Voyager Space, a global leader in space exploration, and Airbus Defence and Space, the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, are paving the way for a transatlantic joint venture to develop, build, and operate Starlab, a commercial space station planned to succeed the International Space Station.
Introducing Starlab
In a landmark move that promises to reshape the landscape of space exploration, Voyager Space and Airbus Defence and Space have come together to announce a transatlantic joint venture aimed at developing, constructing, and operating Starlab, a next-generation commercial space station poised to succeed the iconic International Space Station (ISS).
This exciting collaboration brings together the expertise of two prominent leaders in the space industry, uniting American and European interests in a mutual pursuit of expanding the boundaries of space exploration.
Pioneering a New Era
“Charting the course for the future of space stations with Airbus is a momentous endeavor,” asserts Matthew Kuta, the President of Voyager Space. He highlights the unparalleled success of the International Space Station as a symbol of global cooperation in the realm of space exploration and expresses the joint commitment to build upon this legacy through the development of Starlab.
This partnership aims not only to cater to the existing demand from various global space agencies but also to unlock fresh opportunities for commercial utilization of space resources.
A Strategic Foundation
Voyager Space secured a significant milestone with a $160 million Space Act Agreement (SAA) granted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in December 2021, facilitated by Nanoracks, a part of Voyager’s exploration division.
This Space Act Agreement forms the bedrock for the creation of Starlab, a revolutionary free-flying space station designed to serve the needs of NASA, as well as an international clientele of space agencies and researchers.
Central to the mission is the commitment to perpetuate human presence and maintain American dominance in the low Earth orbit (LEO) region.
Elevating Innovation
The collaboration between Voyager and Airbus gained further momentum in January 2023 when Voyager selected Airbus to provide invaluable technical design support and expertise for Starlab.
Jean-Marc Nasr, the Head of Space Systems at Airbus, underscores Airbus’s history of innovation and achievements, emphasizing the company’s penchant for partnering with entities that aspire to reshape history.
This transatlantic venture not only aligns the interests of both Voyager and Airbus but also stands as a testament to the united efforts of Europe and the United States in propelling humanity’s journey into space.
Global Reach and Collaboration
Beyond its presence in the United States, Starlab will also encompass a European subsidiary joint venture, directly catering to the European Space Agency (ESA) and its member state space agencies. This strategic move aims to foster cross-continental collaboration, bringing together the strengths and expertise of European and American space agencies under a shared vision of advancing space exploration.
Milestones of Progress
The recent achievement of the Systems Requirements Review (SRR) is a significant milestone in Starlab’s developmental journey. The SRR establishes the foundation for the major space systems, ensuring technical readiness, and validating the station’s capability to fulfill NASA’s mission and safety criteria.
This crucial review process, completed in June 2023 in collaboration with NASA’s Commercial LEO Development Program team, underscores the commitment of Voyager and Airbus to adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety.
Forging Ahead
Matthew Kuta reflects on the monumental progress achieved, stating, “Today signifies a major stride toward the future of commercial space destinations.”
He expresses pride in NASA’s trust in their partnership, which not only entails building a worthy successor to the ISS but also extends Starlab’s influence to an array of global space agencies.
The unwavering dedication of the teams involved, united by a common mission and driven by a shared vision, showcases their commitment to redefining the future of space exploration.
About Voyager Space
Voyager Space is dedicated to building a better future for humanity in space and on Earth. With over 35 years of spaceflight heritage and over 2,000 successful missions, Voyager is powering the commercial space revolution.
Voyager delivers exploration, technology, and defense solutions to a global customer base that includes civil and national security agencies, commercial companies, academic and research institutions, and more.