Starlab Space LLC

Based in the US, Starlab Space LLC. operates as a developer of commercial space stations, focusing on advancing scientific research and innovation in microgravity environments. Based in Texas, US, Starlab Space LLC is engaged in the development and operation of a commercial space station aimed at facilitating scientific research. In December 2025, Starlab Space LLC.

raised venture debt funding led by Texas Capital Bank. As of January 2026, the company is led by CEO Marshall Smith. Starlab Space LLC specializes in the development and operation of a state-of-the-art commercial space station designed to advance scientific research and innovation in microgravity environments. The core offerings include advanced research facilities and payload services that cater to a diverse range of scientific and commercial markets such as microbiology, biopharma, and advanced manufacturing.

These facilities are equipped with advanced technology, enabling researchers and commercial partners to conduct experiments, develop new products, and further human space exploration. Starlab partners with a variety of stakeholders, including universities, commercial space companies, and governmental space agencies, to ensure comprehensive support services ranging from mission planning to on-orbit assistance. Their client base spans global markets, including North America, Europe, and Asia, facilitating high-impact research and technological advancement worldwide. Starlab Space LLC generates revenue through partnerships and collaborations with various entities involved in space research and commercial activities.

The financial structure primarily revolves around contracts for research projects, payload services, and utilization of their orbital facilities. Revenue streams include fees for access to research facilities, sales of proprietary technologies developed during experiments, and partnerships with commercial enterprises seeking to leverage microgravity for product development. Starlab engages in B2B transactions, working closely with clients such as NASA, educational institutions like The Ohio State University, and other global aerospace companies. By establishing agreements that focus on specific research applications, Starlab aligns its offerings with the needs of diverse industries, ensuring a structured approach to revenue generation through tailored solutions in the burgeoning commercial space sector.

In November 2025, Starlab Space LLC raised an undisclosed amount of growth capital funding from new investor Janus Henderson Investors. The company will use the funding to develop the next generation commercial space station for continuous human presence in low Earth orbit and transition of microgravity science and research after the retirement of the International Space Station. Starlab aims to expand its market reach significantly, targeting new geographic regions, though specific markets for expansion have not been detailed. The continued development of their space station is expected to enhance their capabilities and offerings in the commercial space sector.