Meet Tejpaul Bhatia: Indian-origin executive steps in as Axiom Space CEO ahead of Indian astronaut’s ISS mission

Tejpaul Bhatia Steps In as Axiom Space CEO (Image: Axion)

Just weeks before an Indian astronaut heads into space, Axiom Space has appointed Tejpaul Bhatia as its new CEO. His promotion comes at a crucial time for both the company and India’s space journey.

A personal mission and a bold new chapter
For Bhatia, the stars were never too far. As a child, space fascinated him. Now, he leads one of the most ambitious space firms. Axiom, based in Houston, made the announcement as it prepares for the Ax-4 mission. The flight will send Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station.

Shukla was selected by ISRO and NASA. His mission will begin next month. It marks India’s entry into human spaceflight through private partnership. The collaboration is part of a broader push to make space more accessible. Axiom sees this as a turning point in space exploration.

Today, we are excited to announce Tejpaul Bhatia as the new CEO of Axiom Space. Tej has been a driving force as our Chief Revenue Officer for the past four years, with accomplishments including securing over $1 billion in contracts and facilitating the industrys first-ever pic.twitter.com/eeTEVxPl0S
Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) April 25, 2025

Axiom’s ambitious goals for a commercial space future
Axiom is racing to replace the ageing ISS by 2030. The firm aims to build and operate a fully commercial space station. It has faced pressure from previous private astronaut missions. But Bhatia says the focus is on moving faster and thinking bigger.

"We’re investing in next-gen suits, space labs and tech,” Bhatia said. He invited engineers, technologists, and dreamers to join the cause. The firm is also developing spacesuits for NASA’s Artemis III moon mission with Prada.

Bhatia has been key to Axiom’s recent success. Since joining in 2021, he’s helped bring in over $1 billion in deals. He led the company’s first government-backed private missions. His efforts helped Axiom stand out in a competitive market.

From startups to space, Bhatia brings fresh energy
Before Axiom, Bhatia wore many hats. He worked at ESPN and Google Cloud. He also ran his own startup. His experience has shaped his approach to leadership. Kam Ghaffarian, Axiom's co-founder and former interim CEO, said Bhatia brought real drive.

“Tej turned ideas into action,” Ghaffarian noted. “His energy and focus will shape the future of Axiom.”

As India gets ready to mark its presence in space, Bhatia’s leadership gives Axiom a timely boost. With dreams rooted in childhood and a billion-dollar track record, he steps into the role with purpose—and perfect timing.