Axiom Space and Virgin Galactic Partner for Human-Tended Microgravity Research

Axiom Astronaut to Conduct Research and Train for International Space Station on Future Virgin Galactic Flight

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) (the “Company” or “Virgin Galactic”), an aerospace and space travel company, today announced an agreement with Axiom Space, a U.S.-based commercial space company, to support a microgravity research and training mission. The Virgin Galactic spaceflight, tentatively scheduled for next year, will prepare an Axiom Space astronaut for an upcoming trip to orbit, while conducting microgravity research to supplement the work that astronaut will do on the International Space Station.

Virgin Galactic has a deep commitment to providing opportunities for research and scientific exploration in a suborbital space environment. Its pilot-controlled parabolic trajectory from a horizontal launch configuration can be adjusted to the specific needs of the payloads on board, making Virgin Galactic uniquely suited to fly both autonomous and human-tended experiments. The Company has flown research experiments on all previous spaceflights and is reserving 10 percent of its first 1,000 seats for science and technology research missions.

Axiom Space Partners with Saudi Space Commission to Send First Female Saudi Astronaut to Space

Credit: Saudi Space Commission

Axiom Space, a U.S.-based space company currently building the world's first commercial space station, is working with the Saudi Space Commission (SSC) for a future flight opportunity no earlier than 2023. The partnership will bolster SSC’s exploration program through the addition of a robust human spaceflight effort. Axiom Space will collaborate with SSC to train Saudi astronauts for human spaceflight and prepare them to conduct meaningful scientific research in space, while making use of cutting-edge space technologies and scientific innovations.  

Axiom Space and SSC announced today their epoch-making partnership to fly two Saudi astronauts to space, including the first female Saudi astronaut. Saudi Arabia is celebrating its first national astronaut program dedicated to sending Saudi astronauts into space as a contribution to humanity’s progress, and in line with the progressive goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.  

In an official press release outlining the new Saudi Astronaut Program, the Kingdom highlighted the scientific focus of the initiative, which will prioritize scientific experiments and research in areas such as health, sustainability, and space technology. The Saudi Astronaut program is part of the Kingdom's larger National Space Strategy. 

"Space belongs to all of humanity, which is one of the reasons Axiom Space is pleased to welcome our new partnership with the Saudi Space Commission to train and fly Saudi astronauts, including the first female Saudi astronaut" said Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space's President & CEO while attending the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris. "This partnership highlights Axiom Space's profound commitment to expand human spaceflight opportunities to a larger share of the international community, as well as to multiply scientific and technological development on Earth and in orbit".  

Axiom Space is the commercial space industry's only full-service orbital mission provider, conducting end-to-end crewed missions. Axiom's broad range of services includes training and flying private astronauts, access to training facilities and instructors, hardware and safety certification, and operational on-orbit management. Candidates for flight complete Axiom's rigorous training curriculum over many months in preparation to live and conduct meaningful work in space. The expert team at Axiom Space is helping nations and organizations build human spaceflight programs, develop astronaut selection programs, and provide the expertise needed to expand the international community of space explorers to a larger and more diverse representation of humanity. 

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately building its successor, Axiom Station, the first permanent commercial destination in Earth's orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home.

Mumm Announces Collaboration with Axiom Space

Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar champagne, a symbol of our culture, will embark on future human space flights

Maison Mumm revealed the final design of Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar, the first champagne bottle and tasting experience designed for space travel and human spaceflight. In a historic collaboration with Axiom Space, a leader in commercial human spaceflight, Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar will join Axiom’s human spaceflight program and fly on future space missions.

Beyond the technological challenge, Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar participates in making our culture and its rituals a part of history wherever humankind explores new territories. Initiated in 2017, this ambitious project has now achieved full compliance with space cargo specifications and AOC Champagne regulations. Following on this achievement, Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar will join Axiom’s upcoming crewed missions to low Earth orbit and extend the collaboration to Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station, to test and discover the tasting ritual in the real conditions of space.

Axiom Space Offers VR Experience of Axiom Station during IAC Special Session (VIDEO)

Exclusive sneak-peak at Axiom Station

(PARIS) - Axiom Space today debuted an innovative session at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris providing a virtual tour of Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station.  Making use of Axiom’s industrial and design and engineering models, Axiom leaders used virtual reality technology to guide the audience through an interactive video of Axiom’s in-production space station.

Outfitted with headsets and projecting their field of vision onto a large screen for the audience, Axiom leaders Chief Technology Officer Matt Ondler, Executive Vice President of In-Space Manufacturing Christian Maender, and Chief Astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, demonstrated design features of the company’s commercial space station. The first module of Axiom station is currently planned for launch in the mid-2020’s to attach to the ISS.

In collaboration with her colleagues, the session was created by Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar, Chief of Government and External Affairs, who welcomed the audience and worked with the team to answer questions. Axiom’s industrial and VR designers Kelsey Kim and Corey Smith were on hand and highlighted Axioms’ innovative methods of design and development.

The exclusive special sneak peek included Ondler’s overview of the construction and development of Axiom Station. Maender provided a tour of Axiom's research and manufacturing module and previewed  the unique scientific and manufacturing capabilities of the commercial space station. Lopez-Alegria took the audience on a virtual spacewalk around Axiom Station, explaining the various design elements and future experience for Axiom astronauts, including a look out of Axiom’s Earth observatory cupola, eight of the largest windows ever constructed for the space environment with breathtaking views of planet Earth.

The audience was then invited to participate in the session with questions and ideas.  Several audience members donned the Axiom virtual reality headsets and toured the station for themselves, with their journey projected to all in attendance.

The step-by-step narration of Axiom Station design and capabilities was an exclusive “out of this world experience for the IAC attendees.  Below is a short clip of Lopez-Alegria flying to Axiom’s earth observatory cupola.

Axiom Space Signs MOU with Canadian Space Agency to Advance the Space Economy

Commercial space leader Axiom Space and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities for sustained access to space and build on the country’s legacy in human spaceflight. This MOU is aimed at examining the potential for collaboration between Axiom, the CSA and the Canadian space industry for the development of future space infrastructure; and exploring opportunities for sustained access to space including the potential for Canadian astronauts to fly on future Axiom-sponsored missions. The agreement between Axiom and the CSA was signed on September 21, 2022, at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris.

