r/spaceflight • u/spacedotc0m • 18d ago

Axiom's private space station is coming sooner than we thought

https://www.space.com/space-exploration/private-spaceflight/axioms-private-space-station-is-coming-sooner-than-we-thought
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u/Isnotanumber 17d ago

Semi-random thought. Is it really necessary to send part of this to ISS first? And if so, can its orbit be modified significantly once it becomes a free flying vehicle. As I recall, the orbit for ISS was dictated to give Russians access, and while doable from KSC it kinda sucks. Limits the windows to launch, made the amount payload deliverable a little more limited. At least for Shuttle. Why not just optimize it for launches from the US? Is there a hope of keeping Russia as a partner?

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u/ClearlyFonzii 17d ago

The intention behind this module is to take on payloads from the ISS that NASA and other partners want to keep in orbit and very valuable to NASA and the partners.

Each module has thrusters and propulsion for station keeping and orbital changes if needed. PPTM, as the name implies, has additional prop tanks for orbital chngges if needed.

The final orbit of Axiom station can be changed after separation from ISS.

Source: I'm a design engineer currently working at Axiom on the station.

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u/rexpup 17d ago

Once it's free, are there plans to do any station-to-station trips? I know it probably gives little advantage (and impractical after plane change) but space to space travel would be really awesome

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u/ClearlyFonzii 17d ago

That would be pretty sweet, but no, nothing like that planned.