ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and Axiom Space CEO Michael Suffredini sign the MoU on Oct. 1. Photo: ESA

Axiom Space and the European Space Agency (ESA) signed an MoU this month to collaborate on human spaceflight, science, technology, and commercialization. The MoU is active for three years, with the option to be extended. 

It involves a number of areas for potential collaboration: Axiom Space missions to the International Space Station; Axion’s next-generation spacesuits; research on robotics, artificial intelligence, health, and life sciences; and access to Axiom’s future commercial space station. 

“Together with ESA, we aim to enhance our collective capabilities in human spaceflight, fostering scientific innovation and expanding access to space. Together, we are building a future where European astronauts regularly embark on Axiom Space missions, further developing our pioneering space communities,” commented Michael Suffredini, CEO of Axiom Space.

Axiom Space is building a module for the International Space Station, which is scheduled to launch to the ISS by 2026. It plans to eventually operate an independent space station. The company already works with NASA, including on a long-term contract worth $1.26 billion to provide Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) spacesuits for the Moon and LEO. The company recently raised $350 million in a Series C round.