The MOU aims to support the 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, to Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space 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).

“From building the first robotic arm for the Space Shuttle program to initiating international cooperation in the Lunar Gateway project, Canada has played a vital role in our nation’s space exploration efforts, and we are proud to strengthen our country’s relationship with Canada in this new era of space commercialization,” said Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space’s President & CEO. “We look forward to leveraging Canada’s experience and innovative initiatives as we collaborate to establish a thriving economy in orbit.” 

Under MOU, a Commercial LEO Working Group in Canada will develop prioritized business cases to promote Canadian technology research and experimentation in space across different fields, such as advanced robotics, AI, and health and life sciences in the context of Canada’s long-term goals for human spaceflight, research, and development of space commercialization.

In addition to signing an MOU with the CSA, Axiom has signed agreements with UC-San Diego, Aotearoa New Zealand, the Italian government, Hungary, and the United Arab Emirates. These historic agreements symbolize the company’s commitment to provide opportunities to nations across the globe who share an appreciation for the benefits provided by microgravity while strengthening bonds between nations and the world at-large.

About Axiom Space 

Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately building its successor, Axiom Station, the first permanent commercial destination in Earth's orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home 

Axiom Space Signs Historic Agreement with Türkiye to Send First Turkish Astronaut to Space

(PARIS) - Commercial space leader Axiom Space and the government of Türkiye have signed a historic agreement to send the first Turkish astronaut to space. As part of a larger effort by Türkiye to expand its space exploration capabilities and establish a national human space program, a Turkish astronaut will be trained by Axiom Space for a future space research mission. Axiom Space will also enable Turkish science and research to be conducted in microgravity.  

Axiom Space, a U.S. based commercial space company, currently building the world’s first commercial space station, is working with the TÜBİTAK Space Technologies Research Institute (TÜBİTAK UZAY) , under the direction of the Turkish Space Agency, Türkiye Uzay Ajansı (TUA) to enable this effort. The spaceflight agreement was officially signed at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris, on 19 September 2022, with Axiom Space CEO Michael Suffredini, Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Turkey Mehmet Fatih Kacır, TUA President and Chairman of the Board Serdar Hüseyin Yıldırım, TÜBITAK UZAY Director Dr. Mesut Gökten, and other dignitaries. 

“As the 100-year anniversary of Türkiye approaches, we will celebrate this important milestone by working to send the first Turkish astronaut to space,” said Dr. Mesut Gökten.  “This mission is a part of Türkiye’s ambitious 10-year space road map, which includes missions to the low-Earth orbit and the Moon as well as developing internationally viable satellite systems.” said Serdar Hüseyin Yıldırım. 

The astronaut selection process is being managed by TÜBITAK UZAY with support of Axiom Space, under the direction of the Turkish Space Agency on behalf of the Turkish government. Türkiye is evaluating scientific experiments via an open solicitation for on-orbit research. Further discussion between Türkiye and Axiom Space is underway to finalize the timeline for the mission.  

"Exploration is part of the human DNA and with this agreement between Axiom Space and the nation of Türkiye, we will train and fly the first Turkish astronaut and strengthen our commitment to use commercial space as a driver to expand the international community of space explorers,” said Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space’s President & CEO. “We are excited about Türkiye’s role as a partner in commercial space and look forward to deepening this relationship as we work together to expand scientific and technological development on Earth and in orbit.”  

Axiom Space is the commercial space industry’s only full-service orbital mission provider, conducting end-to-end crewed missions.  Axiom’s broad range of services include training and flying private astronauts, access to training facilitates and instructors, hardware and safety certification, and operational on-orbit management.  Candidates for flight complete Axiom’s rigorous training curriculum over many months in preparation to live and conduct meaningful work in space. The expert team at Axiom Space is helping nations and organizations build human spaceflight programs, develop astronaut selection programs, and provide the expertise needed to expand the international community of space explorers to a larger and more diverse representation of humanity.  

This partnership is the latest agreement between Axiom Space and a sovereign nation that will expand international human spaceflight capabilities. Previous signatories include Italy, Hungary, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  

 About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately building its successor, Axiom Station, the first permanent commercial destination in Earth's orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home

Axiom Space and New Zealand Space Agency Strengthen Collaboration at IAC

During this year’s International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space’s President & CEO met with Iain Cossar, General Manager Science, Innovation, and International, and Head of the New Zealand Space Agency, to discuss opportunities to conduct groundbreaking research in space.  

Axiom Space and Aotearoa New Zealand recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance world leading studies in science and technology and the country’s space industry. This agreement will provide Aotearoa New Zealand access to conduct groundbreaking research on the International Space Station through Axiom-sponsored missions and, in the future, on Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station. 

Axiom Space Hires Catie Hague as Vice President of Strategic Communications and Sandra Nelson as Vice President of Marketing

Catie Hague (left) and Sandra Nelson (right)

Axiom Space is pleased to announce the hire of two executives to their leadership team: Catie Hague as Vice President of Strategic Communications, and Sandra Nelson as Vice President of Marketing. Hague recently retired from the United States Air Force as a Colonel after 25 years of service and most recently served as Director for Space Force (USSF) Public Affairs & Advisor to Chief of Space Operations, General John Raymond. Nelson joins Axiom Space after an award-winning career with Million Air Interlink, bringing nearly 30 years of experience to the growing Axiom Space brand. The two new Vice Presidents will play a vital role in supporting Axiom’s continued growth as a commercial space leader.

Colonel (Ret.) Space Force Communications Chief and Senior Advisor Catie Hague Joins as Vice President of Strategic Communications

Col. Hague established the strategic communications function for the USSF, the first new branch of the U.S. armed services in 73 years. She developed and implemented external communications strategy and plans for the USSF to inform and educate the general public, government stakeholders, and U.S. strategic partners on the branch’s missions and purpose.

