Latest news with #TejpaulBhatia
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Axiom Space prepares for its fourth mission to the ISS
Axiom Space plans to launch its fourth mission on Tuesday, June 10 — a mission that CEO Tejpaul Bhatia described as 'a little bit of a victory lap.' In addition to being the private space company's fourth mission to the International Space Station, Bhatia said Ax-4 will be Axiom Space's second 'fully national mission' where all the customers are national governments. In fact, the company has also dubbed this mission as one that will 'realize the return' to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, who will each have an astronaut on the flight. In addition, Bhatia said this will be the company's first 'break even mission' after losing money on the first three. He emphasized that these ISS missions are 'not our business model' — the company plans to add commercial modules to the ISS that eventually detach and become the free-flying Axiom Station. At the same time, Bhatia said these initial missions bring in revenue and help illustrate the demand for commercial space flight. Plus, they create inspirational 'Apollo moments' for each of the client countries. 'It shows how space is opening up because of commercial companies,' he said. 'For all three countries, this will be their second astronaut ever. And it shows the switch from Space Race 1.0 to Space Race 2.0.' Thus far, Axiom Space's missions have used SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to bring astronauts to the ISS. The company's role, Bhatia said, is to serve as a 'marketplace integrator and broker' that can pull these missions together. As the commercial space industry expands, he predicted that there will be enormous opportunities in continuing to serve as the 'managed marketplace' for space, because 'no one can do this alone.' 'To become multi-planetary, that's not something where one country has all the capabilities,' he added. The prospects for commercial space travel have looked less certain in the past few days, after acrimony between President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk led Trump to declare he was canceling government contracts with Musk's companies and Musk to respond that he was decommissioning the Dragon spacecraft. (He later seemed to back down.) Axiom Space declined to comment on how the Trump-Musk feud might affect the industry, but when Bhatia and I spoke in late May, I asked him a related question about the political landscape — namely, whether potential budget cuts at NASA and more broadly across scientific research threatened the optimistic vision that he was presenting. 'It's not that government investment will open space, ' Bhatia said. 'They've already done it. [Now] it's the entrepreneurs who will use the commercial platforms to build the bridge to the next stage.' The CEO is actually relatively new to his current role. When we spoke, Bhatia told me it was only his fourth week on the job after replacing the company's co-founder Dr. Kam Ghaffarian as chief executive. (Ghaffarian continues to serve as the company's executive chairman.) But Bhatia — who was previously an executive at Google Cloud — had already spent four years as the company's chief revenue officer. While his career wasn't particularly space-focused before joining Axiom Space, he said that since he was younger, 'when I was daydreaming, it was always about space.' And like any good space company CEO, Bhatia has hopes of eventually traveling to the final frontier himself. 'I would love to go,' he told me. 'I have no doubt that we will all go.'
TechCrunch
9 hours ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Axiom Space prepares for its fourth private space mission
Axiom Space plans to launch its fourth mission on Tuesday, June 10 — a mission that CEO Tejpaul Bhatia described as 'a little bit of a victory lap.' In addition to being the private space company's fourth mission to the International Space Station, Bhatia said Ax-4 will be Axiom Space's second 'fully national mission' where all the customers are national governments. In fact, the company has also dubbed this mission as one that will 'realize the return' to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, who will each have an astronaut on the flight. In addition, Bhatia said this will be the company's first 'break even mission' after losing money on the first three. he emphasized that these ISS missions are 'not our business model' — the company plans to add commercial modules to the ISS that eventually detach and become the free-flying Axiom Station. At the same time, Bhatia said these initial missions bring in revenue and help illustrate the demand for commercial space flight. Plus, they create inspirational 'Apollo moments' for each of the client countries. 'It shows how space is opening up because of commercial companies,' he said. 'For all three countries, this will be their second astronaut ever. And it shows the switch from Space Race 1.0 to Space Race 2.0.' Thus far, Axiom Space's missions have used SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to bring astronauts to the ISS. The company's role, Bhatia said, is to serve as a 'marketplace integrator and broker' that can pull these missions together. As the commercial space industry expands, he predicted that there will be enormous opportunities in continuing to serve as the 'managed marketplace' for space, because 'no one can do this alone.' 'To become multi-planetary, that's not something where one country has all the capabilities,' he added. Techcrunch event Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW The prospects for commercial space travel have looked less certain in the past few days, after acrimony between President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk led Trump to declare he was canceling contracts with Musk's companies and Musk to say he was decommissioning the Dragon spacecraft. (He later seemed to back down.) Axiom Space declined to comment on how the Trump-Musk feud might affect the industry, but when Bhatia and I spoke in late May, I asked him a related question about the political landscape — namely, whether potential budget cuts at NASA and more broadly across scientific research threatened the optimistic vision that he was presenting. 'It's not that government investment will open space, ' Bhatia said. 'They've already done it. [Now] it's the entrepreneurs who will use the commercial platforms to build the bridge to the next stage.' The CEO is actually relatively new to his current role. When we spoke, Bhatia told me it was only his fourth week on the job after replacing the company's co-founder Dr. Kam Ghaffarian as chief executive. (Ghaffarian continues to serve as the company's executive chairman.) But Bhatia — who was previously an executive at Google Cloud — had already spent four years as the company's chief revenue officer. While his career hadn't been particularly space-focused before joining Axiom Space, he said that since he was younger, 'when I was daydreaming, it was always about space.' And like any good space company CEO, Bhatia has hopes of eventually traveling to the final frontier himself. 'I would love to go,' he told me. 'I have no doubt that we will all go.'
