The Axiom Space Mission Control Center (MCC-A) is an integral part of the Ax-2 mission. Since the company's first private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), MCC-A has achieved a significant milestone in establishing a direct, live connection to NASA’s Johnson Space Center’s Mission Control Center (MCC-H) services.
Axiom Space’s MCC-A is officially the 12th Ground Segment Partner for the International Space Station (ISS) Program. This connection is allowing Axiom Space to execute the Ax-2 mission and future missions out of the Axiom Space Headquarters in Houston. The new capability enables MCC-A to connect and communicate via voice and video through NASA’s MCC-H connection to support ISS on-orbit operations. Axiom Space will continue to add services and capabilities as progress is made toward the launch and operation of Axiom Station’s first module.
Throughout the Ax-2 mission, MCC-A will be staffed with knowledgeable Axiom Space specialists who will communicate with the crew via voice and video capabilities. The room is led by an Axiom Operations Lead, also called an AXOL, and around the room are positions for officers responsible for research, communications, medical, integration, and stowage and timeline operations.
This is a significant step in Axiom Space’s journey toward building the world’s first commercial space station and expanding access to low-Earth orbit. Through this facility, Axiom Space is enabling its customers and the global community to have a front row seat to the work being done on station.
In January 2022, MCC-A conducted its first-ever, on-orbit operation on the ISS, supporting the SQuARES payload’s scientific research. SQuARES, the Sampling Quadrangle Assemblages Research Experiment, treats the ISS as an archaeological site and documents how items located around the station change over time. In June 2022, MCC-A supported the Ax-1 mission by engaging crew outreach and ensuring that research and scientific work with the payloads were accomplished.
The next MCC-A milestone will include expanded services and capabilities for Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3).