Starlab Space, a developer of commercial space stations, has formed a strategic partnership with Palantir Technologies to leverage its artificial intelligence for station management.
Announced on June 20, the partnership details were not disclosed financially. Starlab referred to this collaboration as a “strategic teaming agreement,” similar to one with Northrop Grumman announced in October 2023.
Starlab and Palantir Agreement
Through this agreement, Starlab and Palantir will create a digital twin, a software model of the Starlab station, to enhance operational efficiency, detect issues, and facilitate preventative maintenance.
“Palantir’s advanced AI will revolutionize space station management and operations,” stated Tim Kopra, CEO of Starlab Space.
He emphasized that Palantir’s data analytics and predictive modeling would boost innovation and efficiency throughout their joint venture.
While Palantir has not prominently focused on commercial space, it has worked with the U.S. Space Force, including a $110.3 million contract for the Warp Core cloud platform.
Alex Karp, Palantir’s CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting their commitment to providing real-time intelligence in space and globally.
Starlab and its partners
Starlab Space, a joint venture by Voyager Space and Airbus Defence and Space announced in August 2023, saw Mitsubishi join in April, followed by MDA Space in May.
In addition to partnerships with Northrop Grumman and Palantir, Starlab has a collaboration with Hilton Hotels for design and experience.
“Our team includes leading aerospace companies, and with Palantir, we are joining forces with tech leaders to transform the efficiency, sustainability, and safety of human space exploration,” said Dylan Taylor, CEO of Voyager Space.
The joint venture aims to launch a commercial space station later this decade, serving NASA, other space agencies, and commercial clients as a successor to the International Space Station.
Starlab to be launched on Starship
The station will feature a large habitation and lab module, set to launch on SpaceX’s Starship.
Starlab Space is among three companies, including Axiom Space and Blue Origin, receiving NASA funding for station design and, in Axiom’s case, installing a commercial module on the ISS.
Other companies like Vast and Gravitics are also developing commercial space station concepts.