Broadcast Pro
26-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Axiom Space and Egyptian Space Agency partner to boost space exploration
The MoU outlines collaboration in key areas such as microgravity research, Earth observation and advanced space technologies. Axiom Space and the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration in the exploration and utilisation of space. The partnership aims to establish a framework for joint initiatives, including research activities and support for human spaceflight efforts. Commenting on the agreement, Professor Dr Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, said: 'This MoU reflects a shared commitment to advancing space technology and scientific research while enhancing the institutional capabilities of both parties. It lays the foundation for pioneering scientific collaboration and exploring space manufacturing opportunitiesreinforcing Egypt's emergence as a rising force in the global space community.' The MoU signifies a shared commitment to advancing space technology and scientific research while enhancing the capabilities of both organisations. It serves as a foundation from which to build upon groundbreaking research and explore in-space manufacturing opportunities, further solidifying Egypt's emerging role in the global space community. Tejpaul Bhatia, CEO of Axiom Space, stated: 'Egypt has recently made remarkable progress toward becoming a spacefaring nation and a regional hub for space diplomacy, hosting the headquarters of the newly established African Space Agency. At Axiom Space, we are proud to collaborate with EgSA to support the development of a space ecosystem in Egypt and across the region, combining Axiom Spaces pioneering expertise in developing space infrastructure with innovative technologies, and human spaceflight services.' The cooperation will encompass various areas, including microgravity research, technology development, Earth observation applications, and capacity building. This partnership aims to create mutually beneficial efforts that will enhance the capabilities of the space sector in Egypt and the broader region. US Ambassador to Egypt Herro Mustafa Garg, highlighted the historic agreement and commented: 'Congratulations to American company Axiom Space and the Egyptian Space Agency on the signing of their MoU to cooperate on training, research, and development efforts that align with our shared vision for space exploration and activities that will benefit Egypt, the United States, and the world.' Through this MoU, both organisations look to facilitate the exchange of scientists and engineers, promoting knowledge transfer and fostering innovation in the space industry. The collaboration is expected to pave the way for significant advancements in space exploration, technology development, and international cooperation.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Who is Tejpaul Bhatia? Indian-origin executive takes over as Axiom Space CEO ahead of historic Indian astronaut mission
Indian-origin executive Tejpaul Bhatia (In middle) In a major leadership change just weeks prior to an Indian astronaut launching on a historic mission, Axiom Space announced Indian-origin executive Tejpaul Bhatia as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bhatia, formerly the Chief Revenue Officer of the Houston-headquartered firm, joins at a time of great importance. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, chosen by the Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) and NASA, will fly to the International Space Station next month on Axiom's Ax-4 mission , a collaboration that sees India enter a new era for human spaceflight. Under pressure from previous private astronaut missions to the bottom line, Axiom is working against the clock to make good on its ambitious vow: Replacing the International Space Station (ISS) with a commercial one by 2030. The switch is at a pivotal moment for the space economy , and Axiom is leading the charge. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade gold CFDs with a trusted broker | Open an account today IC Markets Learn More Undo 'I've been inspired by space exploration since childhood, and leading Axiom Space at this critical inflection point in human spaceflight is the realization of a lifelong ambition,' said Bhatia in a statement. "We are accelerating our investment in next-generation technologies — spacesuits, orbital infrastructure, and microgravity research — and we're actively seeking passionate, visionary engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs to build humanity's future in space." Bhatia's record at Axiom is impressive. The firm in its official website mentioned that since joining in 2021, he has brought in more than $1 billion in contracts, arranged the first sovereign government buys of private astronaut missions, and spearheaded collaborations such as the one with Prada to develop next-generation spacesuits for Nasa's Artemis III lunar mission. Prior to his stint at Axiom, Bhatia was a startup entrepreneur, an ESPN executive, and a strategic leader at Google Cloud. Axiom co-founder and former interim CEO Kam Ghaffarian welcomed Bhatia's appointment. 'Tej has been instrumental in turning Axiom's vision into reality. His entrepreneurial drive and commitment to our mission will ensure Axiom's leadership as the space economy accelerates.'
