Axiom Space revamps station assembly plans, targets 2028 for free-flying platform

Axiom Space announced a major revision to the assembly sequence for its Axiom Station, paving the way for it to operate as an independent orbital platform as early as 2028. This adjustment advances the timeline by approximately two years and appears to address both customer demands and national objectives, including NASA’s plans to retire the International Space Station by the end of the decade. 

Under the updated plan, the Payload Power Thermal Module (AxPPTM) will now be the first component to attach to the ISS via an Earth-facing berthing port. Previously Habitat 1 (AxH1) was supposed to fly first, and dock to the forward port of the Harmony module.

This revised approach aims to align with NASA’s deorbit strategy for the ISS. As the decades-old space station prepares for decommissioning, the ability to integrate a U.S. deorbit vehicle onto the ISS has become a priority. It needs to dock to the forward port of Harmony. Axiom Space’s adjusted sequence accommodates this requirement while ensuring continuous operational capabilities on orbit. 

When AxH1 launches, the plan is for AxPPTM to unberth from ISS and dock with the habitat module. This will be followed by the launch of an airlock module, Habitat 2 (AxH2), and the Research and Manufacturing Facility (AxRMF).

This change is also expected to accelerate the station’s transition to a free-flying platform, with AxPPTM providing the necessary power, thermal control, and payload support for independent operations.

“The result – free-flight capability after the launch and berthing of PPTM, allowing us to add modules while on orbit once we have separated from [the] station.” said Mark Greeley, Axiom Space chief operating officer and Axiom Station program manager in a company news release. ”Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition from a government to a commercial platform, maintaining a continuous human presence on orbit to serve a community of global customers and partners, to include NASA.”

The AxPPTM is being constructed by Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy, leveraging structural components from the already-in-progress AxH1 and AxH2 modules to expedite development. Once the primary structure is complete, the module will be relocated to Axiom Space’s Houston facilities in late 2025 for integration of its internal systems. 

Components borrowed from AxH1 and AxH2 will be backfilled to maintain their development timelines, with AxH1 scheduled to rendezvous with AxPPTM once it separates from the ISS. 

Thales Alenia Space, a longstanding partner in human spaceflight projects, is also responsible for constructing AxH1 and AxH2. The company has established itself as a critical contributor to Axiom Space’s vision, providing expertise in pressurized module development. The AxPPTM represents another milestone in the collaboration between Axiom Space and international partners, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in advancing space exploration. 

The development of Axiom Station reflects broader efforts to transition low Earth orbit operations from government-run programs to commercial enterprises. Axiom Space has been working closely with NASA since being awarded a contract in 2020 to attach the first privately developed module to the ISS. The new station is expected to serve a wide range of customers, including governments, private companies, and research institutions, supporting activities such as scientific research, manufacturing, and space tourism. 

This revised timeline reinforces Axiom Space’s commitment to maintaining a continuous human presence in LEO, even as the ISS approaches the end of its operational life. By adapting its plans to meet evolving requirements, the company aims to play a leading role in shaping the future of commercial space exploration. The accelerated schedule also highlights its ability to innovate and collaborate, positioning it as a key player in the global space industry.