Private space stations: The next step to space commercialization

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 22, 2023

Insight summary

While the development of private space stations is still in the early stages, it is clear that they have the potential to impact the future of space exploration and utilization significantly. As more private companies and organizations enter the space industry, the competition for access to space resources and the control of space-based infrastructure is likely to increase, leading to economic and political consequences.

Private space station context

Private space stations are a relatively new development in the world of space exploration and have the potential to revolutionize the way people think about space travel and utilization. These privately owned and operated space stations are being developed by companies and organizations to provide a platform for research, manufacturing, and other activities in low Earth orbit (LEO).

There are already several enterprises working on the development of private space stations. One example is Blue Origin, a private aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company founded by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Blue Origin has announced plans to develop a commercial space station called the "Orbital Reef," which will be designed to accommodate a wide range of activities, including manufacturing, research, and tourism. The company aims to have the space station operational by the mid-2020s and has already signed contracts with several customers, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to use the facility for research and other activities.

Another company developing a private space station is Voyager Space and its operating firm Nanoracks, which are teaming up with aerospace giant Lockheed Martin to create a commercial space station called "Starlab." The space station will be designed to host a variety of payloads, including research experiments, manufacturing processes, and satellite deployment missions. The company plans to launch the space station by 2027. In September 2022, Voyager signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with several Latin American space agencies, such as the Colombian Space Agency, El Salvador Aerospace Institute, and the Mexican Space Agency.

Disruptive impact

One of the main drivers behind the development of private space stations is the economic potential they offer. Space has long been seen as a realm with vast untapped resources, and private space stations could provide a way to access and exploit these resources for commercial gain. For example, companies could use private space stations to research materials and technologies to construct satellites, space habitats, or other space-based infrastructure. Additionally, private space stations could provide a platform for manufacturing processes that benefit from the unique conditions found in space, such as zero gravity and the vacuum of space.

In addition to the economic benefits of private space stations, they also have the potential to have significant political consequences. As more countries and private companies develop their space capabilities, the competition for access to space resources and the control of space-based infrastructure is likely to increase. This trend could lead to tensions between different nations and organizations as they seek to protect their interests and stake their claim in the rapidly expanding frontier of space.

Additionally, some companies, like SpaceX, aim to create the infrastructure for potential space emigration, particularly to the Moon and Mars. 

Implications of private space stations

Wider implications of private space stations may include: 

• Governments updating and creating regulations to oversee space commercialization and expansion.


• Developed economies racing to establish or develop their respective space agencies to stake a claim on space activities and opportunities. This trend can contribute to increasing geopolitical tensions.


• More startups specializing in space infrastructure, transportation, tourism, and data analytics. These developments may support the emerging Space-as-a-Service business model.


• The rapid development of space tourism, including hotels, restaurants, resorts, and tours. However, this experience (initially) will only be available to the extremely wealthy.


• Increasing research projects on space stations to develop technologies for future lunar and Mars-based colonies, including space agriculture and energy management.

Questions to consider

• What other possible discoveries can result from having more private space stations?


• How can space companies ensure that their services are accessible to all, not just to the wealthy?