NDTV
27-04-2025
- Business
- NDTV
India's Astronaut Dream Takes Flight: Axiom Space Appoints Indian-Origin CEO
Tejpaul Bhatia, whose parents immigrated from India to New York in 1970, is a former Google executive. American space service provider Axiom Space has appointed Indian-origin Tejpaul Bhatia as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), days before Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to travel to the International Space Station as part of an Axiom-4 mission. The Houston-based company has been contracted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA to fly Group Captain Shukla to the space station next month. Advertisement - Scroll to continue Mr Bhatia, whose parents immigrated from India to New York in 1970, is a former Google executive and a Columbia University graduate. "The opportunity to work with India on the Axiom-4 mission and its future space ambitions is a dream come true, spanning multiple generations and continents. It is the ultimate honour and responsibility to represent our ancestors and our future generations around the world," he told NDTV. In an official statement, he said that space exploration has inspired him since childhood. "Leading Axiom Space at this critical inflection point in human spaceflight is the realisation of a lifelong ambition. We are accelerating our investment in next-generation technologies - spacesuits, orbital infrastructure, and microgravity research and manufacturing - and we're actively seeking passionate, visionary engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs who want to help build humanity's future in space," Mr Bhatia, who first worked as Axiom Space's Chief Revenue Officer for four years, said. It was Mr Bhatia who suggested that the company could help an Indian to fly to space. "I have almost made it a challenge that if someone tells me something, it's impossible, I will do it just to prove that it's possible, because the reason for doing the impossible is you set the bar for what is possible," he said. "For example, when it was [about] doing the deal with India, people said that's impossible, they're never going to fly, and I was like, I'll just go knock on the door of the embassy. And it's like, you can't do that. And I wasn't going to just knock on the door of the embassy because they told me I couldn't. I actually just showed up and knocked on the door of the embassy," he said. The joint mission got a formal mention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the White House in 2024. Mr Bhatia said he first heard the calling to work in the space industry when he was three years old and his family visited the Kennedy Space Center. In the 1990s, he studied computer science at Columbia University with a focus on streaming video. He then worked for ESPN to help launch their first HD streaming of sports online, an innovation that would form the foundation for modern-day streaming services. He then went on to become the founder and CEO of three of his own companies - Explain Everything, Chatwala, and Kaptur. He was introduced to Axiom Space for the first time while working for Citi Ventures, Citibank's venture capital arm. He left Citi Ventures for Google and joined Axiom four years later. Under Mr Bhatia's leadership, Axiom Space will accelerate delivery of the world's first commercial, human-rated space station, leveraging its exclusive authorisation to connect its first module to the International Space Station in 2027. The Axiom-4 Mission The crew, which includes members from India, the US, Hungary, and Poland, is currently preparing for the flight on the SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket and SpaceX Crew Dragon from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Axiom-4 Mission Crew | From left: Shubhanshu Shukla, Peggy Whitson (US), , Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary) Axiom said the mission will "realise the return" to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, with each nation's first government-sponsored flight in more than 40 years. While Ax-4 marks these countries' second human spaceflight mission in history, it will be the first time all three nations will execute a mission on board the International Space Station. On this fully commercial mission, India is paying all the costs for the training and the flight to the ISS. The estimated costs are between $60 and $70 million for the one-off single seat on this private space mission. India has chosen Group Captain Shukla as the primary astronaut and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as his backup for the nearly fortnight-long mission. The partnership between Axiom Space and NASA provided the astronauts with comprehensive instruction and guidance for their mission, leveraging the expertise and resources of both organisations. Sign up to read this article FREE! Exclusive Stories: Dive into content reserved just for members. Fewer Ads: A cleaner, more enjoyable reading experience. Enhanced Interface: Tailored just for you. Join Now – It's Free!
