In a groundbreaking stride towards advancing space exploration, Airbus, the renowned aerospace giant, has entered into a transatlantic partnership with Voyager, a US startup, to spearhead the creation of a successor to the ageing International Space Station (ISS), aptly named Starlab.
This project is poised not only to redefine the possibilities of space travel but also to cement the collaboration between the United States and Europe in the realm of cosmic exploration.
In 3… 2… 1
As the International Space Station inches closer to its well-deserved retirement, this transatlantic collaboration plans to execute a leap forward in space technology and infrastructure.
The strategic partnership between Airbus and Voyager is set to pave the way for the conception, construction, and operation of Starlab.
Jean-Marc Nasr, the head of space systems at Airbus, believes this partnership will catapult space science. “This [partnership] pioneers continued European and American leadership in space that takes humanity forward,” he says.
Navigating the Cosmos commercially
This transatlantic partnership is anticipated to support the development of a commercial successor to the ISS. With the International Space Station slated for de-orbiting in 2031, Starlab will serve as a pivotal hub for both NASA and the European Space Agency.
Matthew Kuta, President at Voyager Space, details the importance of this strategy: “We are establishing this joint venture to reliably meet the known demand from global space agencies while opening new opportunities for commercial users.”
They’re not alone
Starlab is not alone in its quest to supersede the ISS. Other projects are vying for their space in this cosmic arena. Among the contenders, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin seeks to materialize the Orbital Reef – a multifunctional “mixed-use business park” in space. Then there’s Northrop Grumman, which endeavors to establish a modular, free-floating space station, promising unparalleled flexibility and adaptability.
NASA has extended financial backing to all three projects. In December 2021, the space agency allocated substantial funding to the Voyager venture, the Orbital Reef project, and Northrop Grumman’s concept. The one condition set forth by NASA mandates that each proposal demonstrates commercial viability, ensuring that the selected successor to the ISS aligns seamlessly with both scientific and economic objectives.
Navigating the path forward
As it stands, NASA is tasked with deciding the legacy of the ISS. The future of space exploration and scientific discovery is evolving, thanks to a convergence of innovation, collaboration, and lots of financial investment. This partnership between Airbus and Voyager stands as a testament to the transport sector’s indomitable spirit of exploration and progress.
