Starlab Space
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersWebster, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
Starlab Space firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Starlab Space
- Legal name
- Starlab Space, Inc.
- Website
- https://starlab-space.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Starlab Space industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Commercial Space Station Services
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Space Structures, Mechanisms & Thermal Control (IMABACAF), Space Power Systems (Solar Arrays, Batteries, EPS) (IMABACAH), Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD), Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI)
Keywords
Where Starlab Space is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Webster
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Starlab Space business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Payload Reservation and Research Services: Commercial customers reserve payload space and research time aboard the Starlab station. This includes internal and external payload platforms, with customers like LambdaVision (biotech/artificial retina) and United Semiconductors (semiconductor manufacturing) having signed reservation agreements. Expected commercial revenue beginning 2027.
- Space Manufacturing Revenue: Manufacturing in microgravity for high-value products including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and biomedical implants. Starlab positions itself as an industrial node enabling production of materials difficult or impossible to manufacture on Earth.
- NASA Commercial LEO Development Contracts: NASA Space Act Agreement funding through the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations program. Voyager Technologies received $217+ million through the SAA, with Starlab achieving 31 program milestones and $183 million in NASA cash receipts. Additional $24 million received in Q1 2026 through NASA Space Act Agreement.
- Hosting Fee Revenue: Revenue from hosting external payloads on Starlab's external payload platforms (2 EPPs, each supporting up to 9 payloads), including hosted satellites and earth observation telescopes.
- Cargo Logistics Services: Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft provides cargo resupply services. Revenue generated through logistics partnerships enabling visiting vehicles and crew rotation.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Starlab Space product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Starlab Space is developing a commercial low-Earth orbit space station that will provide microgravity research and manufacturing services to government agencies, biopharmaceutical companies, semiconductor manufacturers, and research institutions. The station is designed for single-launch deployment on SpaceX Starship and will offer internal and external payload platforms, AI-enabled operations via Palantir, and robotic payload handling via MDA SKYMAKER systems.
Product overview
Starlab Space operates as a US-led global joint venture developing the Starlab commercial space station as the primary successor to the International Space Station. The product portfolio centers on the Starlab Space Station itself (a continuously crewed, AI-enabled platform with 400 cubic meters of pressurized volume), complemented by the Internal Payload Laboratory (13 payload platforms for internal research) and External Payload Laboratory (18 payload slots across 2 platforms for external research). The On-Orbit Science Park provides the broader research ecosystem for microgravity manufacturing in biopharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and advanced materials. Ground infrastructure includes the George Washington Carver Science Park and VISTA Science Park at Ohio State University for payload development, analog testing, and training. Starlab offers space manufacturing services through customer partnerships including LambdaVision (artificial retinas), United Semiconductors (semiconductor crystals), and Auxilium Biotechnologies (3D bioprinting). MDA SKYMAKER robotics enable external payload operations and maintenance. The platform is designed for single-launch deployment on SpaceX Starship with a 2028-2029 operational target.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Starlab Space Station A continuously-crewed, AI-enabled commercial space station designed to maintain human presence in low-Earth orbit as a successor to the International Space Station. Features 400 cubic meters of pressurized volume, 17m height, 7.7m width, 4 continuous crew capacity expandable to 8 during turnover, 13 Internal Payload Platforms, 2 External Payload Platforms supporting 9 payloads each, and three docking ports.
- Payload Reservation and Research Services
Quantifiable outcome
- 90%+ wastewater recycling through advanced ECLSS
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Starlab Space
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Starlab Space technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability5 records
Feature7 records
Starlab Space partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.
- Portal Space SystemssupportingPortal Space Systems partnered with Starlab to provide commercial debris removal services through their Debris Removal as a Service (DRAAS) offering. Starlab signed a letter of intent to integrate the service into future station operations.
