Doha: The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has revealed its participation in a significant funding round for Axiom Space, a key player in the field of commercial human space exploration.

According to Qatar News Agency, the funding round successfully raised $350 million, primarily led by QIA alongside TypeOne Ventures. The round also saw contributions from 4iG, LuminArx Capital Management, Axiom Space founder and Executive Chairman Kam Ghaffarian, among other investors. Axiom Space is recognized for its pioneering efforts in the commercial space sector, focusing on developing infrastructure and technologies essential for human spaceflight, microgravity research, space manufacturing, and orbital data computing.

The investment is aimed at advancing Axiom Space's mission to develop the Axiom Station, intended to succeed the International Space Station. This initiative also involves the development of next-generation spacesuits for NASA's Artemis III mission, marking the United States' return to lunar exploration after more than half a century.

The funding, combining both equity and debt, will facilitate the completion of the Axiom Station and the production of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), as part of Axiom Space's contract with NASA for spacesuit manufacturing.

QIA's strategic investment underscores its commitment to aligning with innovative companies in emerging sectors, enabling technological progress and fostering long-term, sustainable growth.