NASA sees major progress on Starlab Space Station development

NASA sees major progress on Starlab Space Station development
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 18, 2024

Starlab, a NASA-supported commercial space station, has successfully achieved four critical milestones, signaling major advancements in its design and future operational capabilities. These milestones reflect key stages in the project's development and readiness for space operations.

The progress is part of a NASA Space Act Agreement initiated in 2021, with milestones covering habitat structural testing, systems integration, integrated operations, and a structural test plan.

"These milestone achievements are great indicators to reflect Starlab's commitment to the continued efforts and advancements of their commercial destination," said Angela Hart, program manager for NASA's Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program. "As we look forward to the future of low Earth orbit, every successful milestone is one step closer to creating a dynamic and robust commercialized low Earth orbit."

Starlab's unique design involves a single-launch deployment, featuring a large habitation and laboratory module complemented by a smaller service module for power and propulsion.

Earlier this year, Starlab Space conducted a preliminary design review of its structural test article, supported by NASA. This test article is a physical engineering development unit of the habitation module, where future astronauts will live and work. Engineering development units help validate project designs through rigorous testing processes.

In addition to the preliminary review, Starlab shared its structural test plan, detailing critical verification processes. These include welding checks, proof pressure testing, and static load assessments. Proof pressure tests involve pressurizing components to exceed normal operational levels to confirm structural soundness, while static load testing evaluates system responses under applied loads.

Further progress includes the completion of integration operations and systems integration reviews. These evaluations provided updates on station architecture, system interfaces, and overall program objectives, ensuring alignment with mission requirements.

Starlab is also preparing for a preliminary design review and phase 1 safety review before the year's end. This phase focuses on validating the design's adherence to human spaceflight requirements while presenting an acceptable risk framework. The safety review outlines the station's current design and its overarching safety strategy.

NASA is actively supporting the development of multiple commercial space stations, including Starlab, through both funded and unfunded agreements. Once the design and development phases conclude, NASA plans to procure services from commercial operators, positioning itself as one of several customers for low Earth orbit destinations.

These efforts align with NASA's broader low Earth orbit microgravity strategy, which builds on decades of human spaceflight achievements. As the International Space Station approaches retirement, NASA aims to transition to a commercially-led model that supports microgravity research and exploration while ensuring continued scientific and societal benefits.