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Starlab Space LLC, the commercial space station developer expanding access to low Earth orbit, announced an agreement with Arkwright Space to advance in-space manufacturing of semiconductors, electronics, devices and integrated systems. The collaboration will provide Arkwright Space with access to Starlab’s commercial platform to develop capabilities designed for the production and support of critical systems in space.
Through the agreement, Arkwright Space will use Starlab as a platform for in-space manufacturing activities supporting electronics and mechanical systems for space operations and logistics. The work is intended to demonstrate how manufacturing capabilities in low Earth orbit can support the development, maintenance and evolution of space-based systems while creating new opportunities for deep-tech applications.
“Building manufacturing capabilities in orbit is an important step toward creating a more capable and resilient space economy,” said Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab. “Arkwright Space is focused on solving a fundamental challenge for future space operations: how to produce and maintain the systems spacecraft and crews need when they need them. Starlab provides a commercial platform where these capabilities can be developed and demonstrated in the environment where they will ultimately operate.”
Electronics are fundamental to nearly every aspect of modern space operations, from spacecraft systems and communications to autonomous operations and logistics. By bringing manufacturing capabilities at the edge, closer to where they are needed, Arkwright Space is working to advance a model in which critical electronics and mechanical structures can be serviced, repaired, or manufactured in space rather than relying solely on systems produced and launched from Earth.
“The future of space operations will require the ability to autonomously service, repair and manufacture electronics and mechanical structures at the point of need,” said Harsha Malshe, Co-Founder and CTO of Arkwright Space. “Arkwright Space is building that capability for an operational edge. Our partnership with Starlab, together with other industry partners and sponsors, is a critical step toward turning that vision into a scalable space infrastructure.”
The agreement reflects the broader trend of businesses, research institutes and space agencies from around the world, actively positioning themselves for commercial access to LEO as the ISS transition approaches. Starlab’s international joint venture — spanning European, Japanese, and North American partners — is structured to support research programs across borders, enabling the sustained microgravity conditions that advance healthcare, materials science, agriculture and emerging technologies.
