Starlab’s choice of Vivace Corporation to manufacture its main structure marks a key point in the growing shift from government-run to private commercial space stations.
The move, announced in September 2025, will be central to NASA’s transition away from the International Space Station, ensuring continuous American and international access to low-Earth orbit for research and commerce.
Vivace plans to build one of history's largest aluminum-based spaceflight structures at its New Orleans facility, harnessing advanced systems and support from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility.
The project makes full use of Vivace’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and deep experience with high-tech space solutions.
What roles do Vivace and Starlab play in the ISS transition?
Vivace is the key structural manufacturing partner for Starlab’s ambitious new commercial station, selected for its precision engineering and experience in aerospace projects.
Starlab Space LLC, guided by Voyager Technologies alongside partners like Airbus, Mitsubishi, MDA Space, and Palantir, aims to facilitate a smooth transition as the ISS winds down and the U.S. government shifts focus to commercial destinations.
This decision makes both Vivace and Starlab key players in providing access to low-Earth orbit, helping to keep astronauts in space, and continuing the ISS's role for science and business.
With this project, NASA’s emphasis moves to a robust public-private partnership instead of operating the station itself.
Did you know?
NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility, supporting Vivace, was also vital in building the Saturn V rockets for Apollo missions.
How does the Vivace-built structure push technical limits?
The planned Starlab structure will set a record as one of the largest single-launch modules ever developed for orbital deployment. Vivace’s work enables scalability and reliability, providing an advanced aluminum-based frame that can withstand the rigors of space travel, zero gravity, and heavy usage by research teams and commercial clients.
Designs call for the structure to be built, tested, and qualified with extreme precision at Vivace’s New Orleans site using support from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility.
This facility has a notable history in producing large-scale items for the Apollo program and the Space Shuttle, now lending its expertise to the modern era.
Who drives competition in commercial space station development?
Starlab is one of several companies racing to build successors to the ISS. Axiom Space leads with flight hardware already in production and plans to launch its first module in 2026.
Blue Origin and Sierra Space have joined forces for the Orbital Reef project, though development is slower.
Meanwhile, Vast Space intends to launch the Haven-1 module, potentially setting the pace as early as next year, with a vision for long-term commercial use.
Each company aims to offer unique platforms for research, commerce, and even future lunar or Mars missions.
Investment, technological advancement, and NASA's push for an open marketplace in orbit energize the field.
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How is NASA supporting new space station ventures?
NASA remains a pivotal backer in the quest for commercial space stations. The agency’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLD) program provides $1 billion to $1.5 billion in funding through 2031, aiding Starlab and other contenders.
NASA not only advises on critical design reviews but also contributes funding, facility access, and technical evaluation, supporting over 27 Starlab milestone achievements so far, including hardware mockups and safety reviews.
Such engagement gives Starlab and its partners valuable insight and feedback from NASA experts, ensuring new stations will meet stringent demand for human spaceflight, research, and orbital operations.
What market and research opportunities will Starlab offer?
Once in orbit, Starlab intends to support continuous astronaut presence, scientific research, technology development, and commercial activities such as manufacturing, pharmaceutical testing, and possibly even tourism.
The station will serve both private and government clients, providing robust microgravity research capabilities much like the ISS while expanding new markets in the post-ISS business landscape.
Starlab’s design allows for seamless research transitions, uninterrupted operations, and an innovation-friendly space marketplace.
The facility, with its powerful partners, could establish America’s continued role as a leader in orbital business and science, shaping how nations and enterprises interact in space for decades ahead.
As Vivace engineers begin work on Starlab’s major structure, the world watches for rapid advances in the commercial space industry.
If successful, this project could not only sustain orbital research and development but also inspire the next wave of companies dreaming of space-based business, science, and international collaboration.
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