Redwire Secured Contract for Axiom Space Solar Arrays

The aerospace firm will provide two solar-array wings for the second Axiom Station module.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Space

Flexible solar array wings attached to a space station module floating in orbit above the blue curve of Earth.
Redwire will manufacture two additional solar-array wings for the second Axiom Station module, expanding power capacity for the commercial orbital facility. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is now a good time to invest in companies building private space station infrastructure?

Redwire has been contracted to build two additional solar-array wings for the second module of the planned Axiom Station. This development follows a period of stock fluctuation for the aerospace manufacturer.

Why it matters

Axiom Space requires high-capacity, lightweight power systems to support the operations of its upcoming commercial space station. Redwire’s specialized solar technology remains central to powering the station’s modules in orbit.

Redwire leverages proprietary Roll-Out Solar Array technology, which utilizes lightweight, expandable materials to maximize surface area. The firm has successfully delivered or initiated development on 65 solar arrays to date.

The players

Redwire

Redwire is an aerospace manufacturer that specializes in space infrastructure and solar technology.

Axiom Space

Axiom Space is a private company developing a commercial space station intended to succeed the International Space Station.

U.S. Space Systems Command

U.S. Space Systems Command is a branch of the U.S. Space Force responsible for developing and acquiring space capabilities.

The details

Redwire is already constructing solar systems for the first Axiom Station module, which is slated for assembly in Turin and integration in Houston. These arrays are essential for providing power to the station, which is designed to eventually orbit in low-Earth space.

Timeline

  1. September 2026: Redwire was awarded a $980 million contract by U.S. Space Systems Command.

  2. Monday, October 5, 2026: Redwire stock increased by more than 1% during premarket trading.

  3. 2028: Axiom Space plans to launch the first module of the Axiom Station.

The Big Picture

The transition to commercial modules marks a departure from reliance on government-run platforms like the International Space Station. This project validates the shift toward private infrastructure supporting long-term orbital missions.

Advancements in lightweight, roll-out solar technology could lead to more efficient and scalable power systems for future consumer and industrial space satellites. This innovation helps lower the cost and weight constraints previously associated with deploying large-scale energy arrays in orbit.

The takeaway

The move reinforces the trend of space companies outsourcing critical infrastructure to specialized vendors to meet aggressive launch timelines. Investors are closely watching how these commercial partnerships scale as the 2028 launch date approaches.

What happens next

Axiom Space plans to launch its first station module in 2028, with the second module expected to follow within one year of the initial deployment.

Further reading

For more information on the evolving commercial orbital landscape, visit our Space section.

Live Poll

Is now a good time to invest in companies building private space station infrastructure?