Axiom Space Signs MOU with Canadian Space Agency to Advance the Space Economy

Commercial space leader Axiom Space and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities for sustained access to space and build on the country’s legacy in human spaceflight. This MOU is aimed at examining the potential for collaboration between Axiom, the CSA and the Canadian space industry for the development of future space infrastructure; and exploring opportunities for sustained access to space including the potential for Canadian astronauts to fly on future Axiom-sponsored missions. The agreement between Axiom and the CSA was signed on September 21, 2022, at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris.

The MOU aims to support the CSA’s groundbreaking research on the International Space Station (ISS) by potentially enabling access to the ISS through Axiom-sponsored missions and, in the future, to Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station. The MOU also aims to leverage the existing and robust Canadian space ecosystem to mutually develop opportunities for Canadian companies across numerous sectors and industries to work and conduct research in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

“From building the first robotic arm for the Space Shuttle program to initiating international cooperation in the Lunar Gateway project, Canada has played a vital role in our nation’s space exploration efforts, and we are proud to strengthen our country’s relationship with Canada in this new era of space commercialization,” said Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space’s President & CEO. “We look forward to leveraging Canada’s experience and innovative initiatives as we collaborate to establish a thriving economy in orbit.”  

Under MOU, a Commercial LEO Working Group in Canada will develop prioritized business cases to promote Canadian technology research and experimentation in space across different fields, such as advanced robotics, AI, and health and life sciences in the context of Canada’s long-term goals for human spaceflight, research, and development of space commercialization.

In addition to signing an MOU with the CSA, Axiom has signed agreements with UC-San Diego, Aotearoa New Zealand, the Italian government, Hungary, and the United Arab Emirates. These historic agreements symbolize the company’s commitment to provide opportunities to nations across the globe who share an appreciation for the benefits provided by microgravity while strengthening bonds between nations and the world at-large.