Key Takeaways
- NASA is transitioning from operating the ISS to becoming a customer for commercial space services in low Earth orbit.
- Starlab has met five key development and design goals, advancing towards a sustainable commercial space station.
- The Starlab project has passed initial design and safety evaluations, moving into detailed design and hardware development.
- A critical design review for Starlab is scheduled for later this year to assess readiness before construction.
- Construction of a full-scale model of Starlab has begun at NASA’s Johnson Space Center for testing crew training and operations.
NASA is gearing up for a future that goes beyond the International Space Station (ISS) by promoting a marketplace for commercial activities in low Earth orbit. The agency recently revealed that Starlab, a space station developed commercially with its support, has achieved five important development and design goals.
Transitioning to a Customer Role
This achievement is a vital move in NASA's plan to shift from operating a space station to being just one of many clients for orbital services. Currently, NASA is helping to design and develop various commercial space stations.
Milestones in Development
As we aim for the future of low Earth orbit, these achievements highlight Starlab's commitment to creating a commercial space station that can sustain human life and push forward scientific research. — Angela Hart, who manages NASA's Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program.
The Starlab project has successfully passed its initial design and safety evaluations, allowing it to move forward into the detailed design and hardware phase. The next significant milestone is a critical design review set for later this year, which will evaluate the design's readiness before construction starts.
Building the Future
In a clear sign of advancement, the company has begun constructing a full-scale, high-fidelity model of the station. This model will be situated at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, where it will be utilized for “human-in-the-loop” testing to assess crew training, interior layout, and in-flight operations. The proposed design for Starlab includes a habitat and a service module that will be launched into orbit together in a single mission.
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