Getting to infinity and beyond: Private Space Exploration

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor • July 20, 2025

After sending four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), private space company Axiom Space is researching ways to construct their own space station after the decommissioning of the ISS in 2030.

Axiom’s mission is part of a broader effort by both NASA and the private sector to provide more resources to private entities to pioneer space research in the future, but how have these companies gained so much power and what are they doing with it?

The Prospector sits down with Assistant Engineering Professor and former European Space Agency researcher Dejana Cucak, as well as two former NASA interns, to learn about the direction the space industry is headed.

Reporter: Sebastian Perez-Navarro

Editor: Sebastian Perez-Navarro

Thumbnail: Kahri Reyes

About the Contributor

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Multimedia Editor

Sebastian Perez-Navarro is a sophomore majoring in communication studies. He Hosts UTEP’s student led Prospector Podcast, is a Play-By-Play broadcaster who has transmitted for ESPN+/Minervision in Softball and has called Football and Basketball games for 600 ESPN El Paso. Sebastian is a proud member of the UTEP Speech and Debate Team. There, he competes in extemporaneous, impromptu, platform and argumentative settings. He is currently serving as Vice President for the University’s National Association of Hispanic Journalists Chapter.