Redwire Secured Contract for Axiom Station Solar Arrays
The manufacturer will supply hardware for the second commercial module as the station prepares for its 2028 debut.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Space
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Redwire has been contracted by Axiom Space to build two solar-array wings for the second commercial space station module. This order builds upon Redwire's existing work on the station's first module and contributes to their ongoing development of modular orbital power systems.
Why it matters
Axiom Space requires high-capacity, deployable power systems to support its planned commercial space station in low-Earth orbit. This contract bolsters Redwire's role in the station's infrastructure as the company scales its hardware production.
Redwire utilizes Roll-Out Solar Array wings, a technology designed to be lightweight and expandable compared to traditional rigid solar panels. The company has a total of 65 solar arrays either delivered or currently in active development.
The players
Redwire
A space infrastructure firm specializing in deployable solar arrays and orbital assembly technologies.
Axiom Space
A private spaceflight company developing a commercial modular station for low-Earth orbit.
The details
Redwire manufactures its Roll-Out Solar Array wings using materials optimized for low mass and high compactability for launch. Axiom Station modules follow a rigorous production sequence, undergoing final assembly in Turin, Italy, before being shipped to Houston for final system integration and testing.
Timeline
September 2026: Redwire received a $980 million contract from the U.S. Space Systems Command.
Monday, October 5, 2026: Redwire stock increased 1% during premarket trading.
2028: Axiom Space plans to launch the first station module.
The Tech Race
This order follows the development schedule for the Axiom Station, which aims to provide commercial orbital infrastructure. The move ensures Redwire remains a primary supplier for the station's power architecture as Axiom competes to establish the first private module in low-Earth orbit.
The production and integration of these arrays will impact the schedule for the Axiom Station launch in 2028. Following the order, Redwire's market performance saw a 1% increase in premarket trading on October 5, 2026, recovering slightly from a 6% decline observed in the previous week.
The takeaway
The contract signifies steady progress for the Axiom Station's power requirements as modules move toward assembly. Watch for the 2028 launch date as the critical milestone for verifying the station's integrated power capacity.
Further reading
For more on the development of orbital hardware, visit Space.
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