Starlab Clears Final Design Hurdle with NASA, Moves to Manufacturing Phase

Starlab Space has successfully passed its Commercial Critical Design Review (CCDR) with NASA, officially concluding the design phase for its commercial space station. This critical milestone confirms the technical maturity of the station’s architecture, safety systems, and operational plans, allowing the project to transition fully into the manufacturing, testing, and integration of flight hardware. The achievement solidifies Starlab’s position as a frontrunner in the race to develop a private orbital outpost and ensure a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit (LEO) after the International Space Station (ISS) is retired.

From Blueprint to Reality

The Commercial Critical Design Review is a comprehensive assessment that validates a project’s readiness to move from theoretical design to physical construction. By passing this review, Starlab has demonstrated to NASA that its design is technically sound, safe, and executable. The review covered all aspects of the station, from its core systems to its crew safety protocols, ensuring it meets the stringent requirements for long-term operations in space.

“Completing CCDR is a critical step in delivering continuous access to low Earth orbit, with no gap in capability to science, industry or national interests,” said Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab. “This confirms Starlab is executable at scale and that our timeline aligns with ISS transition requirements. Equally important, our CCDR business plan review demonstrates that Starlab is being built around a real, diversified commercial market – one that supports sustained human presence and research in low Earth orbit.”

A Global Venture with a Commercial Focus

Alongside the technical audit, Starlab also completed a business model review, which confirmed the project is being developed as a market-driven platform with sustainable revenue sources, rather than an asset wholly dependent on government funding. Starlab is a U.S.-led international joint venture created by Voyager Technologies and Airbus, which brings extensive experience in human spaceflight engineering. The global team also includes Mitsubishi Corporation, MDA Space for robotics, Palantir for AI-driven software and digital twin technology, and strategic partner Northrop Grumman for cargo resupply missions.

The station itself is a new-generation platform designed to be launched in a single flight aboard SpaceX’s Starship. Its main metallic module, approximately 8 meters (26 feet) in diameter, will house a crew of four astronauts and provide capabilities comparable to the ISS for scientific research and commercial activities.

The Race for the Post-ISS Era

With the ISS scheduled for decommissioning around 2030, the successful CCDR positions Starlab as a leading candidate to take over its crucial role in LEO. The project is a key part of NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program, which aims to foster a seamless transition from the government-run station to privately owned and operated platforms. Starlab’s main competitors are also making strides. Axiom Space is already constructing flight hardware for its station, with plans to attach its first module to the ISS as early as 2027 before becoming a free-flying platform. Meanwhile, Orbital Reef, a project from Blue Origin and Sierra Space, has faced a slower development pace. Starlab’s single-launch architecture is a key differentiator, designed to make the station fully operational within weeks of reaching orbit.

What’s Next for Starlab

The completion of the CCDR marks the beginning of the next major phase for the Starlab project. The focus now shifts to the fabrication and testing of the station’s components and the integration of its complex systems. The goal is to launch before the ISS is retired, ensuring there is no gap in the United States’ ability to conduct microgravity research and maintain a human foothold in orbit. This milestone brings the commercial space industry one step closer to an era where private platforms are central to the exploration and economic development of low-Earth orbit.