives Axiom some logistical perks for manufacturing and testing. Houston’s location near the Gulf Coast makes it easier to ship huge station modules.
Axiom Space hasn’t shared exact costs for the full station program. Since they’re a private company, they usually keep financial details under wraps.
NASA supports Axiom through both funded and unfunded agreements as part of the commercial station program. That partnership helps keep development costs down.
Axiom funds some of the work by flying current missions to the ISS. These ongoing operations help pay for the new station’s infrastructure and capabilities.
Axiom Space got NASA’s initial approval in January 2020. Since then, they’ve worked on design and development.
They expect the first modules to launch and attach to the ISS before 2028. These parts will get tested and validated while connected to the old station.
In 2028, Axiom plans to detach its modules from the ISS and start independent operations. This way, the new station will be ready before the ISS retires.
The finished Axiom Station will have several specialized modules linked together in orbit. These include habitat areas, research labs, and places for manufacturing.
You’ll find a Payload Power and Thermal Module, two separate habitats, and a dedicated Research and Manufacturing Facility. There’s also an airlock module so astronauts can head outside for spacewalks or handle things on the exterior.
Axiom designed the station so it can grow. If commercial demand picks up or new tech comes along, they can just bolt on more modules.