“I am excited to be joining Axiom Space as Vice President of Strategic Communications during such a critical time of growth for both the company and commercial space industry at-large. Axiom’s future space station will enable the United States to remain competitive and provide the U.S. government with unfettered access to low-Earth orbit in a time where the geopolitical landscape is changing and the space domain moves more into focus. I look forward to telling Axiom’s story and contributing to the future this team will make possible for so many around the world,” said Hague.

Hague’s experience includes critical work supporting U.S. armed forces in multiple public affairs roles worldwide, including in Turkey, for Operation Northern Watch, Afghanistan, for Operation Enduring Freedom, and Iraq, for Operation Iraqi Freedom. She also served as a NASA Fellow at the Johnson Space Center and as Commander, Air Force ROTC, at the University of Houston. At Axiom, she will report to Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar, Axiom’s Chief Government and External Relations Officer.

“Catie is joining Axiom after a distinguished military career where she most recently guided the creation and activities of an effective and dynamic team facing a daunting task: Establishing the public face of a new branch of the U.S. armed services while advising and engaging government officials in the Legislative and Executive branches and overseas about the purpose, mission, and execution of the USSF,” said Dittmar. “As the leader in commercial space infrastructure in low Earth orbit and beyond, Axiom Space is thrilled to welcome her, and I personally look forward to her counsel and guidance as we chart a course into the future of humanity in space.”  

Award Winning Marketing Executive Sandra Nelson Joins as Vice President of Marketing

While at Million Air Interlink, Nelson brought creative leadership and direction by implementing key differentiators that define the brand, including an engaged, positive employee culture that focused on expert safety and outstanding service. During her career, Nelson focused on building campaigns that reach untapped audiences and provided continuous strategic re-envisioning of a constantly changing market.

“I am excited to be joining Axiom Space as Vice President of Marketing at a time when the Axiom Space brand is growing rapidly and leading in the development of the low-Earth Orbit ecosystem. Axiom is already a leader in the commercial space industry and the future for both the company and the industry is bright. As we continue to tell the Axiom story both domestically and internationally, I look forward to working with the team to build a global marketing and branding program like none other in the industry,” said Nelson.

Nelson’s career is unrivaled in general aviation and her extensive experience in brand management will support the continued development of new markets and audiences for Axiom as the company aggressively grows its outreach to private and government customers. At Axiom, she will report to Tejpaul Bhatia, Axiom’s Chief Revenue Officer.

“I look forward to seeing Sandra’s visionary leadership and creativity captivate audiences on a global scale as we navigate into this new era of commercial space travel,” said Bhatia. “As a nationally recognized leader in marketing and business development, Sandra’s experience and expertise puts Axiom on a path of success when defining our brand, furthering our endeavors to connect with and reach communities around the world.”

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today, while privately building its successor, Axiom Station, the first permanent commercial destination in Earth's orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home.

Axiom Space Partners with UC San Diego to Launch Stem Cell Research for Regenerative Medicine to Space

Commercial space leader Axiom Space has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of California San Diego to promote collaborative efforts to send stem cell research for regenerative medicine to space.  In conjunction with an historic $150 million gift to UC San Diego from T. Denny Sanford to establish the UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute, this agreement will support expansion of existing stem cell translational medicine initiatives in microgravity and development of future core facilities supporting stem cell translational medicine on Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station.

The MOU supports Axiom Space’s endeavors to establish a core user facility on Axiom Station, called the Integrated Stem Cell Orbital Research (ISSCOR) Laboratory, in partnership with UC San Diego. The ISSCOR program, initiated under a NASA Commercialization Award in 2020, is designed to replicate the highly successful Sanford Consortium of Regenerative Medicine terrestrial collaborative, a multi-disciplinary approach to accelerate the pace of breakthroughs in stem cell translational medicine.

“We are thrilled to partner with the globally recognized University of California team of stem cell researchers to help facilitate breakthrough discoveries aimed at diagnosis, treatments, and future cures for cancer and other age-related degenerative diseases,” said Christian Maender, Axiom’s Executive Vice President for In-Space Solutions.

“T. Denny Sanford’s visionary gift will further advance UC San Diego’s leadership in stem cell medicine.  It also highlights the power of partnerships between industry, universities and philanthropists to leverage the unique benefits of microgravity in low-Earth orbit that advance innovative research and development for patients in need. Axiom is excited to continue our work together and to collaborate with the partners in this expanding ecosystem of stem cell translational medicine that will enable new discoveries and therapies benefiting all of humanity.”

The Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine houses the basic and translational research laboratories of the Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center at UC San Diego Health – part of the newly established institute – with the mission to advance stem cell research through collaborative, multi-disciplinary interactions. This partnership allows scientists from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Sanford Burnham Prebys, Scripps Research and UC San Diego to work side by side in a facility specifically designed to achieve breakthrough discoveries in stem cell translational medicine.

Through this MOU, Axiom will supply spaceflight services to UC San Diego via access to Axiom’s private astronaut missions and to the company’s future world-class platform to perform microgravity research and manufacturing for UC San Diego faculty, students and external partners. This agreement supports proof-of-concept work on the International Space Station (ISS) demonstrating technologies and initial state-of-the-art capabilities that, once validated on ISS, would transition to the first Axiom module docked to the ISS in 2024.

In addition to signing an MOU with the University of California, Axiom has signed agreements with Aotearoa New Zealand, the Italian government, Hungary and the United Arab Emirates. These historic agreements signify the company’s commitment to provide companies, academic institutions and communities across the globe access to microgravity to advance scientific research, innovative technologies, on-orbit manufacturing and space exploration.

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately building its successor, Axiom Station, the first permanent commercial destination in Earth's orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home

Axiom Space Awarded $228M Task Order Under $1.26B NASA Spacesuit Contract

(HOUSTON, 7 of September 2022) – Commercial space leader Axiom Space today announced it has been awarded the first task order under its NASA Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) $1.26B Contract. Under the $228 million task order, the Houston-based company will commence the development of next generation astronaut spacesuits to support the Artemis lunar missions. The new spacesuits by Axiom Space will provide astronauts with advanced capabilities for space exploration while providing NASA commercially developed human systems needed to access, live, and work in microgravity as well as on and around the Moon.  

