Four UK astronauts could soon be heading into orbit on an all-British mission.
An American company that organises visits to the International Space Station (ISS) is developing the plan.
Houston-based Axiom has signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK Space Agency to try to make it happen.
The project would probably cost £200m or more, but the idea is that it would be funded commercially. There would be no contribution from UK taxpayers.
Axiom told the BBC that conversations with corporations and institutions interested in providing finance were already under way.
The last UK individual to go into orbit was Tim Peake, who flew to the ISS as a European Space Agency (Esa) astronaut in 2015.
“This is an exciting opportunity and actually unique,” he commented.
“No-one has done a ‘national mission’, commercially, like this before. It’s a new model and would be paving the way for how we do space in the future.”
Details are sparse at the moment. No crew has been chosen, nor is there a concept yet for how it would be selected.
And neither has the destination been fixed.
Currently, all Axiom-organised missions have used capsules belonging to entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX company to take participating astronauts to the ISS.
But the British mission could also be a free-flyer. That’s to say, the crew would spend a number of days circling the Earth in just their capsule, conducting scientific experiments and performing outreach, before then returning to a splashdown on Earth.
Were the mission to visit the ISS, the US space agency (Nasa) would insist on certain conditions, one of which would be the inclusion in the crew of a seasoned astronaut. Very few UK passport-holders meet this criterion, with Tim Peake himself being an obvious candidate for commander.
Axiom, which was founded by a former Nasa official in charge of the ISS, has so far operated two missions, with a third set to blast off in the New Year.
These early ventures have provided flight opportunities for high-net-worth individuals and for government-funded astronauts who are not part of the station’s regular crew rotations.
But if the new space economy in low-Earth orbit is to develop sustainably, it has to move beyond just billionaires and government funds. It has to pull in sectors that traditionally have not been involved in space activity.
Axiom’s chief revenue officer, Tejpaul Bhatia, commended the UK Space Agency (UKSA) for its forward-looking strategy. The agency has put an emphasis on seeding private backing for a wave of new space companies.
“The UK is in a very unique position right now and in a leadership position for this transition to the commercialisation of space,” Mr Bhatia told BBC News.
Axiom doesn’t need the patronage of the UKSA; it could simply organise the mission on its own. But having the backing of the agency gives the project further assurance.
“It’s a really complex endeavour to plan a space mission, to make sure that the crew are well selected and well trained, and that everything of course is safe. We will have a core role in this, along with Esa where some of the training will be done,” said UKSA chief executive Paul Bate.
“There’s also the science we want to see done on the mission itself, and we have a lot of expertise in selecting microgravity experiments, looking at signs of aging for example.
“But what I really like about this approach is it’s got the commercial nature to it, which is at the heart of what the UK Space Agency does.”
Precisely when an “Axiom-UK” mission would launch is not clear. The financing has to be secured, and the mission profile fully mapped. Also, if it does go to the space station, Nasa only has a limited number of slots available per year to accept commercial visitors – although it charges handsomely for the opportunity, with “board and lodging” priced well above £100,000 a night per individual.
Axiom will soon begin attaching modules to the ISS that will eventually then uncouple as a separate architecture to form a commercial station when the veteran orbiting lab is decommissioned.
Much of the hardware for this enterprise is being manufactured in Italy at Thales Alenia Space, who built most of the habitable areas on the current space station.
The strong links between Axiom and Europe resulted this year in the company also signing a memorandum of understanding with Esa.
European member states see Axiom as a way to get more of their citizens into orbit, given the limited number of ISS flight opportunities that come directly to Esa by virtue of its membership of the space station project.
Hungary, Sweden, Poland and Italy are all pursuing the Axiom alternative. Although, unlike the proposed UK mission, these nations will use public money to finance the trips.
“We are right now in a phase where we really have to prepare for the post-ISS period in low-Earth orbit; and this is a request also from our member states,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, Esa’s director of human and robotic exploration.
92 comments
As soon as I detected this website I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
What i do not realize is in reality how you’re now not really much more smartly-preferred than you might be now. You’re so intelligent. You recognize therefore significantly when it comes to this topic, produced me individually imagine it from numerous numerous angles. Its like women and men aren’t interested except it is something to do with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. At all times maintain it up!
