Initial stages of construction for the space station of tomorrow
Airbus and Voyager Space Unveil Next-Generation Space Station: Starlab
Airbus, in collaboration with Voyager Space, has announced the design of Starlab, a new space station that marks a significant step towards the future of human presence in space. This next-generation commercial space station is set to replace the International Space Station (ISS) after its planned retirement around 2030.
Starlab: The Space Station of the Future
Starlab is being developed as part of the transition away from the ISS towards the next generation of space stations. The space station is planned to be launched as early as 2028, with a potential deployment into orbit using SpaceX’s Starship.
The design of Starlab is being done with NASA, ESA, and other customers in mind, aiming to increase international participation and customer support for the project. Starlab is intended to serve the scientific community and benefit humanity in space and on Earth.
Key Details and Timeline
A critical design review (CDR) is scheduled for late 2025, which will enable hardware development to begin formally. The target launch is around 2028.
NASA has provided $217.5 million in funding as part of phase 1 and phase 2 CLD (Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations) agreements. Additional capital is expected from Voyager Space’s 2025 IPO and a $15 million grant from the state of Texas. The total development budget is approximately $2.8 billion.
Marshall Smith, a former NASA leader with involvement in Artemis and the Space Launch System (SLS), was appointed CEO in 2025, signaling a focus on accelerating project execution and mitigating risks.
Design and Operations
Aerospace company Airbus is a strategic partner, contributing key space station technology. Experience design agency Journey, along with Hilton, is responsible for crafting the onboard living and experiential environments, aiming to provide a livable, user-friendly habitat.
The station will incorporate AI-driven operational systems and digital twin technology to enhance risk management and cost-effectiveness.
Commercial Vision
Starlab aims to enter the market as the ISS retires, projecting diversified revenue streams such as space hospitality, research, agriculture, and manufacturing. By 2040, it could generate up to $4 billion annually and exceed competitors like Axiom Space and Blue Origin in LEO commercial station dominance.
Context within NASA’s Strategy
Starlab is part of NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations program, which began in 2020 to ensure a smooth transition from the ISS to commercial stations. NASA expects the first CLD phase through 2025, with follow-on funding and acquisitions continuing through the late 2020s.
The ISS retirement is planned for no later than 2030, defining the market window for commercial stations like Starlab.
The Legacy of the International Space Station
The International Space Station was launched in 1998, and astronauts have been living and working aboard it since then. Despite having already exceeded its original lifetime of 15 years, the ISS is planned to be deorbited towards the end of this decade.
Research conducted on the ISS is critical for our journey to the Moon and Mars, and for helping humanity explore the universe. The goal is for Starlab to provide 100 percent of the ISS's payload capacity and conduct over 400 experiments or technical investigations per year.
In summary, Starlab is positioning itself as a commercially operated space station with a launch around 2028, backed by significant NASA funding, industry partnerships (including Airbus and Voyager), advanced AI technology, and a focus on human-centric design to serve government and private users after the ISS’s end of service.
