Starlab (space station)

Starlab is from partners Airbus and Voyager Space Holdings. is one of a number of private orbital space stations being developed as outposts for research and commercial purposes.

History

2024: SpaceX wins contract to launch space station with Starship rocket

In January 2024 Starship SpaceX , the company won a contract to launch a commercial space station, partially built by a European company, Airbus in a new deal for an undisclosed amount. The company's Starship rocket Elona Musk will be used for flights to and. Moon Mars

2021: Creation of the first independent space station in the United States

In late October Nanoracks 2021, in collaboration with Voyager Space Lockheed Martin , they formed a team to develop the first ever free-flying commercial space station. The space station, called Starlab, will be a permanent crewed platform designed to conduct critical research, stimulate industrial activity, and provide continued presence and leadership in USA low Earth orbit. The station is expected to reach initial operational capacity by 2027.

In order to meet the space needs of the U.S. government, international space agencies, and commercial organizations, industry leaders will develop the Starlab Space Station, specifically for a growing space economy and meeting growing customer demand for space services such as materials research, plant cultivation, and astronaut activities. Together, these companies have unprecedented expertise in commercial space use, engineering design and productivity, technological innovation, and investment strategy.

US companies create first independent space station

Nanoracks will lead the development of Starlab, using more than a decade of experience as a pioneer and global leader in commercial use of the ISS. Voyager Space, a major shareholder in Nanoracks, will lead the strategy and capital investment, while Lockheed Martin, a leader in the development and operation of complex spacecraft, will act as a manufacturer and technical integrator. Nanoracks' Starlab business model is designed to provide science, research and manufacturing for global customers, as well as bring added value for long-lasting sovereign astronaut missions. The station will also serve tourism and other commercial and business activities.

Major elements of the Starlab Space Station include a large inflatable habitat designed and built by Lockheed Martin, a metal docking assembly, power and propulsion elements, a large robotic arm for cargo and payload servicing, and a state-of-the-art laboratory system for comprehensive research, science, and manufacturing. The station is also equipped with a 60 kW power and motor element. The space station will be able to constantly receive up to four astronauts for the most important scientific research. For their life and work, a room of 340 cubic meters is provided.^[1]

Notes