Axiom Space and Aotearoa New Zealand sign agreement to advance space exploration

Commercial space leader Axiom Space has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Aotearoa New Zealand to develop world-leading science and technology studios. The agreement will give Aotearoa New Zealand access to new research through Axiom-sponsored missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and, in future, the world’s first commercial space station, the Axiom Station.

The agreement was signed Axiom Space President and CEO, Michael Saffredini and Ian Cozar, General Manager of Science, Innovation and International and Director of the New Zealand Space Agency, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

The partnership will foster a new collaboration between Axiom Space and New Zealand-based research teams. University of Canterbury led by Sarah Kessens and University of Auckland led by Brian Russell. The agreement will allow Aotearoa New Zealand to leverage its manufacturing and biotechnology expertise and advance the country’s space industry by providing access to conduct scientific research in microgravity.

“We at Axiom Space are delighted to partner with Aotearoa New Zealand Provide new access to space and create opportunities for businesses, scientists and researchers in New Zealand. Axiom enables a robust space economy in low Earth orbit as it builds the next generation permanent commercial space mission and space laboratory in Earth orbit to accelerate human progress in space and bring home untold benefits,” said Michael Saffredini.

Through the MOU, the New Zealand-based companies aim to make in-orbit laboratory research more accessible. and enable the rapid development of affordable and affordable medicines and vaccines, strengthening the country’s efforts to establish world-leading manufacturing for its aerospace sector.

This partnership with Axiom Space This will help in the development of AI-assisted clinical decision support system. The tool will help health care professionals assess health risks and plan treatment when patients are far from their facilities in space or in Antarctica, beginning development to manage the health of astronauts. Contributing operational space expertise to Axiom Space Exploration, the New Zealand team provides computational, medical and human performance expertise.

“This partnership is facilitated through an innovative partnership program. The program is part of the Government’s efforts to raise levels of research and development (R&D) by attracting investment to New Zealand by working with international companies and innovators. Through the program, each program will receive $90,000 to support their studies,” says Ian Cozar. “Space exploration not only increases our knowledge of our planet and the universe, but also encourages research, science and innovation, which also provides economic opportunities for New Zealand.”

Aotearoa has signed a memorandum of understanding with New Zealand, Axiom has signed agreements with various countries, including the Italian government, Hungary and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These landmark agreements reflect the company’s commitment to providing the international community with access to scientific research, innovative technologies, on-orbit manufacturing and the use of microgravity to advance space exploration.