Virgin Galactic has signed an agreement with US-based commercial space company Axiom Space to support a microgravity research and training mission.
The Virgin Galactic spaceflight, tentatively scheduled for next year, will prepare an Axiom Space astronaut for an upcoming trip to orbit, while conducting microgravity research to supplement the work that the astronaut will do on the International Space Station.
Commenting on the deal, Virgin Galactic Vice President of Government Affairs and Research Operations, Sirisha Bandla, said: “Our spaceflight system offers a unique opportunity for research, and we’ve seen interest from a range of scientific and technology domains spanning from heliophysics to biological and physical life sciences. We are excited to work with Axiom Space as we continue to expand the ecosystem for microgravity research and build a pipeline for Virgin Galactic missions to support orbital space travel. Our commitment to research deepens our connection to planet Earth, enabling humanity to broaden our understanding of Earth and our place on it.”
Axiom Space is the commercial space industry’s only full-service orbital mission provider to the International Space Station, conducting full-service, end-to-end crewed missions for private astronauts, both private individuals and those representing foreign governments.
Axiom Space Chief Astronaut Michael López-Alegría added: “Our shared vision with Virgin Galactic to further enable human space exploration, increase scientific discovery and expand the international space explorer footprint makes this a great partnership. Virgin Galactic’s platform offers an incredible resource for future Axiom astronauts as they prepare for longer duration missions.”
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