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Mitsubishi Joins Starlab as Major Space Station Customer
January 12, 2026 | BUSINESS WIREEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Starlab Space LLC today announced that Mitsubishi Corporation has reserved and pre-purchased capacity on Starlab's commercial space station, becoming a foundational customer while simultaneously increasing their investment in the company and joining Starlab's Board of Directors through representative Issei Shinohara.
Through the Starlab space station and its significant payload capabilities, Mitsubishi will help accelerate space-based research in drug discovery, nano-medicine applications, new material development and next-generation semiconductor manufacturing.
The expanded partnership includes acquisition of usage rights for designated payload volume and utilization of on orbit laboratory facilities on Starlab, positioning Mitsubishi to accelerate space-based research opportunities for Japanese institutions. This customer commitment is accompanied by an expanded equity partnership that brings additional investment to support Starlab's development.
The collaboration addresses the critical transition in space research as the International Space Station approaches retirement. Since 2008, Japan has operated the ISS Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo," under the leadership of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Mitsubishi's long-standing relationship and legacy of supporting JAXA presents opportunities for future collaboration as Japan's space program transitions to commercial platforms.
"Mitsubishi Corporation's decision to reserve capacity on Starlab demonstrates the strong commercial demand for our next-generation platform," said Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab. "Their commitment as a partner and customer validates our progress as we advance to full development and flight. Their decades of experience supporting Japan's space program, combined with their industrial expertise, makes them an invaluable partner as we work to complete our CDR that was conducted in December."
As a customer, Mitsubishi will support Japanese space development objectives while contributing to advancements in areas such as life sciences research, advanced materials development and next-generation manufacturing technologies that benefit from the unique space environment. The company’s research capacity will enable Japanese institutions to accelerate space-based research in drug discovery, nano-medicine applications, new material development and next-generation semiconductor manufacturing.
Starlab is the largest and most advanced commercial space station in development. To date, Starlab has achieved more than 27 development milestones and received $217.5 million from NASA through the Commercial LEO Destinations Phase 1 program and $15 million from the Texas Space Commission, plus backing from joint venture partners across the United States, Europe, Japan and Canada.
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