Designers from the Las Vegas Sphere project to create Starlab space station prioritizing mental and physical well-being
In the ever-evolving landscape of space exploration, a new player is set to join the ranks of operational space stations. Starlab, a project by Voyager Space and Airbus, is scheduled for launch in 2029, marking a significant milestone in commercial space travel.
A Unique Design for a New Era
Starlab stands out from its contemporaries with its fully integrated design. Comprising a habitat and laboratory module, a service module for propulsion and power, a robotic arm, and multiple docking ports, the station is designed holistically for the crew's well-being in microgravity.
Brad Henderson, Starlab's chief commercial officer, emphasises the importance of a space station having a "sense of place". To this end, Journey, a global design agency, is working with Starlab to shape the interior of the station, while Hilton is contributing its expertise in comfort, wellness, and service to the project.
Launching into the Future
Unlike other private stations, such as Orbital Reef and Axiom Space's Axiom Station, Starlab will launch fully assembled on a single SpaceX Starship flight. This innovative approach is necessitated by the large single-module size of Starlab.
A Focus on Scientific Research
The goal for Starlab is to build a station where astronauts can carry out critical research while living in an environment that supports their well-being. To achieve this, Starlab will incorporate technology for autonomous operations to improve the crew experience. Furthermore, it is expected to match the International Space Station's (ISS) scientific capacity despite its smaller volume.
The Evolution of Space Stations
Other private stations, such as Orbital Reef and Vast Space's Haven stations, have different design approaches. Orbital Reef, a modular, multi-use "business park" station, is planned to support industries such as research, tourism, and in-space manufacturing. Vast Space's Haven stations start with smaller, single-module stations for short missions, expandable to larger stations with artificial gravity.
Meanwhile, China's Tiangong is another operational space station. The ISS, operational since 2000, is set to retire in 2030, paving the way for new stations like Starlab.
Competing for the Future of Space Travel
NASA is backing projects such as Starlab, Blue Origin's Orbital Reef, Axiom Space's Axiom Station, and Vast Space's Haven stations to maintain a US presence in low-Earth orbit. These new stations represent a shift towards faster deployment, commercial utility, and improved crew environments compared to the government-built ISS.
Palantir Technologies has been selected to handle Starlab's data and software systems, while Starlab's virtual models, known as "digital twins", are intended to track its performance, forecast maintenance work, and manage resources.
As we look towards the future, Starlab's ambitious project promises to redefine the boundaries of space travel and scientific research, setting a new standard for the next generation of space stations.
[1] Starlab: The New Space Station [2] Starlab: A New Era of Space Travel [3] Starlab: The Future of Space Stations [4] Starlab: A Space Station for the Future [5] Starlab: The Space Station of the Future
