Starlab Space Stations and 1789 Capital announced a strategic investment by 1789 Capital into Starlab, the U.S.-led joint venture developing a next-generation commercial space station designed to support the post-International Space Station economy.

The investment highlights growing confidence in commercial low-Earth orbit infrastructure as the International Space Station approaches retirement. Starlab is positioning itself as a long-term platform for scientific research, national security missions, and commercial operations in orbit, at a time when global competition in space infrastructure continues to intensify.

Matt Kuta, president of Voyager Technologies, said the transition away from the ISS creates an urgent need for continued American leadership in low-Earth orbit.

According to the announcement, the investment adds to an expanding base of financial backing for Starlab and reinforces the belief that commercial space infrastructure represents both a national strategic priority and a viable long-term investment opportunity.

Starlab is developing an AI-enabled commercial space station intended to support ongoing human presence in low-Earth orbit while enabling a seamless transition for microgravity science and research activities currently conducted aboard the ISS. The company said its platform is being designed to serve scientific discovery, technology development, and commercial operations in space.

Starlab Space is a U.S.-led global joint venture that includes Voyager Technologies, Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, MDA Space, Palantir Technologies, and Space Applications Services. Strategic partners include Hilton, Journey, Northrop Grumman, and The Ohio State University.

1789 Capital, founded in 2022 by Omeed Malik and Chris Buskirk, focuses on financing companies operating in what it describes as the Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Growth economy. The firm said the investment aligns with its thesis that critical infrastructure opportunities, including orbital infrastructure, can generate both national and financial returns.

Voyager Technologies operates as a defense technology and space solutions company focused on propulsion systems, advanced electronics, mission management, energetics, and space exploration capabilities supporting the United States and allied nations.

KEY QUOTES:

“As the ISS approaches retirement, we cannot afford a gap in American presence in low-Earth orbit while the Tiangong is expanding and competing for dominance in the orbital economy. Starlab is how the United States answers that challenge, not just for the commercial market, but for every national security and scientific mission that depends on assured access to LEO.”

Matt Kuta, President, Voyager Technologies

“America built the space age and must lead the next one. We invest in the next chapter of American exceptionalism, and Starlab is turning that vision into reality.”

Omeed Malik, Founder And President, 1789 Capital