Commercial Space Station

Defining Possible in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO)

Rendering of Commercial Space Station

Proven in Space:

Building the Foundation for a New Space Economy

Under a NASA Space Act Agreement, Northrop Grumman’s vision for a commercial free-flying space station in low Earth orbit (LEO) focuses on a delivering a safe, reliable and cost-effective solution that will continue the work of the International Space Station (ISS), enabling a smooth transition to commercial operations. Northrop Grumman envisions an accessible marketplace, optimized and tailored to support a variety of customers across multiple markets.

Borrowing from its proven design and ongoing human spaceflight and space operations program, Northrop Grumman’s commercial space station concept employs adaptable technology, centered on a modular design, to enable more affordable future civil and commercial missions. When paired with Northrop Grumman’s deep heritage with commercial spacecraft, the result will be a cost-efficient, and dependable design that supports multiple markets with room for growth, well-suited to aid in the creation and sustainment of a vibrant LEO economy.

Commercial Space Station Infographic
rendering of space station interior

We recently completed major milestones with NASA to further bring our concept to life.

Learn More

What Will You Do in LEO?

Northrop Grumman’s space station concept provides the foundation for a new economy in space.

Gateway Mockup

Work and Live in Space: Habitation Services

Designed for long-duration presence, Northrop Grumman’s station will have the volume and payload capacity to support crew.

microchip

Build in Space: Orbital Manufacturing

Long-duration microgravity environment with accessible volume, optimized to produce materials and hardware.

Hand in glove holding sprout on dish

Discover in Space: Laboratory Facilities for Researchers

Science and technology facilities will be designed to augment research across a broad range of disciplines.

space ship window looking at earth

Visit Space: Space Tourism

The trek to space will no longer be limited. Northrop Grumman’s station will be a destination designed to support a new wave of space explorers.

Astronomy Class

Share Space: Educate and Entertain, and Create Impactful Messages

Northrop Grumman envisions the use of its space station as a platform for storytellers and teacher to inspire, engage and entertain the generations to come.

inside and outside pictures of a space station

Station Specifications

Northrop Grumman’s concept for a commercial space station in LEO expands on its demonstrated and ongoing technical expertise in human spaceflight to create an adaptable destination and marketplace in space that can be customized to support the evolving needs of this new economy.

Preliminary design capabilities and features include, but are not limited to:

Facilities:

  • Crew capacity of up to four in initial configuration
  • Crew capacity of up to eight in second stage configuration
  • Up to 6 docking ports for visiting vehicles and future expansion of new capabilities
  • Science facilities, for example glovebox, cold stowage and incubators
  • Full crew services, including food, clothing, facilities, transport, training and entertainment

Turn-key Services NG and its Partners are developing plans for:

  • Tailored crew and payload training services
  • Launch and recovery/return services
  • Payload/science services, including delivery, facilities, power and data/communication
  • Tailored crew and payload training services
  • Launch and recovery/return services
  • External payload services that allow orientation of payloads with variety of boresights
  • Regularly scheduled crew and cargo services with proven providers
  • On-orbit power generation distributed at regulated 120V and 28V bus lines
  • Data interface support for multiple digital-serial and ethernet interfaces
  • Communication pathways from 300 Mbps to >1 Gbps downlink rate capability
  • Vibration isolation to support microgravity science payloads
  • Visual documentation services
Commercial Space Station Datasheet

Commercial Space Station Podcast

Commercial Space Stations in the News

rendering of space station interior

What Will You Do in LEO?

Rhodium Scientific Logo

Northrop Grumman and Rhodium Scientific to Collaborate on Bio-Tech and Bio-Pharma Research in Low-Earth Orbit

STAR HARBOR logo

Northrop Grumman and STAR HARBOR to Collaborate on Commercial Space Station Research and Astronaut Training

Space station

ISS in the Balance

The Space Review (Photo: NASA)

space station above earth

NASA, companies reject concerns over commercial space station development schedules

Space News (Photo: Nanoracks)

NASA, private companies count on market demand for future space stations after ISS

Space.com (Photo: Axiom Space)

Contact Us

Sean Sapolich
Human Explorations & Operations
Business Development Manager

Ellen Bock
Human Explorations & Operations
Business Development Manager