ESA joins Airbus and Voyager Space in pioneering Starlab space station for post-ISS era

In a landmark development for space exploration, the European Space Agency (ESA), Airbus Defence and Space, and Voyager Space have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ESA Space Summit in Seville. This agreement marks a significant step in their collaboration for the Starlab space station, setting the stage for post-International Space Station (ISS) infrastructure and missions.

Focusing on Low-Earth Orbit Exploration and Collaboration

The MoU underlines a joint effort to foster science and technology development in low-Earth orbit (LEO), post-ISS. The collaboration will initially concentrate on providing sustained access to space for Europe through the Starlab space station, encompassing:

• Access for ESA and its Member States to Starlab for astronaut missions and long-term research activities.
• Contributions to research projects leveraging European technology, focusing on advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and health and life sciences.
• Establishing an ‘end-to-end’ ecosystem with Starlab as a LEO destination and a potential ESA-developed European transportation system.

This agreement reflects ESA’s vision for a seamless transition from the ISS to the commercial exploitation of human and robotic infrastructures in LEO post-2030.

Leadership Statements on the Collaboration

Josef Aschbacher, Director General of ESA, expressed enthusiasm for the commercial Starlab space station and its potential for European contributions. “Our teams are looking forward to working closely with the Starlab teams in Europe and the US,” he said.

Matt Kuta, President of Voyager Space, emphasized the importance of the agreement for international space collaboration and extending Europe’s space leadership. Mike Schoelhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, also acknowledged the significance of this collaboration, building on a long-standing partnership between ESA and Airbus.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

Airbus has a rich history of supplying ESA with iconic spacecraft, including the ISS Columbus Module and the European Service Module for NASA’s Artemis missions. The Starlab Space Station, a joint venture between Voyager Space and Airbus, is expected to continue human presence in LEO and facilitate a seamless transition from the ISS to a new era of commercial space stations.

In August 2023, Voyager and Airbus announced their transatlantic joint venture, indicating a strong commitment to maintaining continuous human presence in LEO and transitioning microgravity science in the post-ISS era. Starlab is also poised to have a European affiliated joint venture to serve ESA and its member state space agencies directly.