Commercial single-launch space station for human research and manufacturing — 17 m × 7.7 m, 4 crew, 60 kW, 400+ experiments/year, targeted no earlier than 2029 via SpaceX Starship.
Starlab Space Station
Commercial single-launch space station for human research and manufacturing — 17 m × 7.7 m, 4 crew, 60 kW, 400+ experiments/year, targeted no earlier than 2029 via SpaceX Starship.
Description
Starlab is a next-generation commercial space station designed to provide continuous human presence in low Earth orbit for scientific research, technology development, and commercial manufacturing. The metallic habitat measures 17 m × 7.7 m, houses 4 crew continuously (8 during handover), and delivers 60 kW of power. It features an MDA SKYMAKER robotic arm, Bishop Science Airlock, 13 internal payload platforms (130 MDLEs), and 18 external payload slots. The station successfully completed its Commercial Critical Design Review with NASA and is targeted for launch via SpaceX Starship no earlier than 2029, capable of conducting 400+ experiments per year.
Specifications
| Height | 17 m |
|---|---|
| Width | 7.7 m |
| Crew capacity | 4 continuous (8 during handover) |
| Orbital altitude | 500 km |
| Power | 60 kW |
| Docking ports | 3 |
| Internal payload capacity | 130 MDLEs (13 platforms) |
| External payload slots | 18 |
| Annual experiment capacity | 400+ |
| Launch vehicle | SpaceX Starship |
| Target launch | No earlier than 2029 |
| Robotic arm | MDA SKYMAKER |