Why Axiom Space Bets on Siemens’ Xcelerator Portfolio to Develop Next-Generation Space Station

“A MODEL for how the space industry can ACCELERATE DEVELOPMENT through CROSS-SECTOR COLLABORATION." As the International Space Station, ISS, is approaching the final phase of its life, one of the questions is: what comes after? It’s clear that the world will need a new modern equivalent. In this, American Axiom Space, founded in 2016, plays an interesting role. Axion Space is one of the companies that like SpaceX has launched private initiatives around space travel and related technology in everything from spacesuits to infrastructure over the past decade. The company has been involved in several ISS missions, including to support expanded use of the space station, while currently working intensively to create the first international commercial space station. It has a contract with the American space agency, NASA, to develop at least one habitable commercial module to be connected to the ISS station. But the goal is for this to become a free-flying destination in low Earth orbit before the orbiting laboratory retires in 2030.
Today's news is that the company has chosen to bet on Siemens Digital Industries Software's PLM portfolio, Xcelerator, to sharpen the support needed for effective development work.
"Yes, we chose this solution after an extensive selection process. The Xcelerator portfolio allows us to refine our workflows and simplify complex processes, connecting the dots between the design, manufacturing, analysis and operations phases," says Dave Romero, who is Station Program Manager at Axiom Space. "With the help of these software, we can test and simulate our designs before we build them, which allows us to develop with more agility and increased flexibility."
Thereby, Axiom also follows closely in the footsteps of rocket manufacturer SpaceX, which works with all Siemens heavy PLM solutions, including NX CAD (also NX Nastran), Femap (advanced FEM) and Teamcenter as cPDm backbone. In fact SpaceX has modeled the entire Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 rockets and the Dragon capsule in NX.
What particularly appealed to Axiom Space was Siemens’ concept of digital threads and digital twins, which can be created on a single platform where all phases of program development are integrated.
"The collaboration between us and Siemens is a model for how the space industry can accelerate through cross-sector collaboration," said Tejpaul Bhatia, Axiom Space Chief Revenue Officer. "Last year, we signed an agreement with the Bavarian State Chancellery to promote the space industry together. Our collaboration with Siemens to improve Axiom Station and spacesuit development in Europe exemplifies how leveraging advanced software solutions can drive innovation and operational excellence. It also strengthens our capabilities, while underlining our commitment to promoting sustainable access to space and supporting a global space economy."
Not least the latter is important, says Siemens VP for Aerospace & Defense Industry, Todd Tuthill:
"With the power of our digital transformation concept, people and assets across the company are being engaged in 'orbit' faster and at lower cost," he says.