I in addition to my friends have been going through the good tactics found on your web page then instantly developed an awful feeling I never thanked the website owner for them. Those people became for this reason warmed to study all of them and have now certainly been taking pleasure in those things. Appreciate your really being really accommodating and then for picking out varieties of fantastic guides most people are really needing to know about. Our own honest regret for not saying thanks to you sooner.
I think this site contains some real good information for everyone :D. “We rarely think people have good sense unless they agree with us.” by Francois de La Rochefoucauld.
Some truly interesting information, well written and loosely user pleasant.
Simply want to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your post is simply nice and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.
Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your web-site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you?¦ve on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What an ideal site.
Hey there, You’ve done a great job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this site.
Greetings! Very helpful advice on this article! It is the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
I like the valuable information you provide to your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and test again right here regularly. I am rather sure I’ll learn many new stuff proper here! Good luck for the next!
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
I really wanted to write a small word to express gratitude to you for all of the fantastic information you are sharing at this website. My time consuming internet search has at the end of the day been recognized with beneficial facts to share with my classmates and friends. I ‘d assert that we site visitors are undoubtedly blessed to live in a very good place with many awesome people with good secrets. I feel very blessed to have come across your weblog and look forward to really more amazing moments reading here. Thanks once again for a lot of things.
whoah this blog is magnificent i love reading your posts. Keep up the great work! You know, a lot of people are hunting around for this info, you can help them greatly.
Good post. I be taught something more challenging on totally different blogs everyday. It is going to at all times be stimulating to learn content from different writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d favor to use some with the content on my weblog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a hyperlink on your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.
I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays..
This site is my inhalation, very superb style and design and perfect content.
Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. However think about if you added some great visuals or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this blog could undeniably be one of the greatest in its niche. Excellent blog!
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
Good web site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified when a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
I like the efforts you have put in this, appreciate it for all the great articles.
I like this post, enjoyed this one thanks for posting.
Very nice post and right to the point. I am not sure if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you people have any ideea where to get some professional writers? Thank you 🙂
I have been checking out a few of your posts and i must say pretty good stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your blog.
There are definitely a lot of details like that to take into consideration. That may be a great level to bring up. I supply the thoughts above as normal inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you convey up where an important thing can be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged around things like that, however I’m sure that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Each girls and boys feel the impact of just a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.
Excellent site you have here but I was curious if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article? I’d really like to be a part of online community where I can get suggestions from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thank you!
Keep functioning ,impressive job!
I couldn’t resist commenting
Some genuinely wonderful information, Gladiola I noticed this. “Anonymity is the truest expression of altruism.” by Eric Gibson.
Can I just say what a aid to search out someone who really is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know tips on how to convey a problem to mild and make it important. More individuals need to read this and understand this aspect of the story. I cant consider youre no more popular since you positively have the gift.
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing some research on that. And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “The capacity to care is what gives life its most deepest significance.” by Pablo Casals.
مزاج , شيشةمزاج هو علامة تجارية تتخصص في صناعة وتوريد الشيشة ومستلزماتها. تتميز علامة التجارية بتصميماتها المبتكرة والعصرية، وجودة منتجاتها العالية، وتجربة العملاء
Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, awesome blog!
I don’t even know the way I stopped up here, but I thought this put up was good. I don’t recognise who you’re but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you happen to are not already 😉 Cheers!
Keep up the good work, I read few blog posts on this site and I believe that your website is really interesting and has got bands of excellent info .
Hiya! I just wish to give a huge thumbs up for the great information you might have right here on this post. I can be coming back to your weblog for more soon.
With everything that appears to be developing within this particular area, a significant percentage of perspectives are actually very refreshing. However, I am sorry, but I do not give credence to your whole suggestion, all be it refreshing none the less. It looks to everybody that your opinions are generally not totally justified and in simple fact you are yourself not wholly convinced of the assertion. In any case I did appreciate reading it.
Wonderful goods from you, man. I have have in mind your stuff prior to and you’re simply too excellent. I actually like what you’ve received here, really like what you are stating and the way in which during which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to stay it wise. I can’t wait to learn much more from you. That is actually a wonderful web site.
