posted 01-11-2022 08:46 AM               

Axiom Space to train Italian Air Force's Col. Walter Villadei as professional astronaut for future space mission

Axiom Space, Inc., the leader in human spaceflight and human-rated space infrastructure, announced Tuesday it has welcomed Col. Walter Villadei of the Italian Air Force (ItAF) to its headquarters in Houston to begin astronaut training at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) as part of Axiom's professional astronaut services.

Through a partnership with KBR and NASA, Axiom, which trains and flies professional and private astronauts, is able to provide potential astronaut candidates access to facilities, instructors, and training at NASA. Candidates for flight complete Axiom's training curriculum over many months in preparation to live and conduct meaningful work in space.

"I am thrilled, after being qualified as cosmonaut, to begin training as a professional astronaut with Axiom," Col. Villadei said. "It is a unique opportunity to support the Italian role in the expansion of human space exploration, advancing the historical, strong partnership between Italy and the U.S. and opening up new possibilities in technology development as well as opportunities for new generations of scientists and engineers. As Axiom's first international astronaut trainee, it is an honor to help establish a closer relationship between Axiom and Italy."

Axiom Space and the Italian Air Force signed a contract on November 1, 2021, as a cornerstone step for preparing Col. Villadei to fly on a future Axiom research mission.

Villadei's training adds yet another dimension to an important and growing partnership between Italy and Axiom Space. Italy's Thales Alenia Space, building upon a rich heritage in human spaceflight – including construction of modules for the International Space Station – is currently constructing the primary structure for the first two modules of Axiom's world's-first commercial space station. Both modules will be shipped to Houston for installation of all operational subsystem and outfitted for crew and scientific use before their planned launch in 2024 and 2025.

Further discussions with Italian officials are underway to support broader collaboration with Italian industry and substantive participation on Axiom Station, whose launch and operation will open new markets in low-Earth orbit – an essential step in creating a sustainable space economy enabling the exploration of the Moon and Mars.

"Italy's contributions to space and its collaboration with the United States go back decades and, as an important partner to Axiom, extend into the future," Axiom President & CEO Michael Suffredini said. "We are excited about Italy's new role as a partner in commercial space, beginning with Col. Villadei's training, and eagerly anticipate future agreements deepening this relationship as we work together to drive low-Earth orbit settlement and commercialization for scientific and technological development."

posted 04-20-2023 09:47 PM               

Sweden intends to send ESA astronaut to the International Space Station

At the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, USA, on 18 April, ESA signed a letter of intent with the Swedish National Space Agency to send an ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station on an Axiom mission.

The flight and the name of the astronauts assigned to the mission will need to be approved by the partners of the International Space Station as well as the commercial flight operator Axiom.

ESA's Director General Josef Aschbacher said after signing the letter of intent, "The ESA astronaut policy was developed for exactly these opportunities, flying on commercial flights in partnership as we transition Europe's access to space and diversify the space market.

"I hope to see more Europeans working inside ESA's Columbus laboratory on the International Space Station soon."

The intent is to send an ESA astronaut who would fly with Axiom as a project astronaut and start training at ESA's European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, for the flight, with an ambitious scientific and educational programme for their 10-day stay aboard the Space Station developed by ESA and the Swedish National Space Agency.

ESA would be the crew provider for this mission and will sign an agreement with Axiom to define and implement the mission and will prepare all the operational support needed for such a flight. The Swedish National Space Agency will negotiate directly with Axiom for the flight.

In November last year ESA announced Career and Reserve astronauts as well as an astronaut with a physical disability at the ESA Council at Ministerial Level. ESA's five Career astronauts started training at EAC last month.

The Swedish National Space Agency represents Sweden in ESA and the majority of the Swedish space budget is invested in ESA programmes. Being a member of ESA provides Swedish scientists and industry access to space technology advanced international space projects.

ESA, the Swedish National Space Agency, and the government of Sweden will host a press event with more details on the mission and assignment at a later date once the astronaut is confirmed by the Space Station partners and Axiom.

posted 06-15-2023 04:35 PM               

ESA proposes Marcus Wandt from Sweden to fly on a future Axiom space mission

Marcus Wandt was selected in November 2022 as a member of the ESA astronaut reserve after a year-long selection process. The 2022 ESA recruitment campaign received more than 22500 applications from across its Member States.

The Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA), together with other partners, is cooperating with ESA and commercial space company Axiom Space to support a future mission to space with Marcus Wandt. ESA is currently in the process of coordinating this mission.

