The Starlab commercial space station has completed four crucial steps in its development, particularly its design and operational readiness.
NASA said Monday the agency-funded space station has completed four reviews, including the habitat structural test article preliminary design, systems integration, integrated operations and a habitat structural test plan. These key developments are part of the NASA Space Act Agreement awarded in 2021.
Future Starlab Commercial Space Station Progress
Starlab, designed for a single launch mission, features a large habitation and laboratory module. It comes with a compact service module that handles power and propulsion.
Starlabs Space completed the preliminary design review of its structural test article earlier this year. This structural test article is an engineering prototype of the space station’s habitation module, where astronauts will spend most of their time.
According to Starlab’s habitat structural test plan, the structural test article will undergo qualification tests such as welding verifications, proof pressure and static load testing. Meanwhile, the integration operations and systems integration reviews provided updates on the system and station architecture, segment interfaces, program goals and program requirements.
Before the year ends, Starlab will complete more tests. The preliminary design review will show if the station will pass system requirements such as human spaceflight verification. The phase 1 safety review will provide an overview of the current design and its overall safety.
Angela Hart, program manager for NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program, said, “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.”