Nanoracks

Nanoracks is the leading provider of commercial access to space with a global customer base.

Created: 2018-11-01

Updated: 2022-03-12

Classification

In-Space Manufacturing

Category

ISS Utilization Service
Commercial ISS Airlock

Status

1) Active

First launch

2012

Core payload hardware is the NanoLab, a powerful box in the CubeSat form factor, measuring 10 cm by 10 cm by 10 cm. Every NanoLab has a circuit board that activates the experiment, turns it off and can be functioned for other activities. Customers have also deployed video cameras and a wide range of sensors inside NanoLabs.
Nanoracks Airlock Module (Bishop) is the first-ever commercial Airlock that will operate on the International Space Station.
"Maritime Launch Services and Houston-based Nanoracks have signed an agreement to work on repurposing the upper stages of MLS's rockets — the parts of the vehicle that contained fuel and are released as it climbs into orbit. The company plans to use Cyclone 4M rockets, designed by Ukrainian company Yuzhnoye and manufactured by Yuzhmash.

Maritime Launch Services and Houston-based Nanoracks have signed an agreement to work on repurposing the upper stages of MLS's rockets — the parts of the vehicle that contained fuel and are released as it climbs into orbit. The company plans to use Cyclone 4M rockets, designed by Ukrainian company Yuzhnoye and manufactured by Yuzhmash.

Classification

Space Stations & Habitats

Category

Commercial Space Station

Status

3) Development

First launch

2027

Nanoracks’ commercial low-Earth orbit destination, in collaboration with Voyager Space and Lockheed Martin, is called “Starlab.”

Nanoracks’ commercial low-Earth orbit destination, in collaboration with Voyager Space and Lockheed Martin, is called “Starlab.” Starlab is targeted for launch in 2027 on a single flight as a continuously crewed, commercial space station dedicated to conducting advanced research, fostering commercial industrial activity, and ensuring continued U.S. presence and leadership in low-Earth orbit. Starlab is designed for four astronauts and will have power, volume, and a payload capability equivalent to the International Space Station.
Starlab will host the George Washington Carver Science Park featuring four main operational departments – a biology lab, plant habitation lab, physical science and materials research lab, and an open workbench area – to meet the needs of researchers and commercial customers for commercial space activities. The station will be built with flexible growth in mind, featuring interfaces both internal and external to the spacecraft to allow Nanoracks to expand the architecture as new demand sources are identified, and new markets emerge.
NASA awarded $130 million to develop designs of space stations and other commercial destinations in space. 

Updated: 2022-03-12

[1] http://nanoracks.com/

[2] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/mla-nanoracks-repurpose-cyclone-4-rockets-1.5344086

[3] https://images.nasa.gov/details-iss064m260691404_Expedition_64_Nanoracks_210310