Starlab Space Company (a joint venture between Voyager Space and Airbus) is actively developing the Starlab commercial space station project of the same name, which should become a key replacement for the International Space Station (ISS) after its decommissioning in 2030 year.
The project is being developed with the financial support of NASA as part of the program for the development of commercial infrastructure in low Earth orbit (CLD).
Main features and characteristics of the station:
Unique architecture: Unlike the ISS, which was assembled from dozens of small modules, Starlab will have one large all-metal housing and laboratory module made of stainless steel with a diameter of over 8 meters. In terms of internal volume, it will be about half of the entire ISS.
Launch in one flight: The station is planned to be launched into orbit in a fully assembled and ready-to-operate state in one single launch.
Rocket: For the launch, Starlab Space entered into a contract with SpaceX – місію виконає надважка багаторазова ракетна система Starship.
Екіпаж та дослідження: Станція буде розрахована на постійне перебування екіпажу з 4 astronauts. Основний фокус роботи – conducting advanced scientific experiments in microgravity conditions, biotechnology and space tourism.
Global partnership: Besides Airbus, European MDA Space is involved in the project (creation of robotics), Hilton (design of living areas for the crew) та Mitsubishi Corporation (strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific region).
The Starlab station is positioned as a continuous science and business hub in orbit. Thanks to the participation of ESA (European Space Agency) and Japanese partners, it will provide institutional astronauts from around the world with a smooth transition to commercial flights after the end of the ISS era.
Source: https://www.satnow.com