Starlab Space LLC has chosen Vivace Corporation to build the primary structure of its next-generation commercial space station, marking a major step forward in the project. The aluminium-based structure—set to be one of the largest single spaceflight structures ever launched—will be manufactured at Vivace’s New Orleans facility, with additional development and testing supported by NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in Louisiana.
Designed to carry forward the legacy of the International Space Station, Starlab will provide continuous access to low-Earth orbit for scientific research, technology development, and commercial applications. Positioned as the most capable of NASA’s Commercial LEO Destination concepts, it will maintain a permanent astronaut presence while serving both national and international partners.
Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab, described the partnership as pivotal. “Selecting Vivace to lead the manufacturing of Starlab’s primary structure is a major milestone,” he said. “Starlab is meticulously engineered to deliver scalability, reliability, and mission-critical research to our partners. This collaboration is instrumental in transforming that vision into reality, perpetuating the ISS legacy, and ensuring NASA and its international partners continue to have seamless access to orbit in the post-ISS era.”
Vivace will apply its advanced aerospace engineering expertise to finalize the design-to-manufacture process and begin construction.
Steve Cook, Chairman of Vivace, added: “Vivace is honoured to be selected as Starlab’s partner for this groundbreaking program. Manufacturing one of the largest space structures in our nation’s history demands precision, expertise, and proven processes. Leveraging Vivace’s high-TRL capabilities and facilities in Louisiana, we are proud to contribute to this significant project supporting U.S. and allied leadership in human spaceflight.”
Fabrication will take place at Vivace’s New Orleans site at MAF, where the programme will also benefit from US Government support in structural analysis, subject matter expertise, and testing infrastructure. The Michoud facility, with its specialised capacity for large-scale manufacturing and assembly, will play a central role in the project.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry commented: “We are excited that Vivace Corporation and Starlab have partnered to utilize the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility as a central element in the design and build of the structures for the Starlab spacecraft. Our human spaceflight programme is essential to US national security, and leveraging this world-class multi-tenant facility, which originally played a role in winning WWII, is a key part of ‘Freedom’s Forge 2.0’.”
Work is already underway on the station’s flight article, with rigorous testing planned ahead of its historic launch later this decade. Once operational, Starlab will provide unparalleled opportunities in microgravity research and commercial ventures, from life sciences and advanced materials to technology demonstrations for government and private sector partners alike.
Add Comment