Axiom Space’s Michael López-Alegría on the Future of Private Space Exploration

Michael López-Alegría, Chief Astronaut at Axiom Space, recently shared insights into the future of private space exploration and the evolving role of the International Space Station (ISS). In an exclusive interview, López-Alegría emphasized Axiom's commitment to democratizing access to space, particularly low-Earth orbit, which has historically been limited to a select group of nations.

Born in Spain and raised in the United States, López-Alegría is a veteran of six space missions and holds the NASA records for the most spacewalks and the longest cumulative extravehicular activity time. He was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2020 and commanded Axiom Mission 1 in 2022, the first private mission to the ISS. His expertise is integral to Axiom’s goal of constructing a private space station.

In discussing the ISS's transition to private ownership, López-Alegría noted that Axiom Station will leverage advancements in technology and design to simplify operations. "We will utilize the advancements in miniaturization of electronics to integrate large avionics assemblies within the pressure shell of Axiom Station, reducing the need for spacewalks for maintenance," he explained.

Axiom Space aims to maintain continuity for critical experiments as the ISS shifts towards private management. The Payload Power Thermal Module (PPTM) is planned to be attached to the ISS for several months, allowing ongoing research activities to continue unimpeded. López-Alegría stated, "We are in discussions with various space agencies to transfer many research facilities to the PPTM, ensuring the longevity and functionality of decades of research."

The selection of scientific portfolios for Axiom-4 is based on several factors, including the priorities of research customers and resource availability. López-Alegría highlighted the mission's focus on medical research, particularly for astronauts with diabetes and the adaptation of the human body to microgravity environments. "We are looking to test medical equipment that could support future diabetic astronauts, which will expand crew diversity in space missions," he said.

A significant aspect of Axiom's vision is to inspire youth from countries that previously had limited access to space. "We are opening avenues for nations to advance their research priorities, expand their capabilities in space, and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers," López-Alegría remarked.

Addressing the challenges of carbon dioxide management onboard the ISS, López-Alegría noted that Axiom has made substantial improvements to existing systems. The new environmental control and life support systems (ECLS) have been designed with a focus on maintainability and upgradability, ensuring that repairs can be conducted in orbit with minimal ground resupply.

Reflecting on his experiences aboard the ISS, López-Alegría shared how the view of Earth from space has profoundly influenced his perspective on humanity and our planet. He emphasized the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the importance of collaboration in space exploration.

When asked about potential collaboration with the Chinese space station Tiangong, he acknowledged the current geopolitical climate. "While we are focused on supporting U.S. interests and those of our allies in developing a low-Earth orbit economy, there may come a time for cooperation with China in space. However, that is not the current state of affairs," he concluded.

As Axiom Space forges ahead with its ambitious plans, the insights from López-Alegría highlight a pivotal moment in space exploration, where the boundaries of access are expanding, potentially leading to new scientific discoveries and international collaborations in the cosmos.