Rice University has joined Axiom Space’s University Alliance, comprising 26 institutes from four continents and 12 nations working as an international network dedicated to advancing microgravity research, technology development and commercial innovation in low-Earth orbit.
“We’re excited to bring our expertise to this global alliance and to benefit from the deep expertise of our partners,” said David Alexander, professor of physics and astronomy and director of the Rice Space Institute. “Space is truly a collaborative and global endeavor. Alliances like these are key to progress.”
Axiom Space is building the world’s first commercial space station, Axiom Station. The University Alliance is focused on supporting and advancing space science during the transition from government-led to commercially owned and operated space stations. Within the alliance, institutions contribute to the research community by identifying future research priorities, participating in international collaborative scientific initiatives and strengthening national strategic positioning in emerging commercial orbital research activities.
“Through the University Alliance, Axiom Space is uniting the international research community driven to enable human progress,” said Lucie Low, Axiom Space chief science officer. “Together, alliance members are taking the initiative to ensure microgravity research benefits everyone on Earth and our shared goals fulfill a scientific purpose to advance civilization.”
This collaboration will build on Rice’s rich history in space exploration, starting with a 1959 research collaboration with a newly established NASA. Since then, the university has maintained a leadership role in advancing space science and technology with initiatives such as the Rice Space Institute and partnerships with other leading space organizations, including recently being selected to lead the U.S. Space Force Strategic Institute 4.