3 min read<\/p>\n
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/starlab-rendering-04.png?w=2048\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nA digital rendering of the Starlab, which includes a large habitation and laboratory module with a smaller service module for power and propulsion.<\/div>\nCredits: Starlab<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA NASA-funded commercial space station, Starlab, recently completed four key developmental milestones, marking substantial progress in the station\u2019s design and operational readiness.<\/p>\n
The four milestones are part of a NASA Space Act Agreement \u00a0awarded in 2021<\/a> and focused on reviews of the habitat structural test article preliminary design, systems integration, integrated operations, and a habitat structural test plan.<\/p>\n\u201cThese milestone achievements are great indicators to reflect Starlab\u2019s commitment to the continued efforts and advancements of their commercial destination,\u201d said Angela Hart, program manager for NASA\u2019s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program. \u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The commercial space station is designed to launch on a single flight and includes a large habitation and laboratory module with a smaller service module for power and propulsion.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Starlab Space completed a structural test article preliminary design review, supported by NASA. The structural test article is an engineering development unit of the station\u2019s habitation module, which is where astronauts will spend most of their time living and working aboard the future commercial destination. An engineering development unit is a physical model that is used to test and verify the design of a project, such as a space station.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/starlab-rendering-13-zoom-out-hi-res.jpg?w=2048\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nA digital rendering of the Starlab free-flying commercial destination, which continues to be developed as part of a Space Act Agreement with NASA<\/div>\nCredits: Starlab<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nStarlab also recently shared a test plan for the structural test article, which included defining qualification tests of the development unit from welding verifications to proof pressure and static load testing, among others. During proof pressure tests, a spacecraft component or system is pressurized to a significantly higher than normal operating pressure to verify its structural integrity, and a static load test measures the response of a component or system under an applied load.<\/p>\n
In addition, Starlab completed integration operations and systems integration reviews. These reviews included updates on system and station architecture, segment interfaces, and program goals, as well as a comprehensive look into the program\u2019s requirements.<\/p>\n
Starlab also is set to complete a preliminary design review and phase 1 safety review by the end of the year. This review is meant to demonstrate that the station\u2019s design meets system requirements, including human spaceflight verification, with acceptable risk. The safety review will summarize the current design and general safety approach for the destination.<\/p>\n
NASA is supporting the design and development of multiple commercial space stations, including Starlab, through funded and unfunded agreements. The current design and development phase will be followed by the procurement of services from one or more companies, where NASA aims to be one of many customers for low Earth orbit destinations.<\/p>\n
NASA\u2019s low Earth orbit microgravity strategy builds on the agency\u2019s extensive human spaceflight experience to advance future scientific and exploration goals. As the International Space Station<\/a> nears the end of operations, NASA plans to transition to a new low Earth orbit model to continue leveraging microgravity benefits. Through commercial partnerships, NASA aims to maintain its leadership in microgravity research and ensure continued benefits for humanity.<\/p>\nLearn more about NASA\u2019s low Earth orbit microgravity strategy at:<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/leomicrogravitystrategy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nNews Media Contacts:<\/strong><\/p>\nClaire O\u2019Shea
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
claire.a.o\u2019shea@nasa.gov<\/p>\n
Anna Schneider
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov<\/p>\n
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![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/starlab-rendering-04.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>A NASA-funded commercial space station, Starlab, recently completed four key developmental milestones, marking substantial progress in the station\u2019s design and operational readiness.<\/p>\n
The four milestones are part of a NASA Space Act Agreement \u00a0awarded in 2021<\/a> and focused on reviews of the habitat structural test article preliminary design, systems integration, integrated operations, and a habitat structural test plan.<\/p>\n \u201cThese milestone achievements are great indicators to reflect Starlab\u2019s commitment to the continued efforts and advancements of their commercial destination,\u201d said Angela Hart, program manager for NASA\u2019s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program. \u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The commercial space station is designed to launch on a single flight and includes a large habitation and laboratory module with a smaller service module for power and propulsion.<\/p>\n Earlier this year, Starlab Space completed a structural test article preliminary design review, supported by NASA. The structural test article is an engineering development unit of the station\u2019s habitation module, which is where astronauts will spend most of their time living and working aboard the future commercial destination. An engineering development unit is a physical model that is used to test and verify the design of a project, such as a space station.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Starlab also recently shared a test plan for the structural test article, which included defining qualification tests of the development unit from welding verifications to proof pressure and static load testing, among others. During proof pressure tests, a spacecraft component or system is pressurized to a significantly higher than normal operating pressure to verify its structural integrity, and a static load test measures the response of a component or system under an applied load.<\/p>\n In addition, Starlab completed integration operations and systems integration reviews. These reviews included updates on system and station architecture, segment interfaces, and program goals, as well as a comprehensive look into the program\u2019s requirements.<\/p>\n Starlab also is set to complete a preliminary design review and phase 1 safety review by the end of the year. This review is meant to demonstrate that the station\u2019s design meets system requirements, including human spaceflight verification, with acceptable risk. The safety review will summarize the current design and general safety approach for the destination.<\/p>\n NASA is supporting the design and development of multiple commercial space stations, including Starlab, through funded and unfunded agreements. The current design and development phase will be followed by the procurement of services from one or more companies, where NASA aims to be one of many customers for low Earth orbit destinations.<\/p>\n NASA\u2019s low Earth orbit microgravity strategy builds on the agency\u2019s extensive human spaceflight experience to advance future scientific and exploration goals. As the International Space Station<\/a> nears the end of operations, NASA plans to transition to a new low Earth orbit model to continue leveraging microgravity benefits. Through commercial partnerships, NASA aims to maintain its leadership in microgravity research and ensure continued benefits for humanity.<\/p>\n Learn more about NASA\u2019s low Earth orbit microgravity strategy at:<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/leomicrogravitystrategy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n News Media Contacts:<\/strong><\/p>\n Claire O\u2019Shea Anna Schneider<\/a><\/figure>
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
claire.a.o\u2019shea@nasa.gov<\/p>\n
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov<\/p>\nDiscover Related Topics<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n