10 Private Space Exploration Ventures Revolutionizing Our Cosmic Future

5. Axiom Space: The First Commercial Space Station

We all grew up watching astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), but what if that orbital “address” started accepting private tenants and researchers? Enter Axiom Space. They’re building new modules that will first attach to the existing ISS, then eventually detach to become a fully independent private space station. It’s like a high-tech expansion pack for the world’s best laboratory in orbit. Axiom has already sent private astronaut crews to the ISS—folks from all walks of life (with the right training, of course) joining seasoned pros in microgravity. In the not-so-distant future, you could see companies conducting zero-gravity R&D, filmmakers capturing scenes without green screens, teachers leading STEM workshops, and, yes, tourists simply soaking in the view. The private space hotel era? It may be closer than you think.