NASA and Axiom Space modify the assembly order of the commercial space station

Dec. 19 () –

Axiom Space, in coordination with the POT, you have modified your planned assembly sequence to accelerate its ability to operate as a viable free-flying space station and reduce dependence on the International Space Station during assembly, as reported by the North American space agency.

In January 2020, the NASA awarded Axiom Space a fixed-price contractindefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, as the agency continues to open the space station for commercial use. The contract provides information on the development of at least one commercial habitable module that will connect to the space station with the goal of becoming a free-flying destination in low Earth orbit before the retirement of the orbiting laboratory in 2030.

Axiom Space’s initial plan was to launch and dock its first module, Habitat 1, to the space station, followed by three additional modules.

Under the company’s new assembly sequence, the payload, power and thermal module will be launched to the orbiting laboratory first, allowing it to depart in 2028 and become a free-flying destination known as Axiom Station. In free flight, Axiom Space will continue assembly of the commercial destination, adding the Habitat 1 module, an airlock, the Habitat 2 module, and the research and manufacturing facility.

“The updated assembly sequence has been coordinated with NASA to support the needs and NASA and Axiom Space plans for a smooth transition into low Earth orbit“said Angela Hart, manager of the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, who explained that the continued design and development of commercial destinations by their partners “is critical to the agency’s plan to obtain services in low Earth orbit to meet needs in microgravity.”

The revised assembly sequence will enable an earlier departure from the space station, expedite Axiom Station’s ability to support free flight operations, and ensure the orbiting laboratory remains prepared for the US deorbit vehicle and end of its life. operational no earlier than 2030.

“The The International Space Station has provided a unique scientific platform for almost 25 years. As we approach the end of the operational life of the space station, it is vitally important that we look to the future of low Earth orbit and support these subsequent destinations to ensure that we continue NASA’s presence in microgravity, which began through the International Space Station,” said the manager of the International Space Station Program at NASA Johnson, Dana Weigel.

NASA is supporting the design and development of multiple commercial space stations, including Axiom Station, through funded and unfunded agreements. The current design and development phase will be followed by contracting services from one or more companies.

NASA’s low-Earth orbit microgravity strategy builds on the agency’s extensive experience in human spaceflight to advance future science and exploration goals.

As the International Space Station nears the end of its operations, NASA plans to transition to a new low-Earth orbit model to continue reaping the benefits of microgravity. Through commercial partnerships, NASA aims to maintain its leadership in microgravity research and ensure continued benefits to humanity.