By 
March 6th, 2020
Earth orbiting research lab – the International Space Station (ISS).
Credit: NASA
Axiom Space has signed a contract with SpaceX for a Crew Dragon flight that will transport a commander professionally trained by Axiom alongside three private astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
The mission is set to launch as soon as the second half of 2021, with the crew to live aboard the ISS and experience at least eight days of flight.
Axiom Modules Connected To ISS.
Credit: Axiom
This is the first of Axiom’s proposed “precursor missions” to the ISS envisioned under its Space Act Agreement (SAA) with NASA. Discussions with NASA are underway to establish additional enabling agreements for the private astronaut missions to ISS.
Axiom segment
Axiom plans to offer professional and private astronaut flights to ISS at a rate of up to two per year to align with flight opportunities as they are made available by NASA, while simultaneously constructing its own privately funded space station.
Axiom Earth Observatory Exterior.
Credit: Axiom
NASA recently selected Axiom’s proposal to attach its space station modules to the ISS beginning in the second half of 2024, ultimately creating a new ‘Axiom Segment’ which will expand the station’s usable and habitable volume.
When the ISS reaches its retirement date, the Axiom complex will detach and operate as a free-flying commercial space station.
More information about Axiom can be found at:
Posted in Space News
