Space Stations: Who’s Actually Winning?

Right. So, the International Space Station. Apparently, it’s reaching its ‘sell-by’ date. Which, frankly, feels a bit harsh on a perfectly good orbiting laboratory. But NASA, in its infinite wisdom (and with a hefty $843 million bill for Elon Musk to… well, let’s just say ‘retire’ it dramatically), has decided it’s time. It’s all a bit…final. Like realizing your favourite jeans no longer fit. And what happens then? That’s the question. Ideally, we’ll have a new space station, or several, ready to go. A sort of cosmic Airbnb. But it’s all terribly complicated, isn’t it?

There are four teams vying for this…orbital real estate. Four! It’s like a particularly competitive property ladder, only with significantly higher stakes. And, naturally, a lot more engineering. Let’s make a list, shall we? It helps me feel marginally more in control.

Vast: Independent. Mysterious. Sounds… vast.
Axiom Space: Also independent. Seems to be getting a head start. Probably has a very organized spreadsheet.
Orbital Reef: Blue Origin (Bezos’s venture) and a whole host of partners. Sierra Space, Redwire, Boeing… it’s a bit of a committee, isn’t it? Which never bodes well.
Starlab: Voyager Technologies (VOYG 4.05%) leading a truly international effort. Hilton Worldwide is involved. Hilton! Apparently, they’re planning to offer frequent flyer miles for space travel. I mean, really. Plus, Janus Henderson Group, Leidos, Northrop Grumman, Palantir… it’s like a roll call of the global industrial complex. And Airbus and Mitsubishi thrown in for good measure. It’s…ambitious.

And now, one of them has made a move. A significant move, apparently. Starlab just completed something called a “Commercial Critical Design Review” with NASA in attendance. Which sounds terribly important. And, honestly, a little bit intimidating. Like a school inspection, but for space stations.

Apparently, because it’s “commercial,” NASA can’t actually reject their design. They’re more of an observer, a sort of…highly qualified backseat driver. Which feels a bit odd, doesn’t it? Still, it means Starlab gets to move forward. And, crucially, it likely means a financial injection. Because, let’s be honest, space stations don’t build themselves. And, as a general rule, money helps.

They’re now transitioning from design to manufacturing. Which sounds…complex. And expensive. But they claim this Starlab will be “ISS-equivalent” in terms of payload and crew capabilities. Which, if true, is rather impressive. And, of course, they’re promising “sustainable, robust revenue” for all involved. Because, ultimately, it’s all about the bottom line, isn’t it? Even in space.

The investors, naturally, are pleased. I mean, who wouldn’t be? A space station! It’s the stuff of science fiction. Although, realistically, it’s probably more about logistics and supply chains. Still. It’s exciting. They haven’t said when it will be operational, though. Which is a bit frustrating. I’m starting to suspect “soon” is a relative term in the space industry. Like “diet” or “organized.”

Apparently, Orbital Reef is lagging behind, having only completed preliminary reviews. Which, admittedly, is less impressive. Axiom seems to be in the lead, having already passed a more advanced stage. And Vast… well, they’re a bit of a mystery. They’ve apparently built a module and are testing it. Which sounds…efficient. I’m starting to suspect they have a secret weapon. Or a very good project manager.

So, it seems the independent teams – Axiom and Vast – are closest to launch. But Starlab is determined to catch up. It’s all a bit like watching a very expensive race. And, frankly, I’m starting to feel a little bit anxious. Will any of them actually make it? Will we end up with a bunch of abandoned space stations orbiting the Earth? It’s a terrifying thought. I need a cup of tea. And possibly a very long lie-down.

Units of Cryptocurrency Lost: 12. Hours Spent Watching Charts: 9. Number of Panicked Texts to Friends: 24. Must. Remain. Calm.

2026-03-08 12:12

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