The agreement creates opportunities for Ecuadorian researchers, universities and businesses to access low Earth orbit research and commercial development aboard Starlab’s space station.
HOUSTON, July 28, 2026 — Starlab Space LLC, the commercial space station developer expanding access to low Earth orbit (LEO) research, announced that Ecuador Space Society (ESS), a nonprofit organization focused on expanding Ecuador’s participation in the global space economy through education, research, and commercial engagement, will serve as Starlab’s channel partner in Ecuador. ESS will identify and connect Ecuadorian researchers, universities, institutions and businesses with options to conduct scientific research, technology development and entrepreneurial initiatives aboard Starlab’s commercial space station.
The collaboration is intended to support initiatives across sectors including agriculture, healthcare, materials science, environmental technologies and emerging commercial industries, while creating new pathways for Ecuadorian entities to participate in space-based innovation.
“Through this partnership with Starlab, Ecuadorian products will be able to access space for experimentation, research and commercial opportunities that microgravity environments provide, with the goal of optimizing product development for consumption both on Earth and in space,” said Nelson Guim, President of Ecuador Space Society.
“This collaboration with Starlab represents a historic milestone for Ecuador and a long-term commitment from our space and business community to support privately led initiatives in space” said Robert Aillon, Executive Director of Ecuador Space Society, adding that “by opening access to the next-generation commercial space station, we are empowering young Ecuadorians, students and innovators to participate directly in orbital research.”
“Expanding access to microgravity research is essential to building a truly global space economy” said Jonathan Volk, Voyager’s Business Development Director for Starlab. “Through this agreement with Ecuador Space Society, we’re helping create opportunities for Ecuador’s scientific, educational and commercial communities to participate in research and innovation in low Earth orbit.”
The agreement reflects a broader trend: where national space agencies and private organizations are actively positioning their research communities for commercial LEO access as the ISS transition approaches. Starlab’s international joint venture — spanning European, Japanese and North American partners — is structured to support research programs across all international borders.
Starlab’s market-driven business model is designed to reduce costs, complexity and risk for researchers and commercial partners. Its single-launch, no-assembly-required architecture enables full certification and operational readiness within weeks from launch, minimizing delays and maximizing efficiency for payload customers. Through its joint venture partners, customers can conduct research aboard the International Space Station today, ensuring a seamless transition to Starlab as its next-generation capabilities come online.
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About Starlab
Starlab Space is a U.S.-led, global joint venture among Voyager Technologies (NYSE: VOYG), Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, MDA Space, Palantir Technologies, and Space Applications Services, with strategic partners including Hilton, Journey, Northrop Grumman, and The Ohio State University. Starlab is developing a next-generation, AI-enabled commercial space station to ensure continued human presence in low Earth orbit and a seamless transition of microgravity science and research alongside the retirement of the International Space Station. Starlab’s advanced, user-driven design and robust capabilities make it a premier platform for scientific discovery and technological advancement in space. For more information, visit starlab-space.com.
About Ecuador Space Society
Ecuador Space Society (ESS) is a nonprofit organization founded in March 2025 to promote the development of space science and technology in Ecuador. ESS works to inspire new generations of Ecuadorian scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs while creating opportunities in the space sector. With the goal of positioning Ecuador as a regional leader in space research and exploration, ESS fosters collaboration between academic institutions, businesses, and government entities. Founded following Ecuador’s 2023 entry into NASA’s Artemis Accords, ESS is led by President Nelson Guim and Executive Director Robert Aillon. For more information, visit ecuador-space.com.
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Starlab Space
Melissa Price