It is a fair and relevant observation that they don't seem to be adding much value themselves when the key deliverables are ultimately outsourced to subcontractors for their crew program and their space station program. Which pretty much only leaves space suits as a product with a concrete value add.
Quote from: Danderman on 09/19/2024 05:08 pmI notice that Axiom doesn't have any significant aerospace companies as partners. Very strange.As mentioned, Thales build their modules, and Thales have built many of the existing ISS modules. Axiom also closely partner with SpaceX for flying actual missions, and David Clarke (veteran spacesuit maker) on the xEMU contract.
I notice that Axiom doesn't have any significant aerospace companies as partners. Very strange.
Axiom cofounder Kam Ghaffarian posted this awesome new view of the Axiom station ISS Hab One module on LinkedInThe module will soon be shipped from Thales Alenia in Italy to Houston Looks so damn cool.
I had the opportunity to visit the Thales Alenia Space factory in Italy, and I’m truly impressed by the incredible progress being made on Axiom Space's Axiom Station! Seeing the team’s dedication and expertise firsthand fills me with excitement for the future. Together, we are building a platform that will revolutionize access to space and pave the way for new possibilities in low Earth orbit. Exciting times ahead!#AxiomSpace #spacestation
Quote from: Eric Hedman on 09/18/2024 04:19 amI would not be surprised if NASA delays the decommissioning of the ISS by a few years while figuring out if private stations are viable yet.Testifying before the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee in response to a question from Rep. Webster, Axiom's Dittmar says, "Having an uncertain end date for the International Space Station is really detrimental to commercial development of low Earth orbit." Because without certainty that NASA will be a tenant of a CLD their business case doesn't close.youtube.com/watch?v=d0cl1xlIxXQ at about 1:17:40
I would not be surprised if NASA delays the decommissioning of the ISS by a few years while figuring out if private stations are viable yet.
But perhaps most importantly, stalling on ending the International Space Station's life only further weakens the business case for private space station operators. Particularly for companies like Axiom and Voyager, uncertainty in the end of life for the station makes fundraising that much more difficult. Investors want to know that NASA really will need their private stations.
As someone who has lived on the Space Station I try to convey my experience to our @Axiom_Space engineers in an effort to keep a balance between aesthetics and practicality while building the new Space Station. They came to me with a beautiful, intricate handrail design. I told them ‘I wouldn't want to clean that. There would be no way to disinfect all of the little holes.' I'm all for a pretty design, but that can't outweigh efficiency.
Quote from: sdsds on 09/18/2024 07:01 amQuote from: Eric Hedman on 09/18/2024 04:19 amI would not be surprised if NASA delays the decommissioning of the ISS by a few years while figuring out if private stations are viable yet.Testifying before the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee in response to a question from Rep. Webster, Axiom's Dittmar says, "Having an uncertain end date for the International Space Station is really detrimental to commercial development of low Earth orbit." Because without certainty that NASA will be a tenant of a CLD their business case doesn't close.youtube.com/watch?v=d0cl1xlIxXQ at about 1:17:40Berger explains this aspect of ISS decommissioning a bit better:QuoteBut perhaps most importantly, stalling on ending the International Space Station's life only further weakens the business case for private space station operators. Particularly for companies like Axiom and Voyager, uncertainty in the end of life for the station makes fundraising that much more difficult. Investors want to know that NASA really will need their private stations.https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/10/is-nasas-commercial-space-station-program-doomed/
With Prada as a partner, I can't imagine those suits being cheap, so what's the damage?
Quote from: jstrotha0975 on 10/17/2024 01:45 pmWith Prada as a partner, I can't imagine those suits being cheap, so what's the damage?That is of no concern to NASA. NASA doesn't buy the suits. Under the xEVAS contract between Axiom and NASA, the latter basically rents the suits for a pre-determined fixed price.
Quote from: woods170 on 10/18/2024 07:12 amQuote from: jstrotha0975 on 10/17/2024 01:45 pmWith Prada as a partner, I can't imagine those suits being cheap, so what's the damage?That is of no concern to NASA. NASA doesn't buy the suits. Under the xEVAS contract between Axiom and NASA, the latter basically rents the suits for a pre-determined fixed price.True, but NASA needs to remain reasonably confident that Axiom will stay in business and will continue to provide suits as needed. NASA had a similar contract with Collins, but Collins dropped out. It's OK if your second provider drops out. It's not OK if your only provider drops out.
Unveiled during the International Astronautical Congress, organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and hosted by Milan in its 75th edition, the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit represents the result of the extraordinary collaboration between international leaders in technology, innovation and creativity.Starting from October 18, 2024, the Axiom Space and Prada collaboration #AxEMU spacesuit is presented to the public with an installation at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, as an extension of the IAC event in the heart of the city.#Prada@Axiom_Space
https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space/status/1847332578979979415https://twitter.com/marieclaireuk/status/1846939176744157462
Quote from: jstrotha0975 on 10/17/2024 01:45 pmWith Prada as a partner, I can't imagine those suits being cheap, so what's the damage?Why did you assume that Prada is a contractor and not a "customer"/sponsor? The advertisement campaign they got easily would cost ~300mln otherwise.
Quote from: DanClemmensen on 10/18/2024 11:50 amQuote from: woods170 on 10/18/2024 07:12 amQuote from: jstrotha0975 on 10/17/2024 01:45 pmWith Prada as a partner, I can't imagine those suits being cheap, so what's the damage?That is of no concern to NASA. NASA doesn't buy the suits. Under the xEVAS contract between Axiom and NASA, the latter basically rents the suits for a pre-determined fixed price.True, but NASA needs to remain reasonably confident that Axiom will stay in business and will continue to provide suits as needed. NASA had a similar contract with Collins, but Collins dropped out. It's OK if your second provider drops out. It's not OK if your only provider drops out.This is a risk that NASA is well aware of. It was acceptable to them because NASA's own xEMU efforts were not going to result in a flight-ready suit until around 2030 at the very earliest. So, going "commercial" comes with additional risk, but also with a chance that an EMU replacement is ready years earlier. Same for the lunar suit. Given the pros and cons, NASA decided to take the risk. A decision I fully agree with.
What is going on with Axion space station being downsized?