Private companies like Axiom Space are planning to build commercial space stations in low Earth orbit (LEO) to replace the International Space Station (ISS). These new stations aim to provide opportunities for research, manufacturing, and tourism in space. They will utilize the infrastructure and knowledge gained from the ISS, working towards a future of private rockets flying to private destinations. Manufacturing in microgravity can yield more consistent material properties and structures, making LEO an ideal environment for certain industries. Axiom Space plans to launch their own orbital facility by assembling it piece by piece on the ISS. This approach provides a risk reduction and allows them to leverage the existing user base and standards set by NASA. The ultimate goal is to have fully self-sustaining commercial space stations in LEO.
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