Futuristic spaceship interior with advanced control panels

Payload
Laboratory

Combines internal and external platforms with customer
integration and autonomous operations for efficient
research.

Modern, High-Performing, Accessible

The Internal Payload Laboratory is designed to support scientific advancement in low-Earth orbit by providing resources for testing and operating payloads in space’s external environment.

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Futuristic laboratory interior with advanced equipment

Internal Payload Laboratory

Vector illustration of overhead view of purple car

13 IPPs.

Compatible with heritage and future form factors.

Designed for flexible and modular scientific experiments.

Transforming Space Into A Living Lab

The Internal Payload Laboratory is a hub of scientific exploration, offering a modular and flexible architecture to accommodate a wide range of experiments. Located on the second and third floors of Starlab, the IPL is equipped with 13 Internal Payload Platforms.

Space station interior with advanced technology and equipment.

Power Allocation

Flexible onboard power supports a range of experimental energy needs across platforms.

Form Factor Compatibility

Compatible with legacy and next-gen payload sizes through modular, flexible platforms.

High-Speed Data

High-speed onboard networks enable seamless data access and real-time experiment services.

Thermal Control

Dedicated cooling systems support varied thermal profiles, including high-load experiments.

Payload Facility Suite

The majority of IPL slots support specialized
research facilities for key scientific domains.

Futuristic spacecraft interior with high-tech panels

Various home appliances isolated on green background

Biological Research

Supports fundamental and applied physics research, requiring power, cooling, nitrogen, and vacuum.

Fridge and industrial equipment on green background

Glovebox

Provides a secure, controlled environment with integrated containment and utility systems for sensitive research.

Futuristic spacecraft interior with sliding doors and panels

Industrial laboratory equipment with open panels

Workbench

Offers tools and maintenance with stationary and portable components. The workbench supports smaller payloads, providing power, cooling, and data without hazard-level containment.

Open industrial electrical control panel with components

Optical Analysis

Includes an optical bench, microscopes, and additional capabilities for various imaging techniques, supported by high-grade vibration isolation.

Our Internal and External Payload Laboratories offer flexible, leaseable platforms and robust interfaces that support legacy and next-generation payloads alike.

External Payload Laboratory

Supporting Scientific And Commercial Payloads In Space

The External Payload Laboratory is designed to support scientific advancement in low-Earth orbit by providing resources for testing and operating payloads in space’s external environment. The EPL consists of two External Payload Platforms (EPPs), each capable of hosting up to nine payloads, strategically placed on the PORT and STARBOARD sides of the station to maximize viewing capabilities.

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Spacecraft interior viewing Earth from orbit

Two EPPs, each supporting up to nine payloads.

Positioned on PORT and STARBOARD sides for optimal viewing angles.

Enables scientific and commercial research in the external space environment with views towards ram, wake, nadir, zenith, port, and starboard.

Extending Innovation
Beyond the Hull

The External Payload Laboratory provides a dynamic platform for testing and operating payloads in space’s external environment. With two External Payload Platforms (EPPs) mounted on the PORT and STARBOARD sides of Starlab, the EPL supports up to nine payloads per platform, enabling high-performance research with access to open space, direct views, and robotic servicing.

Detailed spacecraft docking on space station orbiting Earth

Payload Capacity

Supports both compact and large-scale external payloads to enable a wide range of research missions.

Power & Data

Robust power and data interfaces support complex external experiments and real-time communications.

Access & Installation

Robotic arm and airlock enable payload transfer, transition, and external mounting across multiple views.

Payload Examples

Standard Payloads

Laser communication terminal, camera, edge computing, earth observation telescopes, and materials research.

Space station module in orbit with Earth in background

Large Payloads

Furnace and chip manufacturing.

Our Internal and External Payload Laboratories offer flexible, leaseable platforms and robust interfaces that support legacy and next-generation payloads alike.

Internal Payload Laboratory

Payload Integration
and Operations with Starlab

Submit Payload Proposal

Access Starlab’s intuitive, AI-powered web portal to submit your payload details.

The system guides you through all required inputs, streamlining the entire setup process.

Automated Preparation

Your personalized dashboard automates preparation and integration logistics—ensuring your payload is launch-ready in under one year.

Full support is available for documentation, timeline tracking, and technical setup.

Operate Your Payload

Control your mission in real time via your User Home Base (UHB)—a secure interface connected to Starlab Mission Control.221

Payload Laboratory