- Axiom Space is expanding its European footprint with a new Switzerland-based subsidiary
- The company selected Lucerne for its strong research ecosystem and international connectivity
- The new entity will deepen engagement with European governments, industry and academic institutions
Axiom Space has established Axiom Space Switzerland, a wholly owned subsidiary headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland, to help strengthen its collaboration with the European Space Agency, ESA member nations, and the region’s research and industrial sectors. The commercial human spaceflight services provider said Tuesday the new subsidiary is expected to start operating in summer 2026.
The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30 will bring together U.S. Air Force, Space Force and industry leaders to discuss emerging technologies, modernization priorities and the future of air and space operations. Register now.
Why Did Axiom Space Select Switzerland?
After discussions with cantonal and federal authorities, Axiom Space moved forward with establishing Axiom Space Switzerland. The company cited the nation’s neutrality, role in international scientific collaboration and location within a major European innovation corridor as factors that influenced its decision.
Axiom Space added that Lucerne was chosen for its political stability, international accessibility, proximity to research and engineering institutions, and access to a thriving advanced technology ecosystem.
What Will Axiom Space Switzerland Do?
The subsidiary will support Axiom Space’s long-term engagement with European governments, industry partners, academic institutions, and emerging space and deep-technology sectors, with a focus on advanced microgravity research, in-space manufacturing, orbital computing technologies and collaborative development initiatives with universities and research organizations across the region.
Axiom Space CEO and President Jonathan Cirtain said the new entity will help support the development and deployment of infrastructure intended to succeed the International Space Station.
“Europe is a founding leader in the creation of the commercial space economy, and Switzerland is uniquely positioned to convene the government agencies, research institutions, and industrial entities that will shape its next decade,” said Cirtain.
How Does the Switzerland Expansion Fit Into Axiom Space’s Global Strategy?
The new subsidiary builds on Axiom Space’s broader international growth strategy. The company announced in May that it would establish Axiom Space Japan to expand its operational presence across the Asia-Pacific region. Axiom has also pursued partnerships worldwide, including an agreement with the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency to expand collaboration with Slovakia’s space sector, a memorandum of understanding with India’s Skyroot Aerospace to explore collaboration in space exploration and low-Earth orbit access, and an agreement with the Egyptian Space Agency focused on space exploration and utilization.