- United SemiconductorssupportingUnited Semiconductors LLC signed a payload reservation agreement to advance commercial-scale semiconductor crystal growth manufacturing aboard Starlab, building on successful microgravity crystal growth demonstrations aboard the ISS.
- LambdaVisionsupportingLambdaVision signed a payload reservation agreement with Starlab Space LLC to support manufacturing of protein-based artificial retinas aboard the station, transitioning from ISS demonstrations to scalable commercial production in low Earth orbit.
- Helogen CorporationsupportingStarlab announced partnership with Helogen Corporation to integrate HEL-IOS, the world's first orbital biomedical operating system, into Starlab's commercial space station, enabling autonomous and scalable biological research and manufacturing.
- Auxilium BiotechnologiessupportingStarlab partnered with Auxilium Biotechnologies to provide orbital 3D bioprinting and biofabrication capabilities aboard the station using the AMP-1 platform for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
- Mitsubishi CorporationcoreMitsubishi Corporation made an additional investment in Starlab Space LLC and acquired usage rights to the experimental module on the planned commercial space station. The partnership aims to ensure Japan's continued access to space-based research facilities and advance space-based R&D in semiconductors, life sciences, and drug discovery.
- Space Applications ServicescoreSpace Applications Services, a Belgium-based space engineering firm, joined Starlab Space LLC as a strategic partner and equity owner at the 76th International Astronautical Congress, expanding Starlab's capabilities and global reach including joint development of space research facilities.
- MDA SpacecoreMDA Space joined Starlab Space as a strategic partner and equity owner, contributing its expertise in space robotics to the development of the Starlab commercial space station. MDA Space will provide the full range of external robotics, robotics interfaces, and robotic mission operations, including its MDA SKYMAKER™ suite of scalable and modular robotics solutions.
- Palantir TechnologiescorePalantir Technologies is a strategic partner making Starlab an AI-enabled platform. Palantir's technology drives real-time intelligence and decision-making through digital twins, AI monitoring, predictive maintenance, and resource optimization.
- Voyager TechnologiescoreVoyager Technologies leads the Starlab Space Joint Venture, bringing extensive ISS experience as the largest commercial user. Voyager provides commercial payload services, mission operations, Bishop Airlock expertise, and has been awarded $217+ million through NASA Space Act Agreement.
- AirbuscoreAirbus, the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe and founding partner, is providing technical design and engineering services for Starlab and manufacturing the habitat. Airbus brings heritage from ISS Columbus Module, Automated Transfer Vehicle, and Orion European Service Module.
- Northrop GrummansupportingNorthrop Grumman is teamed with Starlab to enhance its Cygnus spacecraft for cargo resupply services to the station, including developing fully autonomous rendezvous and docking technology.
- Hilton HotelssupportingHilton is partnering with Starlab in architecture and design, leveraging world-class creative design and innovation experts to develop space hospitality crew headquarters including communal areas, hospitality suites, and sleeping arrangements for astronauts.
- The Ohio State UniversitysupportingOhio State's Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering division leads university business development for Starlab. The university hosts the VISTA Science Park, which will host Starlab's ground analog facility and serves as a payload development center.
- JourneysupportingJourney, a multidimensional experience agency, is helping shape the interior and experiential design of Starlab, working closely with Hilton to design the hospitality and crew experience.
- Blue AbysssupportingBlue Abyss joined the George Washington Carver Science Park at Ohio State as a Starlab partner, contributing to STEM outreach, LEO research activities, and advancement of food technologies for space exploration.
- Nexture BiosupportingNexture Bio joined the George Washington Carver Science Park to support Starlab's research network, leveraging expertise in cellular agriculture and scaffold technologies for space applications.
- LeidossupportingStarlab appointed Leidos as its primary assembly, integration, and testing provider for the commercial space station development project.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Starlab Space competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Axiom Space: Direct competitor building Axiom Station, a commercial successor to the ISS using a modular attach-to-ISS-then-free-flyer architecture. Both target the same NASA Commercial LEO Destinations funding pool, biotech/pharma customers, and post-ISS sovereign demand.