This is the first task order awarded under the firm fixed price contract Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract, which extends over a 10-year ordering period and allows for two additional years for completion of services. Authorization to perform work under the xEVAS contract occurs through the issuance of NASA task orders not to exceed $3.1B with a ceiling of $3.5B for all services. 

“Our team at Axiom Space is honored to be awarded this first task order to build the next-generation spacesuit. We are excited to provide our expertise to meet NASA’s exploration needs, while simultaneously serving our commercial customers in low Earth orbit and fulfill future space station goals that enable a commercial space economy,” said Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space’s President & CEO. “Our modernized, evolvable spacesuits will enable rapid upgrades to implement better, safer technologies over time, ensuring our astronauts are always equipped with high performing, robust equipment. We look forward to providing our space pioneers with advanced tools needed to further humanity’s permanent expansion off the planet.”  

NASA will land the first woman on the Moon wearing Axiom’s xEVAS spacesuits beginning with Artemis III. Using innovative technologies and a flexible design, the xEVAS will enable exploration of more of the lunar surface than ever before. Returning to the Moon is vital for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and inspiration for a new generation of explorers: the Artemis Generation. Maintaining American leadership in space exploration will build a global alliance and advance deep space exploration to benefit all of humanity. 

Axiom’s xEVAS spacesuits accommodate a wide range of crew members. Building off NASA’s xEMU spacesuit design, the Axiom spacesuits are created to provide increased flexibility and specialized tools to accomplish exploration needs and expand scientific opportunities in space. The xEVAS spacesuits design includes life support, pressure garments, and avionics. The Axiom Space team will provide xEVA systems training and real-time operations support to NASA, among other services.   

Axiom Space has partnered with a strong team of industry experts on this contract including KBR, Air-Lock, Arrow Science and Technology, David Clark Company, Paragon Space Development Corporation, Sophic Synergistics, and A-P-T Research. 

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About Axiom Space 

Axiom Space, the premier provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. Axiom is opening new markets in low-Earth orbit through operating end-to-end missions to the International Space Station while privately developing its successor – a permanent commercial destination in Earth’s orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home. More information about Axiom and its generational mission can be found at www.axiomspace.com  

NASA, Axiom Sign Second Private Astronaut Mission to Space Station Order

Image courtesy of NASA

NASA and Axiom Space have signed a mission order for the second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station to take place in the second quarter of 2023.

“With each new step forward, we are working together with commercial space companies and growing the economy in low-Earth orbit,” said Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA Headquarters. “In addition to expanding access to orbit for more people, we are also hoping these private astronaut missions will help the industry learn and develop the skillset to conduct such missions, and NASA is benefitting from gaining additional capability, particularly with returning additional cargo from the space station.”

The spaceflight, designated as Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and travel to the space station. Once docked, the Axiom astronauts are scheduled to spend 10 days aboard the orbiting laboratory. NASA and Axiom mission planners will coordinate in-orbit activities for the private astronauts to conduct in coordination with space station crew members and flight controllers on the ground.  

"Axiom Space’s Ax-2 mission builds upon the success of Ax-1, which demonstrated our team’s ability to work collaboratively with our partners at NASA and SpaceX to plan and execute a complex human spaceflight mission,” said Derek Hassmann, Axiom’s chief of Mission Integration and Operations. “Axiom continues to fund and fly private astronaut missions to the International Space Station to build our expertise and attract new customers in preparation for the launch of our space station, Axiom Station. Our new Ax-2 crew, together with a full mission manifest of science, outreach, and commercial activities, will continue to increase utilization of the International Space Station National Laboratory and demonstrate to the world the benefits of commercial space missions for all humanity.”

Axiom Space and Aotearoa New Zealand Sign MOU to Advance Research in Space

Earth observation image of Aotearoa New Zealand from the ISS. (Credit: NASA Johnson)

Commercial space leader Axiom Space has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Aotearoa New Zealand to advance world leading studies in science and technology. This agreement will provide Aotearoa New Zealand access to conduct groundbreaking research on the International Space Station (ISS) through Axiom-sponsored missions and, in the future, on Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station. The agreement was signed by the President and CEO of Axiom Space, Michael Suffredini, and Iain Cossar, General Manager Science, Innovation and International, and Head of the New Zealand Space Agency, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

This partnership will foster new collaboration between Axiom Space and New Zealand-based research teams from the University of Canterbury, led by Dr. Sarah Kessans, and the University of Auckland, led by Dr. Brian Russell. The agreement will enable Aotearoa New Zealand to build on its expertise in manufacturing and biotechnology and advance the country’s space sector by providing access to conduct scientific research in microgravity.

"We at Axiom Space are pleased to partner with Aotearoa New Zealand to offer new access to space and create opportunities for companies, scientists and researchers in New Zealand. Axiom is enabling a robust space economy in low-Earth orbit as we build a permanent commercial destination and next-generation space laboratory in Earth’s orbit to accelerate human progress in space and bring untold benefits back home," said Michael Suffredini.

Through the MOU, New Zealand-based institutions aim to make laboratory research in orbit more accessible and affordable and enable rapid drug and vaccine development, strengthening the country’s efforts toward establishing world-leading manufacturing for its space sector. This partnership with Axiom Space will also help advance the development of an Artificial Intelligence assisted clinical decision support system. Initiating development to help manage astronaut health, the tool could help health professionals assess health risks and treatment planning when they are very remote from patient locations, such as those in space or in Antarctica. Axiom Space will contribute in-space operational experience to the study, with the New Zealand team providing computational, medical, and human performance expertise.

“This partnership has been facilitated by the Innovative Partnerships programme. The programme forms part of the Government’s efforts to raise the levels of research and development (R&D) by attracting investment into New Zealand through working with international firms and innovators. Through the programme, each project will receive $90,000 to support their studies,” says Iain Cossar. “Space exploration not only increases our knowledge of our planet and universe and encourages research, science and innovation, it also provides economic opportunities for New Zealand.”

In addition to signing an MOU with Aotearoa New Zealand, Axiom has signed agreements with several nations including the Italian government, Hungary, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These historic agreements signify the company’s commitment to provide the international community with access to harness microgravity to advance scientific research, innovative technologies, on-orbit manufacturing, and space exploration.