ESA and SNSA are working on a proposal for an ambitious scientific, technological, and educational programme for Marcus that can be carried out inside Europe's Columbus laboratory.

Marcus joined the European Astronaut Corps on 1 June as an ESA project astronaut for the duration of his mission duties.

The Swedish astronaut is following intensive training program to meet the high standards required for space flight.

Marcus Wandt was born in 1980 and has an extensive experience as a military jet and test pilot for the Swedish Air Force.

posted 08-09-2023 09:10 AM               

Axiom Space, ESA Sign Agreement with Poland for Future Human Spaceflight Mission

Houston-based company Axiom Space and Poland, with support from the European Space Agency (ESA), have signed an agreement to send an ESA astronaut to space on a future Axiom Space mission. The exact mission and name of the Polish astronaut will be officially announced at a later date, following approval by NASA and its international partners.

"Poland will be the second ESA-sponsored nation to send an astronaut on a commercial human spaceflight mission, establishing a growing network of nations in Europe eager to explore the benefits of microgravity and positioning the region as pioneers of commercial space," said Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space president and CEO. "We are excited to work with Poland and ESA to build a comprehensive mission plan in support of both national and agency objectives, and we look forward to bringing on additional partner nations around the world in an effort to build the human experience in low-Earth orbit."

The ESA astronaut selected for the mission will focus on scientific research and educational outreach while on orbit. In coordination with ESA, Axiom Space will manage all aspects required for the preparation and completion of the mission, including access to training facilities and instructors, hardware and safety certification, on-orbit management, and post-mission support. As the crew provider, ESA will sign an agreement with Axiom Space to define and implement the mission objectives and prepare for all the operational services needed.

"Cooperation with ESA and Axiom Space is an important step in the development of both the Polish space sector and science," said Waldemar Buda, Minister of Economic Development and Technology of Poland. "A Polish astronaut will have the opportunity to test the most advanced Polish technologies. For our companies, this is a unique opportunity to gain flight heritage, which will be a proof of the quality of Polish products. The educational aspect is also important for us, as we hope it will result in the interest of many young people in the space sector."

ESA's Director General Josef Asbacher praised Poland's decision to invest funds in not only the ESA astronaut program, but also several other ESA activities. "This reinforced engagement will enable new possibilities for Poland to lift its capabilities in the fast-emerging domain of space," Asbacher said, "while the cooperation with Axiom Space opens new opportunities for our ESA astronauts."

In April 2023, Axiom Space and the Swedish National Space Agency signed a letter of intent to send an ESA astronaut to the ISS. Through this agreement, the upcoming Axiom Space mission, Ax-3 now targeting launch in January 2024, will be the first commercial mission to the ISS to include an ESA project astronaut.

posted 09-20-2023 10:36 AM               

Axiom Space and Hungary Boost Partnership with Signing of Spaceflight Framework Agreement

Axiom Space and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary marked another milestone in their partnership with the signing of a Spaceflight Framework Agreement, effective September 19, 2023. This agreement is a collaborative pact between Axiom Space and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, with the primary objective of facilitating the launch of a Hungarian astronaut on a future spaceflight mission.

"On July 20, 2022, we celebrated a significant milestone when Axiom Space and Hungary's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade inked a memorandum of understanding in Washington D.C.," said Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space CEO. "That MOU, a continuation of our agreement from December 2021, showcased a mutual vision to propel the 'Hungarian to Orbit' program and enhance the impact of the Hungarian space sector. I'm thrilled to say that our journey together continues."

This mission, while aiming to bolster Hungary's human spaceflight capabilities in low-Earth orbit, places a strong emphasis on advancing scientific research, enhancing Hungary's space expertise, and promoting space awareness among its citizens. Additionally, the mission fosters international cooperation and aims to share knowledge, resources, and opportunities with global partners to solidify Hungary's position in the international space community.

"Hungary's renewed commitment, underscored by this Spaceflight Framework Agreement, is not just a testament to our shared past, but an affirmation of a future where we collaboratively define human space exploration," Suffredini added. "We're beyond honored to once again partner with Hungary, advancing both the boundaries of space and the aspirations of a nation eager to enhance its position in the cosmos."

posted 10-24-2023 08:30 PM               

UK Space Agency and Axiom Space Sign Agreement on Plans for Historic Human Spaceflight Mission

Astronauts from the United Kingdom could fly to space on a future Axiom Space mission, thanks to a new agreement signed between the UK Space Agency and the Houston-based space company.

