TECHNOLOGY
Axiom's Space Station: Launching Sooner Than Expected
Houston, USASat Dec 21 2024
Did you know that Axiom Space is shaking things up? They've changed their plan for building their commercial space station. By sending the modules in a new order, they can start using a free-flying platform as early as 2028! That's two years ahead of their original plan. Axiom Space has a deal with NASA to connect their modules to the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS is retiring soon, and one of the reasons Axiom can speed things up is to make room for a SpaceX deorbit vehicle. This spacecraft will help safely destroy the ISS later.
Axiom Space will launch five modules: one for power and temperature control, an airlock, two living spaces, and a research center. The power module will be the first to go up. After it separates from the ISS, the other modules will join it one by one. This new plan lets Axiom Station leave the ISS sooner and start its own journey faster. It also helps NASA and Axiom work together smoothly.
Axiom Space wants to keep people in space even after the ISS goes. They'll use their station for research and manufacturing. This is a big step towards a commercial future in space. Axiom Space has already made history by sending private citizens to the ISS in 2021.
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questions
Are there undisclosed reasons why NASA is more urgently needing to make space for the deorbit vehicle in 2030?
What are the safety and reliability considerations that might be affected by this accelerated schedule?
What are the key benefits of starting free-flight operations earlier than originally planned?