The subsequent time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I do know it was my choice to learn, however I really thought youd have something fascinating to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you could possibly fix if you werent too busy on the lookout for attention.
I believe you have observed some very interesting details, regards for the post.
I genuinely enjoy looking at on this web site, it has got fantastic content. “Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master.” by Demosthenes.
My wife and i got very thankful that Ervin could round up his studies by way of the precious recommendations he grabbed while using the web site. It is now and again perplexing just to possibly be making a gift of tips and hints that a number of people might have been trying to sell. So we take into account we have the website owner to thank because of that. All the explanations you made, the straightforward website navigation, the relationships you can help foster – it’s all spectacular, and it’s really facilitating our son and us know that this matter is excellent, and that’s pretty serious. Many thanks for all!
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with useful info to work on. You have performed an impressive process and our entire group can be thankful to you.
Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
Terrific post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Bless you!
There is perceptibly a bunch to know about this. I consider you made various good points in features also.
I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your website?
I’ve learn a few just right stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot effort you put to create one of these magnificent informative web site.
Very interesting subject , regards for posting.
I was suggested this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem. You are wonderful! Thanks!
You got a very good website, Gladiolus I found it through yahoo.
alexistogel, situs slot online, slot88
Selamat datang di MANTULL88, destinasi utama bagi para penggemar judi online dan slot online di Asia! Jika Anda mencari platform game yang menawarkan bonus terbesar dan pengalaman bermain terbaik, MANTULL88 adalah jawabannya. Dengan berbagai permainan terbaru, bonus yang luar biasa, dan layanan yang tak tertandingi, MANTULL88 siap mengubah cara Anda bermain game online.
I believe other website proprietors should take this site as an example , very clean and wonderful user genial design.
I haven¦t checked in here for a while since I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
Experience Maxwin, the trusted online casino in Asia. Enjoy top gaming experiences in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, India, and Korea. Secure, reliable, and exciting games with Maxwin
https://fba.help/wp-content/pags/1xbet_promo_code-sign_up_bonus.html
https://runcam.com/fonts/inc/4rabet-promo-code_welcome-bonus.html
https://triontech.com/articles/1win_promo_code_10.html
https://www.forumishqiptar.com/images/pages/?1win_promo_code_7.html
https://triontech.com/articles/1win_promo_code_10.html
1win bonus code 2024 today
https://ddec35.org/code-promo-1xbet.html
https://www.panamericano.us/assets/inc/1xbet-promo-code-1xbet.html
https://www.inserrh.com/media/pgs/1xbet-promo-code-cameroun.html
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem along with your site in internet explorer, might test this? IE still is the marketplace leader and a big section of other folks will pass over your great writing due to this problem.|
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!|
Utilisez code promo 1xbet: 1XBIG777 pour bénéficier d’un bonus de bienvenue très intéressant en 2024. Vous pourrez obtenir un bonus de 200 jusqu’à $130 sur le sport et jusqu’à $1,500 et 150 tours gratuits sur le casino. Le code est à utiliser lors de votre inscription, celui-ci est utilisable peu importe le pays d’Afrique où vous résidez alors profitez-en.
Le code promo 1xBet: 1XBIG777 bonus jusqu’à $130 sur les paris sportifs et jusqu’à $1,500 et 150 tours gratuits sur le casino. En premier, le bonus dâinscription ou de bienvenue est réservé aux utilisateurs qui sâinscrivent sur le bookmaker. Le bonus proposé couvre les dépôts effectués avec des pièces numériques, notamment Ethereum et Bitcoin.
I think what you composed made a great deal of sense. But, what about this? what if you composed a catchier title? I mean, I don’t want to tell you how to run your website, however suppose you added something that makes people desire more? I mean BLOG_TITLE is a little vanilla. You ought to look at Yahoo’s front page and watch how they create news titles to grab viewers interested. You might add a video or a related picture or two to grab readers interested about everything’ve got to say. Just my opinion, it might make your posts a little livelier.|
Le code promo 1xBet: 1XBIG777 bonus jusqu’à $130 sur les paris sportifs et jusqu’à $1,500 et 150 tours gratuits sur le casino. En premier, le bonus d’inscription ou de bienvenue est réservé aux utilisateurs qui s’inscrivent sur le bookmaker. Le bonus proposé couvre les dépôts effectués avec des pièces numériques, notamment Ethereum et Bitcoin.
