Starlab Adds Space Applications Services as Strategic Partner, Equity Owner in Joint Venture

Rhea-AI Summary

Starlab Space LLC (NYSE:VOYG) announced that Belgium-based Space Applications Services (SpaceApps) has joined as a joint venture partner and investor in their commercial space station project. The partnership strengthens Starlab's international presence and expands capabilities for customers through SpaceApps' expertise in space systems, mission operations, and payload integration.

SpaceApps brings valuable assets including avionics, the ICECubes service, and mission control software. The collaboration will extend to SpaceApps's Space Innovation Laboratories across Europe, providing expanded microgravity research access. The partnership marks another milestone as Starlab progresses toward its Critical Design Review scheduled for year-end.

Positive

• Addition of strategic European partner with deep space engineering expertise
• Access to SpaceApps' ground-based Space Innovation Laboratories network
• Expansion of global market reach and research community access
• Additional capital investment strengthening financial position

Negative

• None.

Insights

Space Industry Analyst

SpaceApps joining Starlab as investor and partner strengthens the commercial space station's global capabilities and accelerates its development timeline.

Starlab Space has secured a significant strategic partnership by adding Space Applications Services (SpaceApps) as both an equity owner and joint venture partner. This Belgian space engineering company brings specialized expertise in payload integration, avionics, and mission operations that substantially expands Starlab's technical capabilities.

The partnership delivers three key strategic advantages to Starlab's commercial space station development:

• Enhanced payload integration capabilities through SpaceApps' ICECubes service and mission control software
• Expanded international reach through SpaceApps' relationships with the European Space Agency
• Additional capital investment strengthening Starlab's financial position

SpaceApps will also collaborate on ground-based Space Innovation Laboratories across Europe, which should help cultivate the research ecosystem and customer pipeline essential for Starlab's long-term commercial viability.

This development positions Starlab among the leading Commercial LEO Destination (CLD) programs currently in development. With their Critical Design Review scheduled for year-end, Starlab is demonstrating tangible progress in transitioning from design to development phase. The diversification of Starlab's partner network across North America, Europe, Japan and Canada creates a robust international foundation for this commercial space infrastructure project.

European leader in space infrastructure, payload integration and mission operations joins Starlab to strengthen international reach and extend capabilities for Starlab customers

HOUSTON and SYDNEY, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Starlab Space LLC at the 76^th International Astronautical Congress today announced that Space Applications Services, a Belgium-based leader in space engineering and payload integration, has joined the company as a joint venture partner and investor. The partnership expands Starlab's global footprint and extends the capabilities available to Starlab customers.

SpaceApps contributes deep experience in space systems, mission operations and payload integration with capabilities that include avionics, payload development, the end-to-end International Commercial Experiment Cubes (ICECubes) service, as well as mission integration and operations control software. The company also works closely with the European Space Agency and international partners, broadening Starlab's access to global markets and research communities.

"Adding SpaceApps as both an investor and partner proves we're rapidly moving from design to reality," said Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab. "With additional capital and expertise from international partners, we're not just building the most advanced commercial space station and offering our customers exceptional capabilities, we're accelerating scientific discovery and defining the next era of space exploration."

The partnership will also include collaboration on SpaceApps's Space Innovation Laboratories currently under development across Europe. These ground-based facilities will provide expanded microgravity research access for universities and industry partners, helping to build the research community and scientific payload pipeline for Starlab's orbital laboratory.

"We are proud to join Starlab as both an investor and a partner," said Richard Aked, CEO of SpaceApps. "Starlab's vision aligns with our mission to broaden access to space. By contributing our payload facilities, avionics, and mission integration expertise, we look forward to enabling breakthrough science and innovation in low-Earth orbit."

The addition of SpaceApps further positions Starlab as one of the most advanced Commercial LEO Destination programs in development. Built by the team behind two decades of International Space Station success and backed by commitments from joint venture partners across the United States, Europe, Japan, and Canada, Starlab is rapidly advancing from design to development, evidenced by its scheduled Critical Design Review at the end of the year.

About Starlab
Starlab Space is a U.S.-led, global joint venture among Voyager Technologies (NYSE: VOYG), Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, MDA Space, Palantir Technologies, and Space Applications Services, with strategic partners including Hilton, Journey, Northrop Grumman, and The Ohio State University. Starlab is developing a next-generation, AI-enabled commercial space station, aiming to ensure continued human presence in low-Earth orbit and a seamless transition of microgravity science and research alongside the retirement of the International Space Station. Starlab's advanced, user-driven design and robust capabilities make it a premier platform for scientific discovery and technological advancement in space. For more information, visit starlab-space.com.

About Space Applications Services

Space Applications Services, based in Belgium with offices in the Netherlands and the U.S., develops advanced technologies for human spaceflight, exploration, and Earth observation. Serving clients such as ESA, NASA and the European Commission, the company delivers mission-critical systems including robotics, avionics, astronaut training, and ISS operations to support successful space missions worldwide. Its multidisciplinary teams combine engineering, science, and operations expertise to deliver end-to-end solutions from concept to orbit.

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SOURCE Starlab

FAQ

What is the significance of Space Applications Services joining Starlab Space (NYSE:VOYG)?

Space Applications Services joining Starlab as an investor and partner brings additional capital, European space engineering expertise, and access to ground-based research facilities, strengthening Starlab's commercial space station development.

What capabilities does Space Applications Services bring to Starlab (NYSE:VOYG)?

SpaceApps brings expertise in space systems, mission operations, payload integration, avionics, ICECubes service, and mission control software, along with strong connections to the European Space Agency.

When is Starlab's (NYSE:VOYG) Critical Design Review scheduled?

Starlab's Critical Design Review is scheduled for the end of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the development of their commercial space station.

How will the Space Innovation Laboratories benefit Starlab (NYSE:VOYG)?

The Space Innovation Laboratories across Europe will provide expanded microgravity research access for universities and industry partners, helping build the research community and scientific payload pipeline for Starlab's orbital laboratory.

Who are the current joint venture partners of Starlab (NYSE:VOYG)?

Starlab has joint venture partners across the United States, Europe, Japan, and Canada, with Space Applications Services being the latest addition to the international consortium.