Core Insights - Starlab Space LLC has selected Vivace Corporation to manufacture the primary structure for its next-generation commercial space station, marking a significant milestone in the project's development [2][3] - Starlab aims to extend the legacy of the International Space Station (ISS) by providing continuous access to low-Earth orbit for scientific research and commercial applications [2][6] - The collaboration with Vivace is crucial for transforming Starlab's vision into reality, ensuring seamless access to orbit for NASA and its international partners in the post-ISS era [3][5] Company Overview - Starlab is a U.S.-led global joint venture involving multiple partners, including Voyager Technologies, Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, MDA Space, and Palantir Technologies, with strategic collaborations with Hilton, Northrop Grumman, and The Ohio State University [6] - The company is developing an AI-enabled commercial space station designed to maintain a human presence in low-Earth orbit and facilitate microgravity research alongside the retirement of the ISS [6][7] Manufacturing and Development - Vivace Corporation will utilize its advanced aerospace engineering capabilities at its New Orleans facility, with support from the Michoud Assembly Facility for the manufacturing of the primary structure [4][5] - The program will involve rigorous testing and development of the station's flight article ahead of its anticipated launch later this decade, focusing on delivering research and commercial opportunities in microgravity [5] Strategic Importance - The partnership between Starlab and Vivace is seen as essential for U.S. national security and leadership in human spaceflight, leveraging the capabilities of the Michoud Assembly Facility [5][8] - Starlab's design and capabilities position it as a premier platform for scientific discovery and technological advancement in space [7]