The agreement between the UK Space Agency and Axiom Space sets out plans for the two organizations to work together to pursue a commercially sponsored, UK astronaut mission. The announcement comes as Science Minister George Freeman is due to open the London Stock Exchange today, where he will speak about opportunities to bring further investment into the UK space sector.

On this future flight, the UK astronauts would launch to space, spending up to two weeks on orbit to carry out scientific research, demonstrate new technologies, and participate in education and outreach activities.

The mission would build on the UK government's National Space Strategy and the UK Science and Technology Framework, which highlights the important contribution of international relationships to the UK's capabilities and identifies five critical technologies: Artificial Intelligence, engineering biology, future telecommunications, semiconductors, and quantum technologies.

George Freeman MP, Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, said:

"The prospect of a historic UK mission with Axiom Space has the potential to inspire a whole new generation to reach for the stars, while supporting our efforts to build one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world, so I look forward to seeing the next stage of this exploratory work develop.

"We want to put the UK at the forefront of the global race for commercial space investment, continue to support scientists and engineers to test new technologies and carry out important research and, ultimately, bring the benefits back to people and businesses across the country."

Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space CEO, added:

"Axiom Space is looking forward to working with the UK Space Agency on a future human spaceflight mission. With this agreement as the initial foundation, we will build a comprehensive mission plan in support of the UK's national and agency objectives to advance its capabilities in space exploration and discovery. Together, we will look to harness the benefits of microgravity and help push the boundaries of innovation to advance our civilization."

The UK Space Agency is calling on UK universities, research institutions and industry to share their ideas for experiments and technology demonstrators which could be conducted by the crew on orbit over a two-week period.

The UK Space Agency is also interested in ideas from UK organizations for a national space education and public engagement program alongside the mission to highlight the diverse range of rewarding careers available in the space sector, promote STEM uptake, and highlight the powerful role of space in the lives of UK citizens.

Dr. Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

"This agreement paves the way for UK astronauts to conduct scientific research in orbit, and to inspire millions of us here on Earth. It takes thousands of people to complete a crewed space mission and return the astronauts safely home, highlighting the huge variety of careers available in the UK space sector right now. There is much to do, and this agreement is the springboard for the UK Space Agency, Axiom Space, and the mission sponsors to assess how we best push forward the frontiers of knowledge and innovation and showcase the power of space to improve lives on Earth."

The UK Space Agency is working with Axiom Space on plans for a commercial mission with the full support of the European Space Agency.

Daniel Neuenschwander, Director of Human and Robotic Exploration at ESA, said:

"ESA is working on Europe's preparation of the post-ISS era and the development of a sustainable commercial space economy in Low Earth Orbit. This unique flight will allow ESA to enhance its actions with new partnership schemes and implement together with the United Kingdom a series of research experiments, which will further deepen the knowledge on exploration in and for Europe."

UK Space President, Dr. Alice Bunn, said:

"Since the first astronauts landed on the Moon over 50 years ago, human spaceflight has captured the imagination of billions of people. But space is no longer for the privileged few; we have witnessed incredible growth in the application of space technology and data to everyday lives, and we recognize the immense and specific value of humans being able to push the boundaries of science and technology operating within the unique conditions of space.

"For this reason, the agreement between the UK Space Agency and Axiom Space is an incredibly exciting one, providing the potential to extend the already significant innovation that our UK space sector is spearheading."

posted 05-27-2024 09:03 PM               

...with the primary objective of facilitating the launch of a Hungarian astronaut on a future spaceflight mission.

Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced Tibor Kapu as Hungary's next astronaut, with Gyula Cserényi as backup, after an expert committee's final decision. The two engineers will soon head to the U.S. for final training with NASA and Axiom Space, aiming to contribute to Hungary's scientific and industrial advancements in space.

The selection process began with 240 candidates, culminating in preparation for a mission that includes challenging physical and mental tasks. This mission continues Hungary's legacy in space exploration, decades after Bertalan Farkas became the first Hungarian astronaut.

posted 09-06-2024 01:33 PM               

For Czech science and economy, the "Czech Voyage into Space" project will bring the opportunity to carry out a number of experiments and observations in the fields of medicine, technology and new materials that cannot be realized on Earth. This will open up more possibilities for the national space industry to excel in the global market.

Such opportunities we seek today. As past flights into space inspired the technological leaders of the last decades, the Czech space project stimulates the new generation's interest in science and technology.