Starlab Space Expands Internationally
In a significant step towards bolstering international partnerships for its commercial space station, Starlab Space LLC has inaugurated its first overseas subsidiary, Starlab Space GmbH, located in Bremen, Germany. This initiative aims to enhance Starlab's capabilities and demonstrates its commitment to fostering collaboration on a global scale.
According to Tim Kopra, CEO of Starlab, the successful and sustainable operation of a commercial space station depends on international partnerships. He noted, "A presence beyond U.S. borders is crucial as we aim to launch Starlab Space Europe, a regional hub that will promote industrial efficiency and broaden partnerships with allied space agencies, including the European Space Agency and its member countries. Most importantly, the combination of American and European presences paves the way for life beyond the ISS, enabling a permanent global crew in low Earth orbit that conducts research with the potential to transform humanity as a whole."
Starlab Space is a U.S.-led joint venture that seeks to recreate the global partnership network that was fundamental to the success of the International Space Station (ISS), though now through leading international industrial partners. Current collaborators include Voyager Space, Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, and MDA Space, with strategic partnerships encompassing names like Palantir Technologies, Hilton, Northrop Grumman, and The Ohio State University.
The newly established European branch in Bremen is a joint venture between Starlab Space and Airbus Defence and Space. Mikey Asad, a representative from the organization, stated that Starlab Space Europe is well-positioned to leverage Airbus's cutting-edge space infrastructure and experienced workforce, particularly given their ongoing support for the ISS's Columbus module and NASA's Orion spacecraft European service module.
By setting up base in Airbus’s Bremen location, Starlab benefits from proximity to a leading workforce in aerospace. Airbus has appointed Manfred Jaumann as the managing director of Starlab Space Europe. Jaumann brings over 33 years of experience from Airbus Defence and Space, where he has held various leadership positions overseeing low and suborbital programs, among other responsibilities.
About Starlab
Starlab Space is a global joint venture headquartered in the U.S., combining efforts from Voyager Space, Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, and MDA Space, with additional strategic partners including Palantir Technologies, The Ohio State University, Hilton, and more. The company is focused on developing a next-generation commercial space station equipped with artificial intelligence, ensuring a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit while facilitating a smooth transition for microgravity science and research as the ISS is phased out. For further information, visit
www.starlab-space.com.
Conclusion
The establishment of Starlab Space GmbH in Bremen marks a pivotal effort in strengthening international cooperation in the realm of space exploration. This new subsidiary will play an essential role in driving forward research in microgravity and supporting a sustainable future for human life in orbit.