For more than four years, Axiom Space has been working on a project to commercialize private space missions. However, in a massive deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, the two groups are now going to work together to fly crews for commercial missions.
Axiom Space is a privately-owned space mission company that has worked to create a commercial space station between Earth and outer space. The company, owned by Michael Suffredini, a former program manager of the International Space Station, is working with the ISS and Elon Musk’s SpaceX to develop a “commercial space station.”
“We are on track to enable that future by managing the first–ever private missions to the ISS as a precursor to our development of the world’s first commercial space station,” Suffredini said in an Axiom Space press release on June 2.
Axiom Space has already planned a couple of early private missions for the ISS, and their future work with Musk’s SpaceX will provide the “groundwork” for a long–term commercial space flight. The crew of the AX-1 mission, the first space mission in a joint SpaceX and Axiom venture, is set for private astronaut missions from early 2022 to 2023.
The crew will be manned by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, along with mission pilot John Shoffner and other customers to be announced as members.
Axiom’s goal to make the first commercial spacecraft is so that it can benefit humanity. The company’s aim is to provide space infrastructure as a service to the public, working at the International Space Station to develop a new variant of the famous satellite, one that is going to “sustain human growth off-planet and bring untold benefits back home.”
“Axiom Space is a force in the space sector, and it will become a centerpiece of the C5 Capital portfolio and enhance our vision for a secure global future,” said Rob Meyerson, C5 operating partner joining the Axiom Board of Directors, in a statement back in February.
However, Musk and Suffredini’s plans to commercialize space have been met with some controversy. Famed astronauts Neil Armstrong and Gene Cernan have criticized the push to commercialize space travel; they have since testified before Congress that this plan could threaten America’s winning streak in space exploration.
It has also received criticism from Blue Origin, another space company owned by famed billionaire Jeffrey Bezos. They have been critical of Musk’s plan to commercialize space, and their habit of sending billionaires on free joy rides to space has caused some stir from the media.
Nevertheless, the future of space exploration is in the pockets of the rich and powerful. With the age of space commercialization, scientists are continuing to develop ways to protect astronauts as they head to the stars.
While companies like Blue Origin face controversy, Axiom Space and the SpaceX company seem to be taking charge and aiming American rockets at the commercialization of the infinite void of stars.
