Starlab Selects Leidos for Critical Assembly, Integration, and Testing Role

Starlab Space LLC has announced the selection of Leidos as the primary provider for U.S.-based Assembly, Integration, and Testing, AI&T, activities related to the Starlab commercial space station program. This strategic alignment reflects Starlab’s commitment to collaborating with established aerospace and defense industry leaders to mitigate execution risk during the design, development, and operational phases of the low-Earth orbit, LEO, platform. The decision leverages Leidos’s decades of experience in civil space integration and technology leadership.

Integrating Core Systems for Commercial Space Operations

Leidos’s primary responsibilities under this agreement include the full-system assembly and integration of all Starlab station components. This crucial work, which will take place in Alabama, encompasses verifying system performance and compatibility through rigorous environmental, functional, and performance testing. Furthermore, Leidos will be tasked with critical systems engineering and ensuring strict adherence to safety and mission assurance protocols. The firm’s domain expertise is expected to be instrumental in transitioning the Starlab station from the development phase into real-time operations.

Advancing Continuous Human Presence in Low-Earth Orbit

The Starlab space station, being developed by a U.S.-led global joint venture, is designed to succeed the International Space Station, ISS, and ensure a continuous human presence in LEO for research and technological advancement. By appointing Leidos to manage the core AI&T functions, Starlab is reinforcing its development approach to deliver a safe, operational, and robust platform ready to support NASA, international partners, and commercial users. The selection of a proven integrator like Leidos is key to accelerating the readiness of the next-generation, AI-enabled commercial outpost in orbit, supporting the long-term viability of microgravity science and research.