Axiom Space's commercial modules attaching to and eventually detaching from ISS to form the world's first fully commercial space station.
Axiom Station (Axiom Segment)
Axiom Space's commercial modules attaching to and eventually detaching from ISS to form the world's first fully commercial space station.
Description
Axiom Station is Axiom Space's commercial space station project, developed in phases. Phase 1 involves attaching Axiom modules to the International Space Station's forward port — beginning with AxH (Axiom Hub 1), a habitation module — to allow commercial astronauts to live and work there while leveraging the ISS power, communications, and life support infrastructure. As the ISS approaches retirement (currently planned for early 2030s), the Axiom modules will detach and form an independent free-flying commercial space station.
Axiom Space has secured a NASA Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLD) contract, positioning it as one of NASA's primary successors to the ISS for US astronaut operations. The modules are designed for microgravity research, manufacturing, media/entertainment, and sovereign astronaut programs from nations without their own space stations.
Prior to its own station, Axiom has conducted private astronaut missions to the ISS via SpaceX Crew Dragon (Ax-1 through Ax-4), providing commercial access to the ISS for individuals and national space agencies at approximately $55 million per seat. These missions serve as training and validation for Axiom's longer-term station operations.
Specifications
| Station type | Commercial LEO space station (ISS-attached then free-flying) |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Modules attach to ISS forward port |
| Phase 2 | Detach and operate independently post-ISS retirement |
| Contract | NASA CLD (Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations) |
| Private missions | Ax-1 through Ax-4 via SpaceX Crew Dragon |
| Seat price | ~$55 million per seat (private astronaut missions) |