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately building its successor, Axiom Station, the first permanent commercial destination in Earth's orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home

Former National Space Council Official, Jared Stout, Joins Axiom Space Government Relations Team

Jared Stout

Commercial space leader Axiom Space is pleased to announce the hire of Jared Stout, formerly the Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief of Staff of the White House National Space Council, to serve as the company’s Vice President of Government and External Relations, beginning on August 15.  At Axiom, which is currently constructing the world’s first commercial space station to succeed the International Space Station (ISS), Mr. Stout will oversee advocacy and outreach initiatives and serve as a thought leader for the company’s policy objectives spanning the U.S. Government as well as state and regional activities. 

Stout joins Axiom from Meeks, Butera & Israel, PLLC in Washington, D.C., where he has been Director of Congressional and Regulatory Policy for the past two years after an earlier role as Senior Policy Advisor at Venable, LLP.  In those positions he served as a key advisor shaping legislative, communications, and regulatory strategies for clients spanning the civil, commercial, and national security space industry. His prior work with the National Space Council included orchestration of external affairs for the Council and formulation of U.S. national space policy and initiatives, working across the entire U.S. Government through the interagency process to coordinate space policy in the civil, commercial, and national security sectors.

“I am thrilled to be joining Axiom Space and a leadership team that is driving economic development in low-Earth orbit”, said Stout.  “Axiom’s recent, successful Ax-1 mission together with several recent international agreements and strong progress manufacturing Axiom Station position it as the key architect of the next generation of human activity in space, providing orbital infrastructure services to industry, researchers, international teams and the U.S. Government through new and innovative business relationships.”

Prior to joining the National Space Council staff, Stout was Chief of Staff at the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation, where he had earlier served as Senior Advisor for Communications.  Before joining the FAA, he was a Professional Staff Member supporting the Space Subcommittee of the Science, Space and Technology Committee of the House of Representatives, where he drafted significant portions of NASA Authorization Acts and the U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act of 2015, among others.

Stout’s addition to Axiom bolsters an organization with deep expertise in commercial space, spanning engineering, research, manufacturing, and policy.  He will report directly to Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar, Chief Government and External Relations Officer for Axiom.

“Jared brings a tremendous range of space policy development, industry expertise, advocacy, and strategic vision encompassing relationships and experience in both the legislative and executive branches of the federal government as well as state operations,” said Dittmar. “Axiom is completely committed to preserving U.S. leadership in space through commercial partnerships and our relationship with NASA, as well as through a whole-of-government approach that Jared played a key role in advancing at the federal level.  We look forward to welcoming him to the Axiom team.” 

About Axiom Space:
Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately building its successor, Axiom Station, the first permanent commercial destination in Earth's orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home.

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Axiom Space and Hungary Sign MOU To Expand Relationship in Space

Michael Suffredini, President and CEO of Axiom Space, and Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Washington D.C. on July 20, 2022. (Credit: Márton Király)

Axiom Space and the Hungarian government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further their existing relationship in human spaceflight and to advance opportunities in space research and technology development. The agreement between Axiom and Hungary was signed on July 20, 2022,  in Washington, D.C.  

The main focus of the new agreement is to further the Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) program, Hungary’s astronaut program, which aims to send a Hungarian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) via a future Axiom Space commercial astronaut mission. Building off the first agreement between Axiom and the Hungarian government, signed on December of 2021, which formalized a partnership to return a Hungarian astronaut to space, this MOU enables a wide range of cooperation and possible joint developments between Axiom Space and Hungary. It acknowledges both the importance the company plays in helping to define the future of human space flight, including through the future Axiom Station, as well as the capacities and space heritage of the Hungarian space sector.

“As we enter this new era of commercial spaceflight, it is vital that the U.S. space industry continues forging relationships with nations committed to collaborating in microgravity research and bringing those benefits back to the people of Earth. The U.S. has a long history of international cooperation in space, bringing countries together for the purpose of benefiting all humans, everywhere,” said Michael Suffredini, President and CEO of Axiom Space

“This second agreement between Hungary and Axiom Space builds on efforts to cultivate a robust economy in space by engaging government and industry partnerships. Such collaborations have the power to transform what was once only imaginable,” said Suffredini. “We look forward to expanding our relationship with Hungary to include new initiatives in human spaceflight, science, and STEM.”

This new agreement underscores Axiom Space and Hungary’s common interest to utilize space for peaceful purposes and promote scientific advancement through international collaboration. Under this agreement, Axiom and Hungary will collaborate to enable scientific research and technology demonstrations in microgravity, develop in-space manufacturing capabilities, and inspire the next generation of a strong and capable STEM workforce.

“This partnership with Axiom Space is an important investment that will provide opportunities conduct research in microgravity, strengthen the Hungarian Astronaut Program, and enhance Hungary’s work towards advancing space research and technology development. Together, we are confident that the space industry will play a crucial role in the development of our economy and are both committed to investing into this high-tech and knowledge-based sector. The adoption of the first Hungarian governmental Space Strategy that was established last year signifies our commitment towards expanding our involvement and presence in space.” said Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary.

The growing relationship between Axiom Space and Hungary symbolizes the company’s commitment to provide opportunities to nations across the globe who share an appreciation for the benefits provided by microgravity while strengthening bonds between nations and the world at-large.

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately building its successor, Axiom Station, the first permanent commercial destination in Earth's orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home.

Axiom Space wins NASA Contract to Build Next Generation Astronaut Spacesuits

HOUSTON - Axiom Space announced today that it has been awarded the NASA Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) Contract. Axiom is one of two companies to win the award with a potential total value of $3.5 billion across the life of the program. Under the terms of the contract, the Houston-based company will build the space agency’s next generation astronaut spacesuits that may be used for low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the Artemis lunar missions. The new spacesuits by Axiom Space will provide astronauts with advanced capabilities for space exploration while providing NASA commercially developed human systems needed to access, live, and work in microgravity and on and around the Moon.

The Axiom spacesuit is key to the company’s commercial space services. This new NASA contract enables Axiom to build spacesuits that serve the company’s commercial customers and future space station goals while meeting NASA’s ISS and exploration needs.   

