2030 becomes the International Space Station ISS cease operations. Then private space stations should act as outposts in space. Northrup Grumman, Blue Origin and Nanoracks are already working on concepts. Together with Voyager Space, the European aerospace group Airbus also announced the development of a space station. Starlab could be launched into low Earth orbit as early as 2028.
well has Airbus presented a concept for a multipurpose orbital module (MPOP). Airbus Loop could be integrated into the Starlab, but according to Airbus it is also compatible with other space stations or could also be used in Mars missions.
The orbital module has a diameter of 8 meters and is just as high. 4 to 8 astronauts should find a place in it. It consists of 3 levels. These include a living and community deck, a research deck, and a deck that houses a centrifuge designed to simulate gravity for the crew.
© Airbus
As can be seen in a recently published video, each of the 3 levels is said to have a staircase-like vertical tunnel be accessible. Similar to the greenhouses on board the ISS, the tunnel can also be used to grow plants.
Depending on the requirements, the individual decks can be equipped with mission-specific instruments. Airbus did not disclose how much gravity the centrifuge can generate. Loud Space.com but it could also be used to get astronauts used to the gravity of Mars or the moon. Airbus did not give any details about the materials, protective devices or the weight of the module.
