INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NASA has selected Houston-based Axiom Space, a startup founded in 2016, to build the first commercial habitat module for the International
This module will be used as a destination for future commercial spaceflight missions, potentially housing experiments, technology
development and more performed by commercial space travelers taking rides up to the ISS via human-rated spacecraft like the SpaceX Crew
Dragon and Boeing Starliner, once those start regular operational service.Axiom Space was founded in 2016, and is led by co-founder and CEO
The company boasts a lot of ex-NASA talent on its small team, and eventually it plans to make its in-space modules the basis of its own
orbital labs and commercial facilities as an ultimate replacement.In 2018, Axiom teamed up with designer Philippe Starck (yes, the same one
who famously designed a luxury yacht for Apple founder Steve Jobs) to provide a look at what their future space station modules might look
like, including crew quarters with interactive displays and a cupola that provides a breathtaking view of Earth and surrounding space.This
station and ultimately paving the way for more commercial activity in low Earth orbit
extensions to build more in the future
Next up for the new partners is negotiating terms and price for a contract for the module, which will also include a timeline for delivery.
