Axiom’s private astronaut missions
Axiom Space, a Houston‑based startup, collaborates with SpaceX to send private astronauts to the ISS. Each mission uses a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft launched on a Falcon 9 rocket and typically lasts about 8–10 days in orbit. The crew includes a professional commander (usually a former NASA astronaut) and three paying clients. Customers live and work aboard the ISS, conduct science experiments and enjoy unparalleled views of Earth. After the mission they return to Earth and splash down in the ocean.
Training and cost
Axiom missions require about 15 weeks of intensive training on ISS systems, emergency procedures, and zero‑gravity adaptation. Participants train alongside professional astronauts, learning how to operate life‑support systems, perform scientific experiments and manage communications. NASA rules require private visitors to pass rigorous medical screenings and to reimburse the cost of life‑support resources and crew time.
The cost per passenger is approximately US$50–60 million. The fee covers the charter of a Crew Dragon, launch services, training, life‑support, ISS resources and mission management. Space Adventures’ Soyuz flights historically cost US$20–50 million, but seats are scarce. Some governments sponsor their nationals on Axiom missions, as seen on the Ax‑2 flight in 2023, which carried two Saudi astronauts.
Future commercial stations
Axiom is building its own commercial space station. The first module is scheduled to launch in 2025–26 and attach to the ISS. Over time additional modules will form an independent orbital platform, Axiom Station, creating a dedicated destination for private astronauts, researchers and tourists. Other players, including Blue Origin and Sierra Space, are proposing orbital reefs and space hotels. These projects aim to offer longer stays and more amenities, but they remain in the development phase.