I like this web blog very much so much superb information.
“Kubet77 là một nền tảng giải trí trực tuyến hàng đầu, cung cấp đa dạng các trò chơi casino, cược thể thao, và xổ số trực tuyến, mang đến trải nghiệm an toàn, bảo mật và chuyên nghiệp cho người dùng.
“Kubet77 là một nền tảng giải trí trực tuyến hàng đầu, cung cấp đa dạng các trò chơi casino, cược thể thao, và xổ số trực tuyến, mang đến trải nghiệm an toàn, bảo mật và chuyên nghiệp cho người dùng.
Hiện nay Live Casino tại Go88 đang sở hữu những tựa game hot như xóc đĩa livestream, tài xỉu livestream,.. Cá cược thể thao. Không thể bỏ qua cá cược thể thao …
Hiện nay Live Casino tại Go88 đang sở hữu những tựa game hot như xóc đĩa livestream, tài xỉu livestream,.. Cá cược thể thao. Không thể bỏ qua cá cược thể thao …
Go88 là nhà cái trực tuyến nổi tiếng với nhiều trò chơi đa dạng như game bài, nổ hũ, và bắn cá. Với giao diện thân thiện, hỗ trợ nhanh chóng, và nhiều ưu đãi …
lulu88.space ” sở hữu kho game chất lượng chưa từng có. Phải kể đến hơn 100 sản phẩm nổ hũ và 145 kèo thơm. Đặc biệt bảo mật tốt luôn giúp người chơi an tâm trải nghiệm tại Lulu88.space
“
“
gk88 bet là địa điểm cá cược uy tín hứa hẹn mang lại những trải nghiệm tuyệt vời nhất. Cùng Nhà Cái GK88bet Game – Nỗ Hũ Bắn Cá Game Bài”
Progettazione, Realizzazione, Istalazione e Manutenzione per le Aziende
Ole777 là một nhà cái được cấp phép hoạt động kinh doanh cung cấp các sản phẩm, dịch vụ giải trí trực tuyến do PAGCOR chứng nhận, nằm dưới sự kiểm soát và quản lý tại ole777.ing
bandar toto macau Bergabung dengan Dadumaster untuk bermain Togel Macau dan Toto Macau! Nikmati pengalaman bermain yang aman, terpercaya, dan peluang menang besar hanya di Dadumaster. Daftar sekarang!
Bocoran HK Malam Ini BOBBYDIGITAL.IO adalah web Prediksi HK – Situs Prediksi Hongkong Akurat – Bocoran HK Hari Ini – Live Draw HK – Live Draw Hongkong – Togel HK Paling Jitu Dan Terupdate.
Bocoran HK Malam Ini BOBBYDIGITAL.IO adalah web Prediksi HK – Situs Prediksi Hongkong Akurat – Bocoran HK Hari Ini – Live Draw HK – Live Draw Hongkong – Togel HK Paling Jitu Dan Terupdate.
MXMонлайн-журнал для чоловіків
“Số Đỏ 66 cung cấp một loạt các trò chơi đa dạng, từ cá cược thể thao, live casino, đến các trò chơi slot với tỉ lệ trả thưởng hấp dẫn. Với dịch vụ chuyên nghiệp …
IWIN – Cổng game bài đổi thưởng giành cho giới thượng lưu được bình chọn là 1 trong những cổng game bài xanh chín nhất thị trường Châu Á
As a Newbie, I am continuously searching online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you
Le code promo 1xBet: 1X200FOX bonus jusqu’à $130 sur les paris sportifs et jusqu’à $1,500 et 150 tours gratuits sur le casino. En premier, le bonus d’inscription ou de bienvenue est réservé aux utilisateurs qui s’inscrivent sur le bookmaker. Le bonus proposé couvre les dépôts effectués avec des pièces numériques, notamment Ethereum et Bitcoin.