Starlab Space, the commercial space station developer expanding access to low Earth orbit research, announced a reservation from Yuri GmbH, a Germany-based space biotechnology company focused on enabling scalable life-science research and manufacturing in microgravity. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable, commercial biotechnology capabilities in orbit beyond the International Space Station.
Through the partnership, Yuri has reserved space and resources for the first full year of Starlab operations, representing a long-term investment in reliable commercial infrastructure in low Earth orbit. This dedicated capacity will support continuous microgravity experimentation, bioprocess development and in-space production across a range of biotechnology applications. By securing scalable access to orbital research facilities, Yuri aims to transition life-science innovation from isolated missions to repeatable, commercially viable manufacturing workflows in space.
“Microgravity is not just a research environment, it is a catalyst for breakthrough biotechnology and in-space manufacturing,” said Maria Birlem, CEO of Yuri GmbH. “At Yuri, our mission is to make access to this unique environment reliable, scalable and commercially viable. Our partnership with Starlab strengthens the next generation of space infrastructure, enabling continuous life-science research and production in orbit. Together, we are reinforcing international cooperation and building the foundation for a sustainable global space biotech economy.”
“This partnership represents a defining shift in how commercial research is conducted in low Earth orbit,” said Brad Henderson, chief commercial officer of Starlab. “Yuri has secured dedicated capacity for the entire first year of Starlab’s operations; not a single campaign or short-duration mission, but sustained, year-round access. That level of continuity enables true industrial-scale life-science development, repeatable manufacturing workflows and long-term program planning. Starlab was designed to support exactly this kind of persistent commercial activity, moving the market beyond episodic access and toward reliable, scalable infrastructure in space.”
The announcement builds on Starlab’s expanding life sciences ecosystem, where microgravity enables scientific and industrial processes that are difficult or impossible to achieve under Earth’s gravity. From advanced cell growth and regenerative medicine to biomanufacturing and therapeutic development, sustained access to low Earth orbit provides researchers and companies with new pathways to accelerate discovery and production.
Starlab’s market-driven business model is designed to reduce cost, 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, minimising delays and maximising 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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