posted 09-12-2023 02:10 PM               

The Exploration Company and Axiom Space sign cargo services agreement in support of first European space capsule to be sent to a commercial space station

• Under the agreement, The Exploration Company's modular and reusable orbital space vehicle 'Nyx' is targeting to bring cargo up to Axiom Station no earlier than late 2027.

• The Exploration Company cements its technological leadership and becomes the first European manufacturer and operator of space capsules to sign a cargo services pre-booking agreement with a commercial space company, Axiom Space.

• Groundbreaking agreement serves as blueprint for global collaboration in space, as public and private organizations step up their efforts to commercialize low-Earth orbit.

The Exploration Company, a leading European commercial space company which is developing, manufacturing, and operating a reusable space capsule called 'Nyx', and Axiom Space, architect of Axiom Station, the world's first commercial space station, announced today that they have signed a cargo services pre-booking agreement. It is the first time a European space capsule has been chosen by a commercial space company to develop cargo transportation services from Earth to Space and back to Earth, cementing the position of the rapidly growing private European New Space industry.

As private and public organizations across the globe ramp up the development of their space capabilities, the demand for affordable, and sustainable space transportation is increasing to fuel an economy in low-Earth orbit and further space exploration logistics needs. In this market, the Exploration Company's reusable space capsule 'Nyx' fosters opportunities to make space logistics significantly more accessible, contributing toward European leadership in this vital area of space exploration. The capsule's engines fueled by "green" propellants also demonstrates the company's intention to boost the industry with more sustainable innovation.

Hélène Huby, CEO and co-founder of The Exploration Company: "We could not be prouder to be the first European space capsule manufacturer and operator to enter into an agreement for cargo services with a future space station operator. We are thankful for the trust that Axiom Space has in our technology, and we cannot wait to fly Nyx to their space station and beyond. Europe and the US have been cooperating for decades in space exploration. It is wonderful that private entities, supported by their respective governments, continue this cooperation which is so strategic for our democracies. This agreement also demonstrates to political leaders that space exploration logistics will be a significant business, and that, provided we invest now, Europe can be one of the global leaders of the building of the new space worlds."

Matt Ondler, Chief Technology Officer at Axiom Space: "Axiom Space is pleased to partner with The Exploration Company. We believe this effort symbolizes what can be achieved when the U.S. and Europe work together to continue research in microgravity and the development of breakthrough innovations to build a global space economy in low-Earth orbit..."

Daniel Neuenschwander, Director of Human & Robotic Exploration at the European Space Agency (ESA): "It's great to see new, different space actors developing in Europe. Furthermore, it is another example of how a more diverse and competitive landscape is developing in Low Earth Orbit, strengthening the trans-Atlantic cooperation."

The agreement will enter into force once both parties have reached certain technical milestones to execute space missions.