“Our innovative approach to xEVAS spacesuits provides NASA with an evolvable design that enables cost-efficient development, testing, training, deployment, and real-time operations to address a variety of EVA needs and operational scenarios for a range of customers, including NASA,” said Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space’s President & CEO. “We are immensely pleased that NASA recognizes the value Axiom Space is providing across a range of human spaceflight activities, from our recent private astronaut mission to the ISS to the design and development of Axiom Station, and now to providing this critical system and associated services for astronauts in LEO and beyond.”

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Members of Axiom Space’s Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) work on building the next generation spacesuit at the company’s Houston headquarters. Photo credit: Axiom Space 

Axiom Space has partnered with a strong team of industry experts on this contract including KBR, Air-Lock, David Clark Company, Paragon Space Development Corporation, Sophic Synergistics, and A-P-T Research.

The firm fixed price contract is structured as an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) award over a 10-year ordering period and allows for two additional years for completion of services. Authorization to perform work under the xEVAS contract will be through the issuance of NASA task orders not to exceed $3.1B with a ceiling of $3.5B for all services.

Axiom’s xEVAS spacesuits will be designed to accommodate a wide range of crew members. Building off of NASA’s xEMU spacesuit design, the Axiom spacesuits are created to provide increased flexibility and specialized tools to accomplish exploration needs and expand scientific opportunities in space. The xEVAS spacesuits design includes life support, pressure garments, and avionics. The Axiom Space team will provide EVA systems training and real-time operations support to NASA, among other services.

NASA may order IDIQ services at any time after the contract starts with a period of performance beginning June 2022 and ending June 2032.  No phase-in period is anticipated, and the work will be managed at Axiom’s Houston facilities.

This NASA contract win is the latest of Axiom Space’s list of recent accomplishments in its efforts to grow the commercial space industry. Earlier this month Axiom Space celebrated the groundbreaking at the company’s new, long-term headquarters at Houston Spaceport, which will be home to the development and construction of Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station. Axiom Space also recently welcomed home the crew of Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) after successfully completing the first all-private astronaut mission to the ISS. The company has also signed agreements with several nations including Italy, Hungary, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to fly on future space missions.

Axiom Space was founded in Houston in 2016 by space entrepreneur Kam Ghaffarian and Michael Suffredini – NASA’s ISS Program Manager from 2005 to 2015 –   to build the world’s first commercial space station and develop commercial space infrastructure that will drive a thriving low-Earth orbit economy. The company currently employs more than 500 people, the majority of which work at its current Houston facilities and will grow the number to over 1,000 by 2023.

This patch represents the Axiom Space’s Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU). Our blue star represents Ed White, the first American to perform an EVA. The red star represents Alexie Leonov, the first person to conduct a spacewalk. Each white star represents our AxEMU sub-system team. The gray path illustrates our continuous improvement in engineering design. The orange streak represents leveraging commercial EVA services for NASA’s exploration missions.

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About Axiom Space  

Axiom Space, the premier provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. Axiom is opening new markets in low-Earth orbit through operating end-to-end missions to the International Space Station while privately developing its successor – a permanent commercial destination in Earth’s orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home.

Inquiries: media@axiomspace.com   

Axiom Space and Italian Government Sign Historic MOU to Expand Commercial Utilization of Space

HOUSTON, 25 of May 2022 – Axiom Space, a leader in human spaceflight currently building the world’s first commercial space station, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Italian government to further their existing collaboration, including the potential for the development of space infrastructure integrated with the future Axiom Station. The agreement was signed by the President and CEO of Axiom Space, Michael Suffredini, and Italy’s Minister for Technological Innovation and Digital Transition, Vittorio Colao, on 19 May in Rome, Italy.

While the MOU is exploratory in nature, areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement include mutual definition of potential user requirements as well as technological solutions and operational concepts for an Italian module that could later be developed and integrated into the Axiom Space Station. The project could take the form of a public-private framework with the governance and business models developed over time.  Other areas of cooperation include collaborative development and implementation of research supporting space exploration and technology, including advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, on-orbit manufacturing, space security, aerospace medicine, simulation and robotics, and other areas of mutual interest as determined by the two parties, as well as training and mission operations.

Axiom Space President and CEO Michael Suffredini and the Minister for Technological Innovation and Digital Transition Vittorio Colao

The MOU – a first-of-its-kind approach between the Italian government and a private international corporation - is the latest effort between Italy and the Houston-based Axiom Space. Earlier this year, Axiom announced Italian Air Force (ItAF) Colonel Walter Villadei as the company’s first international professional astronaut. He is currently in training in Houston. Col. Villadei has been selected by Axiom as a backup on the Ax-2 mission, and an initial agreement has been signed for a reservation on a mission targeting late 2023. Based on ItAF’s significant competencies in the field of astronautics, modeling and simulation, and aerospace medicine, such a mission will allow the implementation of multidisciplinary scientific and technological experiments from the Italian research and industrial community and will further strengthen the relationship being established under the MOU just signed.  

Together, these agreements between Axiom and Italy demonstrate the promise and viability of business to government (B2G) relationships that can help grow and expand the commercial space economy across multiple industries and market sectors. A Joint Working Group, composed of representatives from Axiom and institutions and industrial representatives appointed by the Italian Government, will pursue the implementation of the MOU.

“As one of the first European countries invested in the International Space Station, this agreement with the Italian government will bring an experienced partner to Axiom Station, helping to open a new paradigm as we build this next generation microgravity platform in low Earth orbit”, said Michael Suffredini. “The MOU is a significant addition to Axiom Space’s long-standing relationship with Italy and reflects our shared commitment to expand global access to space and grow the LEO economy while advancing science and technology to benefit all of humanity.”

Axiom Station will provide the international community with a modern, efficient, and cost-effective space infrastructure that enables microgravity research, further technological developments, and operations to continue seamlessly after the ISS end of life. The collaboration between Axiom and Italy will harness microgravity for the development of advanced scientific research, innovative technologies, on-orbit manufacturing, and space exploration.

