Axiom Orbital Segment or Axiom Segment (or AxS) are the planned modular components of the International Space Station (ISS) designed by Axiom Space for commercial space activities. Axiom Space gained initial NASA approval for the venture in January 2020. Axiom Space was later awarded the contract by NASA on February 28, 2020.[2] This orbital station will be separated from the ISS to become its own modular space station, Axiom Station, after the ISS is decommissioned.
At least four Axiom modules will attach to the International Space Station. The first module is planned to be launched in 2024 and would dock to the forward port of Harmony, requiring relocation of Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA-2) to any other ports on ISS like Harmony nadir. Axiom Space plans to attach at least three additional modules to its first core module, and send private astronauts to inhabit the modules.[3]
Axiom renderings illustrate how the four modules might attach to the ISS as they are berthed and relocated by the Mobile Servicing System using Canadarm2.[4][5]
Axiom Station
The company released preliminary plans in February 2020 for how the Axiom Orbital Segment could form the basis for the Axiom Station, a potential future space station, constructed out of the Axiom Segment and additional elements upon ISS retirement and separation, including a power and thermal module with an airlock.[6][non-primary source needed] The company plans to launch its first module to the ISS in 2024, with the second, third and fourth launching in 2025, 2026 and 2027 respectively[7][8]
The interior concept of the crew quarters of Axiom Orbital Segment was designed by French architect and designer Philippe Starck. Renderings of the habitat show a chamber with walls that are covered with tufted padding and studded with hundreds of color-changing LEDs.[9] The Axiom Orbital Segment will have amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi, video screens, picture windows and a glass-walled cupola — which Axiom calls "the largest window observatory ever constructed for the space environment".[10]
Planned modules
AxH1
Axiom Station's first planned module, Hab 1, is expected to launch in 2024. It will provide quarters for four crew members and volume to accommodate research and manufacturing applications, is the nucleus of future human activity in Earth's orbit. Each personal crew quarter is equipped with a large Earth-viewing window and touch-screen comms panel. A docking adapter allows visiting vehicles to dock to the Axiom Station; four radial ports on the Hub provide for the addition of future modules and increase the station's docking capability.[11][12][13]
AxSEE-1
Axiom Space is planned to manufacture the SEE-1 module for the British company Space Entertainment Enterprise (or S.E.E.)[14][15]. It is planned to be a six meter spherical inflatable module[16] and to fulfill the purpose of a first entertainment studio in space. It is currently planned to launch in late 2024 after AxH1 has connected to the ISS.[17]
The directors of SEE, Dmitry Lesnevsky and Elena Lesnevsky, have additionally been pursuing film shootings for a future movie with Tom Cruise at the station.[16]
AxH2
Axiom Station's Hab 2 module is expected to launch in 2025. It will provide quarters for an additional four crew members allowing the station to support up to eight crew.[11][12] A Canadarm 3 styled Remote manipulator system for the Axiom Station will fly along with this module.
AxRMF
Axiom Station's research and manufacturing lab is planned to launch in 2026.[11][12] It provides access to the unique microgravity environment as a platform to conduct innovative research, product development, process improvement, and manufacturing.[18]
AxEO
Axiom Station's Earth Observatory will be a glass-walled cupola planned to launch in 2026.[12][11]
AxPT
Axiom Station's Power Tower will provide power and thermal capacity equivalent to that of the ISS.via solar array to support the station so that Axiom Station will be able to support itself once it disconnects from the ISS. It is expected to launch in 2027.[12][11] Until AxPT is launched, Axiom Station will be relying on the ISS to help provide power. AxPT also adds EVA capability to the station.[19]
AxPLM
Leonardo might also be used on Axiom Station after the ISS is decomissioned.[20]
Construction
Manufacturing
Axiom Space signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space for Thales Alenia to manufacture and test the primary structure and the Micrometeoroid & Debris Protection System (or MDPS) for both AxH1 and AxH2.[21] Thales Alenia Space is already in the process of machining the primary structure of AxH1. With the completion of the Manufacturing Readiness Review on September 21, 2021, Thales Alenia was able to begin welding the cone panels of AxH1. The primary structure for AxH1 is expected to be delivered from Italy to Houston, TX in early 2023 where Axiom Space will complete assembly and integration of all systems before launch.[8]
Assembly
There have been no announcements as to which rocket will carry the AxS modules into Low Earth orbit. The first module, AxH1, is planned to attach onto the forward port of Harmony (ISS module).[2] The SEE-1 module is planned to berth on one of the radial ports of AxH1. AxH2 will then berth on the forward port of AxH1. AxPT is planned to berth on the Zenith port of either AxH1 or AxH2.[4] As Axiom Station is a Modular space station the modules may be moved to different ports as needed.
Axiom Station modules infographic
