Starlab Space presented a full-scale mockup of its commercial space station at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 in Sydney, Australia, offering a detailed look at its innovative design and capabilities for future space exploration. The mockup showcased a thoughtfully designed interior with ample living space, adaptable racks for scientific payloads, and an external robotic arm provided by Canadian partner MDA Space, crucial for station operations and external experiment management. The station is designed to accommodate up to four astronauts and conduct over 400 experiments annually.
The station's interior is arranged across three levels. The first level is dedicated to essential crew support systems, including life support, sanitation, and exercise equipment. The second level is a substantial research area, offering a volume equivalent to 130 middeck lockers for scientific endeavors. This research area provides a significant volume for scientific endeavors. The third level is reserved for private crew quarters, featuring observation windows with views of Earth.
Starlab Space operates as a U.S.-led global joint venture, uniting partners such as Voyager Technologies, Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, MDA Space, Palantir Technologies, and Space Applications Services. Space Applications Services recently joined as a partner and investor, bringing expertise in space operations and avionics. Saber Astronautics will serve as a channel and implementation partner, focusing on business development and customer engagement.
Vivace Corp. has been selected to construct the station's primary aluminum-based structure, with manufacturing commencing in New Orleans and further development and testing at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility. The aluminum structure is designed to be one of the largest single-piece space structures for launch. Starlab CEO Marshall Smith emphasized the significance of this manufacturing milestone for realizing a commercial space ecosystem that will succeed the ISS.
The Starlab space station is designed for a 30-year operational lifespan, aiming for a sustained human presence in low-Earth orbit. Its inaugural launch is slated for 2029, utilizing a SpaceX Starship launch vehicle. The Starlab program has received over $217.5 million in funding from NASA's Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program. The development of commercial space stations like Starlab is anticipated to drive new avenues for scientific discovery and economic activity in orbit, contributing to a projected multi-trillion-dollar space economy.