- Vast: Direct competitor developing Haven-1 (single-launch small station launching 2026) and Haven-2 (planned successor). Targets the same NASA CLD funding, microgravity research customers, and in-space manufacturing use cases as Starlab.
- Blue Origin Orbital Reef: Direct competitor commercial space station partnership between Blue Origin and Sierra Space under NASA CLD. Targets identical NASA anchor funding, mixed-use business park model, and post-ISS LEO customers, creating head-to-head competition for the same demand.
Broad incumbents
- Sierra Space: Dream Chaser and LIFE inflatable habitat developer with NASA CLD participation via Orbital Reef. Comparable in pursuing commercial LEO habitation and microgravity research, but partnered with Blue Origin rather than operating as an independent station.
- Northrop Grumman: Major ISS prime contractor providing Cygnus cargo resupply to both ISS and Starlab. Comparable as an established space infrastructure provider with decades of human spaceflight heritage, though focused on cargo/logistics rather than station-as-a-service.
- AIRBUS Defence and Space: Founding Starlab JV partner and ISS Columbus module / ATV heritage builder. Comparable as a large incumbent providing technical design and habitat manufacturing services to multiple commercial station programs, balancing Starlab participation with broader space portfolio.
- MDA Space: Canadarm-derived robotics supplier and Starlab equity owner operating the world's first commercial Space Robotics Centre of Excellence. Comparable as a space robotics incumbent whose heritage directly enables Starlab's external payload operations.
Others
- Voyager Technologies: NYSE-listed parent and lead JV partner of Starlab, providing Bishop Airlock, mission operations, and the $217M+ NASA Space Act Agreement. Highly comparable as the publicly traded proxy for Starlab with overlapping management and direct financial exposure to station success.
Emerging players
- Bigelow Aerospace: Legacy inflatable-habitat pioneer whose BEAM module is currently attached to the ISS. Conceptually comparable as an early commercial space station developer, though operationally dormant relative to Starlab's active CLD program.
- Gravitics: Early-stage developer of commercial space station modules and orbital infrastructure components. Comparable as an emerging player targeting similar commercial LEO demand with a more modular, smaller-scale approach than Starlab's single-launch monolith.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Starlab Space social profiles
Digital presenceStarlab Space financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Starlab Space leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Starlab Space funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds12 records
Investors14 records
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Starlab Space M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Starlab Space
What does Starlab Space do?
Starlab Space is developing a commercial low-Earth orbit space station that will provide microgravity research and manufacturing services to government agencies, biopharmaceutical companies, semiconductor manufacturers, and research institutions. The station is designed for single-launch deployment on SpaceX Starship and will offer internal and external payload platforms, AI-enabled operations via Palantir, and robotic payload handling via MDA SKYMAKER systems.
Is Starlab Space a public or private company?
Starlab Space is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Starlab Space founded?
Starlab Space was founded in 2021. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Starlab Space based?
Starlab Space is headquartered in Webster, United States, in the North America region.
How does Starlab Space make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Payload Reservation and Research Services are the primary driver. The others are space Manufacturing Revenue, NASA Commercial LEO Development Contracts, hosting Fee Revenue and cargo Logistics Services.
Who are Starlab Space's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Axiom Space, Vast and Blue Origin Orbital Reef. Broad incumbents are Sierra Space, Northrop Grumman, AIRBUS Defence and Space and MDA Space. Voyager Technologies is listed as an others. Emerging players are Bigelow Aerospace and Gravitics.
Does Starlab Space have an API?
No public API is recorded for Starlab Space.
What industry is Starlab Space in?
Starlab Space's product category is Commercial Space Station Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAB, Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial), with a secondary code of IMABACAF, Space Structures, Mechanisms & Thermal Control. Its NAICS code is 336414 and its SIC code is 3760.