3 min read<\/p>\n
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/axstation-earth.png?w=2048\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nA digital rendering of the completed Axiom Station, which includes the Payload, Power, and Thermal Module, Habitat 1, an airlock, Habitat 2, and the Research and Manufacturing Facility.<\/div>\nCredits: Axiom Space<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nIn coordination with NASA, Axiom Space modified its planned assembly sequence to accelerate its ability to operate as a viable free-flying space station and reduce International Space Station reliance during assembly.<\/p>\n
NASA awarded Axiom Space a firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract<\/a> in January 2020, as the agency continues to open the space station for commercial use. The contract provides insight into the development of at least one habitable commercial module to be attached to the space station with the goal of becoming a free-flying destination in low Earth orbit prior to retirement of the orbiting laboratory in 2030.<\/p>\nThe initial Axiom Space plan was to launch and attach its first module, Habitat 1, to the space station, followed by three additional modules.<\/p>\n
Under the company\u2019s new assembly sequence, the Payload, Power, and Thermal Module will launch to the orbiting laboratory first, allowing it to depart as early as 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, Habitat 2 module, and the Research and Manufacturing Facility.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe updated assembly sequence has been coordinated with NASA to support both NASA and Axiom Space needs and plans for a smooth transition in low Earth orbit,\u201d said Angela Hart, manager, Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program at NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston. \u201cThe ongoing design and development of commercial destinations by our partners is critical to the agency\u2019s plan to procure services in low Earth orbit to support our needs in microgravity.\u201d<\/p>\n
The revised assembly sequence will enable an earlier departure from the space station, expedite Axiom Station\u2019s ability to support free-flight operations, and ensure the orbiting laboratory remains prepared for the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle<\/a> and end of operational life no earlier than 2030.<\/p>\n\u201cThe International Space Station has provided a one-of-a-kind scientific platform for nearly 25 years,\u201d said Dana Weigel, manager, International Space Station Program at NASA Johnson. \u201cAs we approach the end of space station\u2019s operational life, it\u2019s critically important that we look to the future of low Earth orbit and support these follow-on destinations to ensure we continue NASA\u2019s presence in microgravity, which began through the International Space Station.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 the procurement of services from one or more companies.<\/p>\n
NASA\u2019s low Earth orbit microgravity strategy builds on the agency\u2019s extensive human spaceflight experience to advance future scientific and exploration goals. As the International Space Station nears the end of operations, NASA plans to transition to a new low Earth orbit model to continue leveraging microgravity benefits. Through commercial partnerships, NASA aims to maintain its leadership in microgravity research and ensure continued benefits for humanity.<\/p>\n
Learn more about NASA\u2019s low Earth orbit microgravity strategy at:<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/leomicrogravitystrategy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nNews Media Contacts<\/strong>
Claire O\u2019Shea
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
claire.a.o\u2019shea@nasa.gov<\/p>\n<\/p>\nAnna Schneider
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov<\/p>\n
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![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/axstation-earth.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>In coordination with NASA, Axiom Space modified its planned assembly sequence to accelerate its ability to operate as a viable free-flying space station and reduce International Space Station reliance during assembly.<\/p>\n
NASA awarded Axiom Space a firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract<\/a> in January 2020, as the agency continues to open the space station for commercial use. The contract provides insight into the development of at least one habitable commercial module to be attached to the space station with the goal of becoming a free-flying destination in low Earth orbit prior to retirement of the orbiting laboratory in 2030.<\/p>\n The initial Axiom Space plan was to launch and attach its first module, Habitat 1, to the space station, followed by three additional modules.<\/p>\n Under the company\u2019s new assembly sequence, the Payload, Power, and Thermal Module will launch to the orbiting laboratory first, allowing it to depart as early as 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, Habitat 2 module, and the Research and Manufacturing Facility.<\/p>\n \u201cThe updated assembly sequence has been coordinated with NASA to support both NASA and Axiom Space needs and plans for a smooth transition in low Earth orbit,\u201d said Angela Hart, manager, Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program at NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston. \u201cThe ongoing design and development of commercial destinations by our partners is critical to the agency\u2019s plan to procure services in low Earth orbit to support our needs in microgravity.\u201d<\/p>\n The revised assembly sequence will enable an earlier departure from the space station, expedite Axiom Station\u2019s ability to support free-flight operations, and ensure the orbiting laboratory remains prepared for the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle<\/a> and end of operational life no earlier than 2030.<\/p>\n \u201cThe International Space Station has provided a one-of-a-kind scientific platform for nearly 25 years,\u201d said Dana Weigel, manager, International Space Station Program at NASA Johnson. \u201cAs we approach the end of space station\u2019s operational life, it\u2019s critically important that we look to the future of low Earth orbit and support these follow-on destinations to ensure we continue NASA\u2019s presence in microgravity, which began through the International Space Station.\u201d<\/p>\n 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 the procurement of services from one or more companies.<\/p>\n NASA\u2019s low Earth orbit microgravity strategy builds on the agency\u2019s extensive human spaceflight experience to advance future scientific and exploration goals. As the International Space Station nears the end of operations, NASA plans to transition to a new low Earth orbit model to continue leveraging microgravity benefits. Through commercial partnerships, NASA aims to maintain its leadership in microgravity research and ensure continued benefits for humanity.<\/p>\n Learn more about NASA\u2019s low Earth orbit microgravity strategy at:<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/leomicrogravitystrategy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n News Media Contacts<\/strong> Anna Schneider
Claire O\u2019Shea
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
claire.a.o\u2019shea@nasa.gov<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov<\/p>\nDiscover Related Topics<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n