NASA Reports Major Milestones in Development of Starlab Commercial Space Station
📷 Image source: nasa.gov
NASA has announced significant advancements in the development of Starlab, a privately operated commercial space station set to succeed the International Space Station (ISS). The agency highlighted key progress in design, partnerships, and technological readiness, marking a pivotal step toward establishing a sustainable low-Earth orbit (LEO) economy.
Led by Voyager Space and its subsidiary Nanoracks, Starlab is being developed under NASA's Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program. The project aims to provide a platform for scientific research, manufacturing, and tourism once the ISS is decommissioned after 2030. Recent milestones include the completion of critical design reviews and agreements with major aerospace contractors like Airbus and Lockheed Martin.
Additional reporting from SpaceNews reveals that Starlab’s modular design will feature a large inflatable habitat, enhancing its capacity for experiments and crew comfort. The station is expected to host four astronauts initially, with expansion capabilities as demand grows.
NASA’s support for Starlab underscores its strategy to transition LEO operations to commercial entities, fostering innovation while reducing taxpayer burdens. 'This progress demonstrates the viability of commercial space stations,' said a NASA spokesperson. 'We’re paving the way for a dynamic future in space.'
Industry analysts suggest Starlab could launch as early as 2028, positioning it as a frontrunner in the emerging private space station market. Competitors like Axiom Space and Blue Origin’s Orbital Reef are also vying for dominance, signaling a new era of space commercialization.
