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Axiom, Made in Space Announce Agreement for Manufacturing in Orbit

By Doug Messier
Parabolic Arc
January 19, 2017
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made_in_space_logoHOUSTON, Jan. 18, 2017 9 (Axiom Space PR) — Made In Space and Axiom Space today, announce an agreement to be users and providers of one another’s capabilities to manufacture products in space. Made In Space is the only company to produce 3D printed products in Space and Axiom Space is the leading developer of the world’s first privately-owned commercial space station. This collaboration signifies Made In Space’s exciting transition from research phase, to manufacturing for commercial customers.

The companies have been working out the logistical elements of in-space manufacturing, outfitting the in-space factory with equipment, utilities, power, and thermal management to answer customers’ growing demand. In parallel to the manufacturing element, the companies are working together to plan the delivery of completed products to Earth, ensuring their quality during flight and upon arrival.

In addition to launching the world’s first commercial polymer and metal 3D printers to the International Space Station (ISS), Made In Space is currently developing a system to produce high-value optical fibers in space, planned to be used aboard Axiom’s station. Made In Space’s technology, operating aboard Axiom’s modules, is the way of the future for manufacturers and researchers, and for servicing and expanding satellites and station capabilities.

“Made In Space carries a rich legacy in manufacturing. This partnership marks an important next step in humanity’s reach into space,” said Michael Suffredini, President and CEO of Axiom Space and former ISS Program Manager. “In-space manufacturing provides a unique class of products beneficial to the communications, materials and biomedical industries on Earth. Made In Space is an exemplary company to collaborate with to meet the demand for in-space manufacturing, and we are thrilled to build a partnership with the individuals who have proven their abilities in zero-g flights and on ISS.”

“Axiom and Made In Space are adding to the space ecosystem, serving a growing market and enabling innovative approaches from processes learned on the International Space Station. This partnership allows us to continue to evolve and develop new products and allow our customers to invest in space manufacturing knowing that there will be an ongoing human presence on orbit,” stated Andrew Rush, CEO of Made In Space. “They are the ideal partner for manufacturing new technologies in space and leveraging our new capabilities.”

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space, LLC is a private company creating the world’s first international commercial space station to host government astronauts, tourists, private companies, and individuals for research, manufacturing, and space exploration systems testing. The team’s vision is to make living and working in Earth orbit commonplace, to serving terrestrial markets and supporting deep space exploration. For more information, visit: www.axiomspace.com and follow Axiom on social media at twitter.com/Axiom_Space.

About Made In Space

Founded in 2010 as the world’s first space manufacturing company, Made In Space, Inc. (MIS) is the world leader in 3D printing for aerospace applications. In partnership with CASIS, managers of the ISS National Lab, and Lowe’s Innovation Labs, the disruptive technology hub of the Lowe’s Home Improvement chain, Made In Space sent the first commercial 3D printer to the ISS in April 2016, designated the Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF). Additionally, the firm was recently awarded a NASA contract to 3D print and assemble structures in the vacuum of space using their Archinaut architecture. For more information visit www.madeinspace.us.

Doug Messier

18 responses to “Axiom, Made in Space Announce Agreement for Manufacturing in Orbit”

  1. Aerospike says:
    January 19, 2017 at 4:27 pm
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    …Axiom Space is the leading developer of the world’s first privately-owned commercial space station.

    I should get some popcorn, this is going to be a great sci-fi/fantasy movie! 😀

  2. Geoff T says:
    January 20, 2017 at 1:56 pm
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    Does anyone know if Axiom Space has any manufacturing capability at all currently or even known plans to develop it? They seem to have appeared pretty much out the blue sometime last year and there are sod all details about them anywhere before this ISS Module proposal.

    Are these guys even remotely in a position to do anything or is it yet another company comprised solely of a board of directors and free trial version of AutoCAD?

    • passinglurker says:
      January 20, 2017 at 2:47 pm
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      does a former ISS director count for anything?

      • JamesG says:
        January 20, 2017 at 5:53 pm
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        It probably gets them in the door at VCs. Along with the rest of their execs (esp. having a Space Angels VC on the board) in their rogue’s gallery its seems tuned more towards impressing investors and shaking the money tree than actually cutting metal and building things.

        Most likely they’ll be “virtual”, use their accumulated “ol’ boy networks” to land contracts and money and then subcontract all the work out to others (like to MiS and…. Bigalow?).

  3. Derek Bart Guyton says:
    January 20, 2017 at 5:18 pm
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    This article is factually incorrect.
    “…Axiom Space is the leading developer of the world’s first privately-owned commercial space station.”
    Bigelow Aerospace launched Genesis I in 2006, Genesis II in 2007 and has the BEAM module on orbit, currently attached to the ISS.

  4. publiusr says:
    January 27, 2017 at 9:06 pm
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    Axion looks to build ring stations down the road. They need to push that more.

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