Houston-based Axiom Space will add a multipurpose inflatable module, which will include a film studio, to its planned commercial space station.
United Kingdom-based media company Space Entertainment Enterprise chose Axiom Space as the original equipment manufacturer for its new project, dubbed SEE-1. The new module will contain the first content and entertainment studios and multipurpose arena in space, according to the companies.
SEE-1 will dock with Axiom Station, the world's first free-flying, internationally available private space station that will serve as a hub for research manufacturing and commerce in low Earth orbit, while it's connected to the International Space Station.
The module will allow people to develop, produce, record and live stream content that utilizes the Space Station's low-orbit micro-gravity environment, including films, television, music and sports events. S.E.E. plans to launch SEE-1 in December 2024. Once the Axiom Station's configuration is complete, which is expected in 2028, it will disconnect from ISS.
"Axiom Station, the world's first commercial space station, is designed as the foundational infrastructure enabling a diverse economy in orbit," said Michael Suffredini, president and CEO of Axiom Space. "Adding a dedicated entertainment venue to Axiom Station's commercial capabilities in the form of SEE-1 will expand the station's utility as a platform for a global user base and highlight the range of opportunities the new space economy offers."
S.E.E. said it's in discussions with investors and commercial partners who are on the project. The U.K.-based company will also plan a fundraising round in the future. However, no financial details were provided. The Houston Business Journal reached out for more information.
S.E.E. was co-founded by media entrepreneurs Elena and Dmitry Lesnevsky and is the company co-producing Tom Cruise's unnamed space film, which Variety reported could be the first film to be shot in space. The film could have a production budget set at $200 million, Variety reported in 2020.
"SEE-1 is an incredible opportunity for humanity to move into a different realm and start an exciting new chapter in space," Dmitry and Elena Lesnevsky said in a joint statement. "It will provide a unique and accessible home for boundless entertainment possibilities in a venue packed with innovative infrastructure, which will unleash a new world of creativity. With worldwide leader Axiom Space building this cutting-edge, revolutionary facility, SEE-1 will provide not only the first, but also the supreme quality space structure enabling the expansion of the $2 trillion global entertainment industry into low-Earth orbit."
In December, the Houston Airport System said Axiom was moving ahead with plans to develop a 14-acre headquarters campus at the Houston Spaceport. Axiom expects to move its headquarters to the new spaceport campus in 2023. Eventually, it could bring more than 1,000 jobs to the Houston area, HAS said.
In November, Axiom unveiled its research plans for its mission to the International Space Station. Four private astronauts, including Axiom Space Vice President and former NASA astronaut Michael López-Alegría serving as commander, are scheduled fly the first fully private mission to the ISS on the Ax-1 mission in February. While in orbit, the crew plans to conduct 25 experiments, with activities centering on science, education and outreach.
