Space exploration has long been a source of inspiration for ingenuity and exploration across the globe, and the private space exploration sector is no different. On April 8th, 2021, the SpaceX Crew-1 mission launched four astronauts to the International Space Station insured by Axiom Space. This marks the first operational mission for the private space industry and for Axiom Space specifically– one of the most prominent private space exploration companies currently in operation.
This mission marks a significant step towards the future of environmental research in space. The mission will commence with two specialized cargo modules that were developed by the United States and Canada. The cargo modules will be delivered to the International Space Station over the course of the next few months, signalling continued collaboration between Axiom Space and the leading space agencies. The mission will period will also feature a variety of educational activities as well as data collection to help support ongoing research.
The launch of this mission is also the first step in Axiom’s overall plans for the future. Axiom Space aims to utilize the International Space Station to help transition to its own modular commercial space station that will become the first private outpost in history. The new outpost will eventually provide a platform for customers to live in and travel to a low-earth orbit, allowing them to conduct their own scientific research, pursue commercial opportunities, and even venture into space tourism.
Axiom plans to initially launch components in 2024, with the first human aboard the outpost scheduled for 2027. To make the mission a reality, Axiom is currently developing several modules to attach to the International Space Station. These modules will allow for construction of the new outpost and will be based off of the current Bigelow module, a standardized design used by the space industry. With the launch of the Crew-1 mission, Axiom is now setting itself on the path to success and further in-space progress.
Axiom isn’t alone in the private space exploration sector. Companies such as Blue Origin, a space technology company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, are engaged in the same race for orbital capabilities and outposts in space. It is quite captivating to see private companies aiming and achieving to these incredibly ambitious milestones.
The International Space Station provides an environment for research and innovation as well as collaboration between different nations, and the launch of this mission is a clear signal of continued development in this sector. The mission will increase the capabilities of the industry and provide space explorers and researchers with valuable tools to discover the unknown. We can only waiting and wonder the impact that Axiom, and other companies, will make in the field of space exploration.
