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Outer Space: Axiom Space station opening
Axiom Space, a Houston-based private space company led by former NASA manager Mike Suffredini, is developing the planet’s first commercial space station, the Axiom Space Station, to broaden access to space travel. This station is designed as the successor to the International Space Station (ISS), which has been in Low Earth Orbit for 17 years. The Axiom Space Station will expand upon the ISS's capabilities by attaching new elements to its forward node, increasing research capacity, accommodating a larger crew, and facilitating commercial manufacturing opportunities. This initiative aims to ensure the continuity of human spaceflight and research beyond the operational life of the ISS.
The initial configuration of the Axiom Space Station will consist of interconnected nodes and modules, forming its orbital structure. This includes a node, a habitation module, a research and manufacturing module, and a window observatory. A notable aspect of the project is the involvement of acclaimed Paris-based designer Philippe Starck, who is responsible for the interiors of the habitation module. Starck's design for each private crew berth features a nest-like cabin, offering unobstructed views of Earth. The interior surfaces are lined with padded, quilted, cream-coloured soft fabric and illuminated by hundreds of tiny LED lights. These lights can change hues, adapting to the time of day and the station's position relative to Earth. The berths are designed for both relaxation and productivity, with high-speed internet connections enabling occupants to work and share their unique views with those on Earth.
The station’s design incorporates eight crew quarters and pressurized research space equivalent to the U.S. Laboratory module on the ISS. It also includes unpressurized payload locations for various experiments and equipment. The modular architecture allows the Axiom Space Station to evolve over time into a fully independent space station. A key feature of the station is its window observatory, which is touted as the largest ever constructed for a space environment. This observatory offers a panoramic view of low Earth orbit, intended to fully immerse the crew in the experience. Beyond its observational purpose, this area is also envisioned as a dining space where crews can enjoy gourmet meals while observing Earth.
While the Axiom Space Station aims to make space travel more accessible, the experience remains highly exclusive due to its cost. Axiom Space plans to offer 10-day expeditions to the International Space Station, with trips beginning in 2020, at a price of USD 55 million per ticket. This venture represents a significant step towards commercializing space and integrating design elements into orbital living, transforming space travel from a purely scientific endeavor into a potentially luxurious experience.
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