Saber Astronautics is set to play a key role in humankind’s transition from the International Space Station (ISS) as a platform for microgravity research to a NASA-backed commercial space station.
At the 76th International Astronautical Congress held in Sydney this week, Saber and Starlab Space LLC announced a new partnership to expand Starlab’s global commercialisation network and enhance payload integration support for international customers.
Saber will play a dual role that includes engaging new customers for Starlab’s microgravity platform and providing technical services including feasibility assessments, hardware integration and in-orbit operational support.
Starlab Space CEO Marshall Smith said the companies will work together to broaden access to space-based research and development opportunities across government, academia and industry.
“Partnering with Saber Astronautics strengthens Starlab’s global reach and reinforces our commitment to building a robust commercial ecosystem,” Mr Smith said.
“Saber brings both market access and deep technical expertise, ensuring customers worldwide can seamlessly integrate and operate payloads on Starlab.”
Saber Astronautics CEO Jason Held described the partnership as a milestone for the company.
“Our team is honored to help customers unlock the benefits of microgravity research, from design to delivery, while advancing Starlab’s vision of sustained international access to low-Earth orbit,” Mr Held said.
Established in the US, Saber Astronautics has had a presence in Adelaide since 2021 with the opening of its Responsive Space Operations Centre (RSOC) at Lot Fourteen. Located inside the Australian Space Discovery Centre, the RSOC is Australia’s first national mission control centre.
Starlab Space is a US-led, global joint venture that is one of several NASA-backed Commercial LEO Destination (CLD) concepts. Starlab is designed to provide a platform for microgravity research and sustained human space presence once the ISS is retired around 2030.
Starlab’s planned design consists of a service module and a habitat that will be launched to orbit on a single flight. Construction has commenced on a full-scale mock up that will be housed in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas.
The collaboration with Saber Astronautics further extends Starlab’s international partnerships, enabling expanded opportunities for Australia, the US, and allied nations to benefit from orbital research and development.
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Photo: Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab, and Jason Held, CEO of Saber Astronautics, signed the agreement during the 76th IAC in Sydney, with Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency on hand to witness the signing.
