During Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), the crew will conduct important technology demonstrations to improve onboard communication and image transferring, explore the use of computer vision applications for inventory management, and better understand odors in a pressurized environment. The demonstrations will provide insight to enable the use of these next-generation technologies to enhance day-to-day operations and the quality of life for space travelers and, in the future, on Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station.
JAMSS Odor Visualization Tech Demo In collaboration with the Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS)
JAMSS Odor Visualization is a tech demo developed by JAMSS that will use two QCM (quartz crystal microbalance) sensors to detect odors in a low-Earth orbit, pressurized environment. The Ax-2 crew will conduct a tech demo to gather odor data in various locations on the space station, and then researchers on ground will identify similar odors on Earth. Even people who have never visited the space station could recognize the specific odors identified on the ISS, which could improve the overall quality of life for space travelers.
The sensors are battery powered and will require the crew to turn the devices on, install, and collect odor data (one wearable on a crewmember’s clothes or for holding; one on the cabin wall where JAMSS Photocatalyst was previously located), and then stow the sensors away for return. During Ax-2, JAMSS will be the only Japanese company with research on the mission.
Axiom Comms Systems Tech Demo
During Ax-2, the crew will be exploring the use of Commercial Off-the-Shelf Software (COTS) applications to find more flexible ways to connect with loved ones on the ground, with mission support teams, and for use in media outreach events. The Axiom Space Communications System payload will develop and test alternative ways for onboard communication to be used with mobile devices by using Apple iPads and Microsoft Teams as the testing systems.
Axiom Space Imagery Processing and Collection
During the mission, the Ax-2 astronauts will be investigating the effectiveness of internet connected photography devices that can incorporate automatic cloud-based file transfer and storage, such as personal digital devices. The form-factor of such devices will be advantageous for minimum-volume strategy for Axiom Station, strengthened by the multiuse ability of such devices. Cloud-based file transfer and storage is a key piece in the multifaceted studies evaluating various tradeoffs of devices to be used in daily operations by future crews onboard Axiom Station. This demonstration will provide insight on the feasibility and efficiency of this tool to reduce crew time and ground time on image transferring, allowing the crew and ground more time to focus on science and outreach.
STIIVS – Stowage Tracking & Inventory Intelligent Video System
Computer vision applications are popping up in every industry with new use cases every day. As this technology matures, the use cases and capabilities expand. Looking into the future, when Axiom Station is on-orbit, it is important to begin investigations into how Axiom Space could benefit from computer vision applications, such as use in stowage and asset tracking onboard orbiting space stations. Axiom Space’s Stowage Tracking & Inventory Intelligent Vision System (STIIVS) will use computer vision to identify and track items for inventory management, stowage location tracking, and associated analytics. The results could provide insight into the feasibility and efficiency of this tool for use on the Axiom Segment (AxH1) once it is attached to the ISS.
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