“The agreement intends to deepen cooperation for the development and implementation of projects in the aerospace sector…[it represents] the enrichment of the excellent and historical bilateral relations between the United States and Italy, with cooperation also in the field of commercial space flight seen as an opportunity to develop a new chapter of the human presence around the Earth and on the Moon for the benefit of the whole humanity”, according to a statement released by the Italian government.  

The agreement with Italy adds to Axiom Space’s list of recent accomplishments in its efforts to grow the commercial space industry. Earlier this month, Axiom Space celebrated the groundbreaking at the company’s new, long-term headquarters at Houston Spaceport, which will be home to the development and construction of Axiom Station. Axiom Space also recently welcomed home the Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) crew after successfully completing the first all-private astronaut mission to the ISS. The company has also signed agreements with several nations, including Hungary and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to fly on future space missions.

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately building its successor, Axiom Station, the first permanent commercial destination in Earth's orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home.

For further information, please contact media@axiomspace.com

Axiom Space Breaks Ground on New Headquarters and Space Station Production Facility at Houston Spaceport

The new Axiom Space campus will include astronaut training and mission control facilities, engineering development and testing labs, and a production facility for Axiom’s space station modules. Render courtesy of Jacobs Engineering.

HOUSTON, 11 May 2022 – The future of low-Earth orbit and human spaceflight in Space City, has a new base of operations as Axiom Space breaks ground on a new state-of-the-art headquarters in Houston.

On Wednesday, May 11, commercial space leader Axiom Space and the City of Houston celebrated groundbreaking at the company’s new, long-term headquarters at Ellington Airport, the site of the Houston Spaceport. There, Axiom Space – which is developing Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station – will construct a campus containing employee offices, astronaut training, and mission control facilities, engineering development and testing labs, and a high bay production facility to house Axiom’s space station modules under construction.

From left to right: Monica Greeley, Axiom Space, Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space, City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Mario Diaz, Director of Aviation Houston Airport System, Arturo Machuca, Director of Ellington Airport and Houston Spaceport.

“From this Axiom Space headquarters campus, we will continue the progress in space that will revolutionize life back home,” Axiom Space President & CEO Michael Suffredini said. “We are proud to be an anchor tenant of the Houston Spaceport and ensure the future of human spaceflight and the space economy is centered in the city where it all began.”

Houston’s leadership in the Apollo, Space Shuttle, and ISS programs earned its title as Space City, the home of human spaceflight.

Now Axiom Space is adding a new accolade to Space City, for the first time in the city’s history it will be home to the development and construction of human-rated spacecraft thanks to Axiom Stations modules, which will be outfitted and assembled at Axiom’s facility at the Spaceport.

“These are historically exciting times for us all. As the city that helped put men on the moon, Houston continues to lead the way in technology and innovation,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Axiom Space has set itself apart from others in the private space industry. Our city – Space City - couldn’t be prouder for our own Houston Spaceport to serve as home base for such momentous commercial and academic advancement.”

Render courtesy of Jacobs Engineering

Axiom Space has partnered with Jacobs, Turner Construction Company, Savills, and Griffin Partners to expand the company’s headquarters at Houston Spaceport. Jacobs, in close collaboration with Axiom Space, designed the assembly, integration, and testing facility. Axiom Space has contracted with Turner for site construction. Savills real estate firm represented Axiom Space in the lease negotiations, and Griffin Partners is providing development management services for the  project. 

The development of Axiom Space's Spaceport property will be developed in two phases. Phase I includes 106,000 square feet of assembly integration and test facilities and aims to be completed by April 2023. The second phase will add facilities for labs, mission operations and training, aircraft operations, and office space.

This is Axiom Space’s latest accomplishment as it grows the commercial space industry and expands access to low-Earth orbit to a broader international community. Axiom Space recently welcomed home the crew of Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) after successfully completing the first all-private astronaut mission to the ISS, a precursor mission to Axiom Station. The company has also signed agreements with several nations including Italy, Hungary, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to fly on future space missions.

Axiom Space was founded in Houston in 2016 by Michael Suffredini – NASA’s ISS Program Manager from 2005 to 2015 – and space entrepreneur Kam Ghaffarian to build the world’s first commercial space station and develop commercial space infrastructure that will drive a thriving low-Earth orbit economy. The company currently employs more than 400 people, the majority of which work at its current Houston facilities and has plans to grow the number to 600 by the end of 2022 and 1,000 by 2025.

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Watch the groundbreaking:

Italian Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Visits Axiom HQ

Credit: Axiom Space

The Italian Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Manlio Di Stefano visited Axiom Space headquarters along with Italian Air Force Col. and Axiom government astronaut trainee Walter Villadei to discuss the progress being made toward building Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station. 

Axiom Space CEO Michael Suffredini and CTO Matt Ondler were among those who joined Stefano and Col. Villadei at Axiom HQ. Through this important partnership and ongoing collaboration with the Italian industry, the companies are working together to build Axiom Station and train a new class of government astronauts. These combined efforts will provide global access to space and advance the low-Earth orbit economy. 

As part of Axiom Space’s professional astronaut services, Col. Villadei has begun training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center to fly on a future Axiom-sponsored research mission. Col. Villadei will complete the company’s training curriculum over many months in preparation to live and conduct meaningful work in space, expanding Italy’s role in human space exploration. 

Axiom Space has contracted Italy’s Thales Alenia Space to construct the primary structures for the first two modules of Axiom’s world’s-first commercial space station. Axiom Hub 1 will arrive in Houston for operational subsystem integration before its planned 2024 launch followed by Hub 2 with a planned 2025 launch.

Global partnerships remain an important priority to Axiom Space in the efforts to open the door for new markets in low-Earth orbit.

Axiom Space and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center Sign Agreement for UAE Astronaut to Fly on the ISS in 2023

Axiom Space is opening low Earth orbit to the broader international community by enabling the first long-duration flight for an astronaut from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) signed a new strategic cooperation in human spaceflight with Axiom Space Inc. announcing the launch of a new space mission to the International Space Station that will last for six months. The agreement between MBRSC and Axiom Space was signed at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington D.C. on April 27 , and His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman, MBRSC, and H.E. Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Deputy Chairman, MBRSC, along with astronauts Nora AlMatrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla all attended the signing ceremony. The agreement was signed in the Embassy of the United States by both parties: H.E Salem Al-Marri, Director General of the Centre, on behalf of the Centre, and Michael Suffredini, President and CEO of Axiom Space.

