by Voyager Technologies / Airbus (Starlab Space)USFR
Next-generation station succeeding the ISS. Starlab hosts continuous human presence in low Earth orbit, conducting 400+ experiments annually in life sciences, materials, physics and other fields.
Critical Design Review completed February 2026; manufacturing underway; launch target 2029 on Starship.
Updated 23 Feb 2026Checked 10 Oct0 updates this week
Unlike the ISS, Starlab launches as one complete module on Starship. It becomes operational within weeks of insertion; no EVA assembly.
8-meter module has three decks: systems, payload lab, and crew habitat, with utility bay and storage.
Starlab uses current docking standards, allowing crew rotations via commercial spacecraft and enabling integration with proven logistics partners.
| Spec | Starlab |
|---|---|
| Main module diameter | 8 mR (reported) |
| Permanent crew capacity | 4 astronautsR (reported) |
| Maximum crew during rotation | 8 astronautsR (reported) |
| Annual experiments | Over 400R (reported) |
R reported by the company
Voyager Technologies / Airbus (Starlab Space)
Starlab space station, commercial orbital station
Voyager Technologies and Airbus develop Starlab, a next-generation commercial space station as ISS successor. Voyager leads the joint venture with 67% stake. Starlab will host continuous human presence in low Earth orbit and enable microgravity research after ISS retirement.
