Website (axiomspace.com) has been updated again with a new picture of a module (with what looks like propulsion) attached to ISS.So that module leaves ISS to form a new station?
That module would be of far more use docked to the zenith of node two and then dock two inflatables modules to the sides and a large service platform aft thereby giving ISS a garage to repair and upgrade visiting vehicles .With servicing based at the ISS OMV and OTV from the station to GEO and L1 are possible and a large demand for fuel will make the launch market bigger enabling better launchers to be improved.
Quote from: floss on 10/16/2016 11:16 amThat module would be of far more use docked to the zenith of node two and then dock two inflatables modules to the sides and a large service platform aft thereby giving ISS a garage to repair and upgrade visiting vehicles .With servicing based at the ISS OMV and OTV from the station to GEO and L1 are possible and a large demand for fuel will make the launch market bigger enabling better launchers to be improved.I think at node 2 zenith or nadir any large radial modules would probably interfere with line of sight for exposed payloads on Columbus and Kibo. Especially once Bartolemeo launches. And ISS is a pretty awful location for deploying reusable tugs going to high energy orbits (requires 2 multi-km/s manuevers for inclination changes when going to and from GEO or cislunar space). If such a tug did require human servicing it would be better served by an equatorial space station (probably combined with a fuel depot)
As for Columbus I would far prefer to move it back to node 3 zenith and expand facilities into the PLM and place a new node 4 where Columbus is .This NODE 4 would have a second cupola nadir and and a new dock forward so that more than one manned craft can dock .
Axiom Building World's First Commercial Space Station. #space #spacestation @Forbes coverage here:https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucedorminey/2017/04/11/axiom-aims-to-build-worlds-first-commercial-space-station/#e392a371d80d
QuoteAxiom Building World's First Commercial Space Station. #space #spacestation @Forbes coverage here:https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucedorminey/2017/04/11/axiom-aims-to-build-worlds-first-commercial-space-station/#e392a371d80dhttps://twitter.com/axiom_space/status/852220359843602432Somehow I don't think Bigelow Aerospace will agree that Axiom is building the first commercial space station ...
The Cis-Lunar facility will be built in the mid to late 2020's, Axiom is one of the NextStep awardees - for a project to evaluate using launch vehicle stages as potential habitable modules.