Texas firm building space station module for the stars

Space Entertainment Enterprise, the U.K. company in production on a Tom Cruise movie planned to be filmed in space, is working with Texas-based Axiom Space to build an inflatable space station module.

This module, called

SEE-1, will be an “entertainment arena and content studios” for creating films, TV, music and sporting events in microgravity. It’ll be roughly 20 feet in diameter.

“From Jules Verne to ‘Star Trek,’ science fiction entertainment has inspired millions of people around the world to dream about what the future might bring,” Richard Johnston, chief operating officer of Space Entertainment Enterprise, said in a news release. “Creating a next-generation entertainment venue in space opens countless doors to create incredible new content and make these dreams a reality.”

Axiom Space is building the SEE-1 module, which is scheduled to launch in 2024 and attach to Axiom Station, a commercial space station that the Houston

company is developing.

Axiom Station will start its life connected to the International Space Station. Axiom will launch its first space station segment in 2024, attach the SEE-1 module and then continue adding Axiom modules to expand its crew housing, research and manufacturing capabilities.

As the International Space Station approaches retirement, Axiom Station will detach and become its own free-flying station.

Adding an entertainment venue will expand the station’s utility and “highlight the range of opportunities the new space economy offers,” Axiom Space CEO Michael Suffredini said in the news release.

Space Entertainment Enterprise was formed to own and operate the SEE-1 module. It’s principally owned by Elena and Dmitry Lesnevsky, media entrepreneurs and film producers who are working with Cruise to film a movie on the International Space Station.

The company has an upcoming fundraising round planned and is in discussions with investors and commercial partners. Media professionals and New York City-based investment bank GH Partners are among the company’s partners, consultants and advisers.