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Starlab Space LLC's Remarkable Achievement in Space Station Development

Starlab Space LLC has recently made significant strides in its mission to develop a commercial space station. The company marked a crucial milestone by successfully completing the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) in collaboration with NASA. This achievement is pivotal as it lays the foundation for large-scale production and a smooth transition of activities from the International Space Station (ISS) to commercial destinations.

The successful PDR and a rigorous Level 1 safety review indicate that the architectural framework, systems, and integration plans for the station are primed to move forward in the project toward certification for future NASA contracts and astronaut activities. This accomplishment positions Starlab uniquely for the subsequent stages of fine-tuning designs and hardware development, ultimately leading to a Critical Design Review that will confirm the station's readiness.

Tim Kopra, the CEO of Starlab, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “Our successful PDR is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our team. This achievement confirms that our space station design is technically robust and safe for astronaut crew operations. Now, in partnership with our collaborators, we will focus on the large-scale development of the station, including the manufacturing of critical hardware and the integration of software.”

Dylan Taylor, president and CEO of Voyager Technologies, the principal shareholder of the Starlab joint venture, also spoke about the progress, highlighting the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in low Earth orbit through investment and collaboration with key international partners. He stated, “We are prepared to advance crewed spaceflight, ensuring a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit and cultivating a thriving commercial space ecosystem.”

Future Goals of Starlab

Within the next year, Starlab aims to set up an integration systems laboratory that will serve as a hub for avionics, computing, sensors, and software testing. The company has outlined several goals, including:

• - Acquiring long-duration materials for critical subsystems.
• - Developing a high-fidelity mock-up to support astronaut training and systems testing, with full assembly planned at NASA’s Johnson Space Center this summer.
• - Advancing key life support technologies, including an advanced urine processor.
• - Continuing the mission of demonstrating optical linkage, which enhances future deep space communication capabilities.
• - Initiating the construction of engineering design units and experimental flight hardware.

In addition, the company is expanding its operations in Bremen, Germany, to support assembly, integration, and testing activities. Earlier this year, Starlab established a European subsidiary, Starlab Space GmbH, in Bremen to bolster its operational capabilities and reinforce its commitment to international partnerships.

Starlab has received substantial backing for its efforts, including $217.5 million from NASA under the Commercial LEO Destinations Phase 1 program, alongside $15 million from the Texas Space Commission. The company also enjoys robust support from joint venture partners in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Canada. These collaborative efforts with NASA, highlighted by the successful PDR completion, position Starlab to emerge as a leader in the forthcoming era of commercial space exploration, driving scientific discovery and technological advancements poised to transform humanity.

About Starlab

Starlab Space represents a global joint venture led by the United States, comprised of Voyager Technologies, Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, and MDA Space, along with strategic partners including Palantir Technologies and The Ohio State University. The endeavor focuses on developing a next-generation AI-enabled commercial space station, aimed at ensuring a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit and facilitating a seamless transition of scientific research and microgravity studies post-ISS.

For more information about Starlab, please visit www.starlab-space.com.