HOUSTON, 29 April 2022 – The exciting new era of commercial human spaceflight ushered in over the past three weeks by the successful Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), the first private mission to the International Space Station (ISS), entered a new phase with the signing of an agreement between Axiom Space and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to fly a UAE professional crew member to the ISS on NASA’s SpaceX Crew 6, expected to occur in 2023.

“It is our great pleasure to sign the agreement with the United Arab Emirates’ Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center, marking the first time a commercial space company has made such a mission possible,” said Michael Suffredini, President and CEO of Axiom Space. “Axiom Space is proud to provide MBRSC with a flight opportunity for a UAE astronaut, enabling its first long-term mission to the ISS.”

While UAE has previously flown an astronaut to the ISS onboard the Soyuz MS15 spacecraft, this will be the first non-ISS partner professional astronaut flight facilitated by a U.S. commercial space company. The mission is expected to last approximately six months, marking the first long-duration flight of an astronaut from an Arab nation. In yet another first, the UAE crew member will serve as a member of two Expedition crews onboard the space station across the roughly six-month interval. 

The flight opportunity provided by Axiom has its origins in a no-funds contract signed between NASA and Axiom to fly a NASA astronaut onboard a Soyuz seat, previously purchased by Axiom, in order to ensure continuous U.S. presence onboard the ISS. In exchange, NASA provided Axiom the right to use a seat owned by NASA onboard a commercial U.S. spacecraft traveling to the ISS in the future. Since the seats were deemed of equal value, there will be no future exchange of funds between NASA and Axiom for the flight opportunity. Axiom’s agreement with MBRSC is between the company and the UAE space agency.

The agreement was signed at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C., on April 27 by Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director-General of MBRSC, and Michael Suffredini, and announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. 

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately building its successor, Axiom Station, the first permanent commercial destination in Earth's orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home.

Inquiries: media@axiomspace.com

Boryung, Axiom Space, and Starburst Aerospace Announce First Annual Care In Space Challenge

The joint initiative between Boryung, Axiom, and Starburst will advance the next generation of pharmaceutical, bioscience and medtech development in space.

Starburst, the world's first and only global aerospace accelerator and advisory firm, today announced that applications have opened for the first annual CIS ("Care in Space") Challenge. The global challenge, led by Boryung in collaboration with Axiom Space and Starburst, will identify and provide commercialization support for emerging technologies and solutions that optimize human health for space travel and habitation and/or are manufactured in space to advance healthcare here on Earth.

The CIS Challenge will serve as an essential tool to leverage space as an innovative platform for developing new healthcare technologies as well as address the complexities of health monitoring, diagnosis and treatment for those traveling in Low Earth Orbit and beyond. As opportunities for space exploration and commerce expand, the CIS Challenge is set to support critical developments that will make space accessible and safe for all of humanity. And the unique challenges of space facilitate research and development of products that have immediate terrestrial application, from new medications to medical devices to nutritional supplements to stem-cell therapies.

"We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is currently thought possible in both healthcare and aerospace," said Boryung Head of New Portfolio Investment, Jack Dongjoo Lim. "Boryung is incredibly excited to work with Axiom and Starburst to seek out the next generation of innovators and founders working on solutions that facilitate access to space for everyone."

Amir Blachman, Axiom Space Chief Business Officer said, "It is increasingly evident that space, and in particular microgravity, has profound impacts on the speed of drug discovery, improvements in medical devices and advancements related to regenerative medicine and life sciences. We are pleased to support Boryung and Starburst Aerospace in opening space to a broad community of innovators in these fields."

Through the challenge, the companies and technologies with the most promising technical solutions and potential for commercial viability will have the opportunity to receive a $1 million dollar prize pot that will be divided by no more than 10 winners. The selected companies and technologies will also go through Starburst's 13-week accelerator program. In the accelerator, the entrepreneurs will receive mentorship from Starburst's global network of industry leaders and support with technology development, customer discovery, business development and fundraising, as well as preparation for/facilitation of on-orbit research. Each winner will gain access to Axiom's integration team which has successfully flown dozens of payloads to the International Space Station.

"The extreme conditions of space have always driven the development of novel technologies, and we are excited for this unique opportunity–through this partnership with Boryung and Axiom–to expand the understanding of physiological responses to extreme environments and support entrepreneurs doing cutting edge research in precision medicine, regenerative medicine, synthetic biology, pharmaceutical development, and more," said Elizabeth Reynolds, Accelerator Program Director at Starburst. "The commercial space age is here, and we are on the cusp of the biological revolution; this cross-disciplinary effort is the future."

The CIS Challenge application period runs from 04/18/22 - 06/17/22. A Pitch Day event on 07/28/22 will afford selected applicants the opportunity to showcase their capabilities to aerospace and bioscience and bio/medtech industry experts who will assess entrepreneurial acumen and the scientific merit, business model viability, and overall feasibility of their solutions.

To learn more about the CIS Challenge and to apply, please visit: www.starburst.aero/care-in- space/

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately building its successor, Axiom Station, the first permanent commercial destination in Earth's orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home. More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com

About Boryung

Boryung is contributing to the progress and development of the pharmaceutical industry by using the spirit of interdependence via commitment to human health. Accordingly, we are striving to realize the company's vision of Lifetime Care Company. Boryung pursues an 'achievement of interdependence based on humanism' and participates in various corporate philanthropic activities. Furthermore, we aim to become a global company, not by becoming content, but by continuously innovating and transforming. More information about Boryung can be found at www.boryung.co.kr

About Starburst

Starburst is an innovation catalyst in the aerospace industry. They are the first and only global aerospace accelerator, connecting startups with corporates, investors and government, while providing strategic growth and investment consulting services for all. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv, Mumbai, and Madrid, the team has built an ecosystem of key players with 9000+ of startups in its network. Starburst's accelerator program helps startups scale their business in aviation, space, and defense with access to the largest group of corporate stakeholders to help startups win their first $1M+ contract. More information about Starburst can be found at www.starburst.aero

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