UK Space Agency Signs Agreement with Axiom Space

The UK Space Agency has signed an agreement with Axiom Space to send a UK astronaut to space for two weeks.
Credit: SpaceX

The UK Space Agency has signed an agreement with Axiom Space to pave the way for a commercially sponsored astronaut mission.

According to a 25 October press release, โ€œUK astronautsโ€ (suggesting more than one astronaut) would spend two weeks in orbit carrying out scientific research, demonstrating new technologies, and participating in educational outreach activities.

โ€œThe prospect of a historic UK mission with Axiom Space has the potential to inspire a whole new generation to reach for the stars while supporting our efforts to build one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world, so I look forward to seeing the next stage of this exploratory work develop,โ€ explained minister of state at the department of science innovation and technology George Freeman.

The UK is the fourth European country to sign an agreement with Axiom for a commercially sponsored astronaut mission.

In July 2022, Hungary signed an agreement with Axiom as part of its Hungarian to Orbit programme. It aims to send a yet-to-be-selected Hungarian astronaut to space by the end of 2024.

Sweden was the next to secure an agreement with Axiom with the country, along with ESA, signing a contract in April 2023. Swedish ESA astronaut reserve Marcus Wandt has already been selected to fly aboard the four-person Ax-3 mission, which is currently targeted for a January 2024 liftoff.

In August, Poland, along with ESA, signed an agreement with Axiom for its commercially sponsored astronaut mission. Itโ€™s currently unclear when this mission will be launched, but it will carry Polish ESA astronaut reserve Sล‚awosz Uznaล„ski.

With a clear growing desire to send its citizens to space, it may never be a better time for Europe to follow through with the development of its own sovereign crew launch capability.