Commercial Space Station

Commercial Space Station

Defining Possible in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO)

Proven in Space:

Building the Foundation for a New Space Economy

Northrop Grumman’s vision for space-as-a-service focuses on delivering an accessible, full-service commercial space station in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) that will continue the work of the International Space Station (ISS), while expanding across multiple markets to provide optimized and tailored support for a new commercial economy. Northrop Grumman envisions an accessible marketplace in space that includes the potential for scientific activities, tourism and more.

Northrop Grumman’s concept for a safe, reliable and cost-effective commercial space station employs trusted, adaptable technology from its ongoing human spaceflight and space operations program to enable more affordable, future civil and commercial missions that can aid in the creation and sustainment of a vibrant LEO economy. 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.

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

Learn More

What Will You Do in LEO?

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

Work and Live in Space: Habitation Services

Designed for long-duration presence in low Earth orbit, Northrop Grumman’s station will have the volume and payload capacity to support necessary crew facili…

Build in Space: Orbital Manufacturing

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

Discover in Space: Laboratory Facilities for Researchers

Science and technology facilities will be designed to augment research across a broad range of disciplines, including biology, human physiology, physical and ma…

Visit Space: Space Tourism

The trek to space will no longer be limited to a select few. Northrop Grumman’s destination-centric station design and customizable on-orbit Station Kits will…

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:

Multiple exterior windows
Up to 6 docking ports for visiting vehicles and new modules
Science facilities (Ex: science glovebox, cold stowage, incubators)
Robotics capabilities
Real time video
External payloads capabilities
Crew facilities (quarters, hygiene, exercise, medical, more)

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

Tailored crew and payload training services
Launch and recovery/return services
Crew habitation services package includes room and board, hygiene kit, clothing kit, exercise plan, medical support, communications plan, more
Payload/science services for numerous payloads of varying sizes
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