Mitsubishi Corporation announced on January 12, 2026 that it has reserved and pre‑purchased payload capacity on Voyager Technologies’ Starlab commercial space station, becoming a foundational customer for the joint venture.
The announcement also included a larger equity stake in Starlab and the appointment of Mitsubishi representative Issei Shinohara to the joint venture’s board of directors, deepening the partnership and aligning Mitsubishi’s strategic interests with the station’s development.
Starlab, a single‑launch commercial space station built by Voyager Space, Airbus, and Northrop Grumman, is slated for launch no earlier than 2028. Mitsubishi’s investment provides critical financial backing and signals confidence in the station’s commercial viability, especially in the Japanese market.
The pre‑purchase of payload capacity secures a long‑term revenue stream for Starlab once the station becomes operational. It also gives Mitsubishi early access to the station’s research and commercial payload services, positioning the company to support Japanese institutions and private enterprises seeking low‑Earth orbit capabilities.
Management comments highlight the strategic value of the partnership. Marshall Smith, Starlab CEO, said the deal validates the station’s progress and strengthens the joint venture’s credibility. Mitsubishi’s COO Mikito Nakaniwa noted that the collaboration will open the commercial LEO marketplace for global companies and create lasting value.
The deal comes amid a competitive landscape that includes Axiom Space, Orbital Reef, and Vast Space. Starlab’s single‑launch design and NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations funding give it a distinct advantage, and Mitsubishi’s commitment reinforces its position as a key stakeholder in the next generation of commercial space infrastructure.
Analysts view the investment as a positive signal for Voyager Technologies, as it bolsters the company’s growth prospects and provides a tangible customer base that will help accelerate the station’s development timeline.
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