Moscow. October 21. INTERFAX.RU – US private companies Nanoracks, Voyager Space and Lockheed Martin will create the first independent commercial space station by 2027 as part of an agreement with NASA, Lockheed Martin's website reported on Thursday.
According to the company, the future station will be named Starlab ( star laboratory – IF ). Starlab will consist of a large deployable living module, a docking station, a propulsion system powered by a combination of solar and electricity, a large robotic arm for handling payloads, and equipment for experimentation and industrial problems.
It is noted that the station will be able to receive up to four astronauts. In addition to them, the station will be able to receive tourists and participate in various commercial projects.
NASA previously announced the Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) project, under which private aerospace companies will receive funding to operate in low Earth orbit. One of the important points, according to the report, is the creation of space stations for transporting commercial cargo and conducting scientific experiments.
Among the necessary conditions are the ability to accommodate at least two astronauts at the station, ensure the constant presence of crews at the station, a flexible crew rotation schedule, including the possible accommodation of astronauts for six months, a year or longer, as well as providing conditions for a comfortable stay of people.
The report notes that NASA will provide companies with up to $ 400 million for the period from 2022 to 2025. Payments will be made as companies progress through milestones agreed with NASA.
