An MoU between Axiom Space and the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) aims to enhance supply chain and technology collaboration within the Turkish space sector.
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Axiom Space and the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) are continuing their collaboration. The MoU focuses on the prospects for supply chain collaboration and technology cooperation within the Turkish space sector.
To explore the possibility of supply chain options for the development of the planned Axiom Station and other Axiom Space operations, the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and Axiom Space, a US-based space infrastructure developer, have signed a major collaboration agreement. The partnership includes a wide range of fields, such as space technology, aeronautics, textiles, materials science, advanced manufacturing, communications and life sciences.
Axiom Space noted in its statement that the cooperation aims to inspire future astronauts, engineers, scientists and leaders by encouraging Turkiye’s young population to participate in space activities. In addition, the project aims to encourage innovation in other sectors while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the space industry.
A group of countries, including the United States of America, Russia, the European Union, Japan and Canada, launched the International Space Station (ISS) in 1998. Throughout its existence, the ISS has become increasingly worn out. The ISS is scheduled to be dismantled by 2031 due to the reluctance of the consortium members to fund repairs. In response to this situation, NASA and Axiom Space signed an agreement to create the new Axiom Station. The new station will consist of five modules, with the first module scheduled to be launched in 2028.
To establish itself as a space station of the future generation, Axiom Space intends to construct the Axiom Station. The only business that is permitted to attach its modules to the International Space Station is Axiom Space. The primary objectives of the cooperation between TUA and Axiom Space include:
• Establishing a research and exploration laboratory.
• Creating manufacturing facilities that utilise microgravity environments.
• Providing a platform for testing space materials and validating technologies for deep space missions.
• Developing a hub for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) transportation, logistics, and other services.
• Creating new platforms for communication and observation.
• Establishing a training facility for professional astronauts.
This agreement is expected to provide major benefits to the space sector in Turkiye, including the joint production of some modules in Turkiye, which will ultimately increase both parties’ worldwide footprints. The agreement between TUA and Axiom Space is particularly noteworthy because it might include the fabrication of some components of the Axiom Station in Turkiye and the participation of Turkiye in the operations and scientific research aboard the station.
