What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Voyager Technologies has chosen Vivace Corp. to manufacture the primary structure of the Starlab commercial space station, which is set to launch in 2029. The manufacturing will take place at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Starlab's structure will be 8 meters in diameter, offering 40% of the pressurized volume of the ISS. The project aims to provide continuous crewed habitation and support research, with NASA awarding Starlab $217.5 million for development.
Why It's Important?
The development of Starlab represents a significant step towards commercial space stations as replacements for the ISS. The collaboration with Vivace and the use of NASA facilities highlight the integration of commercial and governmental efforts in space exploration. Starlab's large structure and focus on continuous habitation could set new standards for commercial space stations, offering opportunities for scientific research and technological advancements. The investment from NASA underscores the importance of maintaining a human presence in low-Earth orbit.
Beyond the Headlines
Starlab's approach to building a large, continuously crewed station contrasts with other commercial projects focusing on smaller, modular designs. This strategy could influence the future of space station design and operations, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure to support long-term missions. The competition among commercial space stations could drive innovation and collaboration, shaping the next era of space exploration and research capabilities.
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