Axiom Space: Building Private Stations & Orbital Missions

What Makes Axiom Space Unique in Commercial Spaceflight

Axiom Space is a leader in private space missions, especially when it comes to orbital stays aboard space stations and future private station modules. Unlike many providers focused on short suborbital flights, Axiom offers experiences that are closer to full astronaut missions: several days in orbit, habitat modules, and scientific or personal payloads. This gives customers a more immersive experience than most space tourism offerings.

Axiom Space – Fast Facts & Standout Features

Founded in 2016 by Michael Suffredini (former ISS program manager) and Kam Ghaffarian
Plans to build and attach the first commercial modules to the International Space Station (ISS)
Future goal of a fully independent commercial space station
Offers multi-day orbital missions, not just short suborbital hops
Partners with NASA and other government agencies
Has already launched successful private astronaut missions to ISS (e.g., Axiom Mission 1)

What Axiom Offers – Types of Missions & Experiences

Mission Type	Duration	Typical Cost	What’s Included
Private Orbital Flights	5–10+ days	$55M+	Training, life support, station stay
Commercial Station Visits	Several days	Custom pricing	Research, private lodging
Scientific & Payload Flights	Varies	Based on payload	Experiment deployment, crewed support
Luxury & VIP Missions	Similar duration	Premium tier	Custom experience, PR/media, concierge

Training, Medical & Preparation Requirements

Full physical exams, including cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health
Psychological evaluations and compatibility screening
Emergency training, simulation, EVA training if required
Zero-gravity acclimation, possible centrifuge training
Neutral Buoyancy Lab and mission rehearsals
Mission-specific briefings and procedures

Compared to suborbital flights, Axiom requires a much higher level of preparedness, akin to professional astronaut readiness.

Cost & Booking

Orbital missions are priced in the tens of millions (Ax-1 reportedly cost ~$55M per seat)
A large deposit is required and bookings must be scheduled far in advance
Availability depends on station modules, NASA scheduling, and flight partner timelines
Pricing varies depending on payload, duration, and accommodation level

Axiom vs Other Providers

Feature	Axiom Space	Blue Origin / Virgin Galactic	SpaceX
Duration	5–10 days+	10–15 minutes	3–10 days
Altitude	400km+ (Low Earth Orbit)	~100km	400km+
Training	Extensive	Moderate	Extensive
Accommodations	ISS or commercial station	Capsule	Dragon capsule
Pricing	$55M+	$250K–$450K	~$55M–$100M
Scientific Capabilities	High	Very limited	High

Considerations Before Booking with Axiom

Medical clearance can be rigorous
Long waitlists and scheduling complexities
Significant financial investment
Psychological readiness for orbital missions
Regulatory approval required depending on nationality

How to Prepare for an Axiom Mission

Ensure physical fitness and begin medical screenings early
Start consultations with Axiom directly or through affiliated astronaut brokers
Explore zero-gravity or parabolic flights as precursors
Consider media training if the mission will involve press or outreach
Secure insurance, complete legal waivers, and prepare for international travel

External Resources

Why Axiom Space Is One of the Most Advanced Space Tourism Companies

Axiom is for those who want the most immersive, in-depth space experience money can buy. While it’s not for thrill-seekers looking for a 10-minute hop to space, it’s ideal for those seeking orbital prestige, extended Earth views, science, or serious adventure.

If you’re comparing your spaceflight options, check out our Space Tourism Company Comparison Chart or explore other providers like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin. For those who want more than just space tourism—who want to live the astronaut life—Axiom Space leads the charge.

Axiom Space