Starlab Space and Auxilium Biotechnologies to Advance Life Sciences Research in Microgravity
Auxilium will provide orbital 3D bioprinting and biofabrication capabilities aboard the Starlab space station to enhance research and development in regenerative medicine, implantable medical devices and tissue engineering.
Starlab Space LLC, the commercial space station developer expanding access to low Earth orbit research, today announced a partnership with Auxilium Biotechnologies. This agreement represents a significant advancement in 3D bioprinting and biofabrication in orbit and underscores Starlab's commitment to growing scientific discovery beyond the limits of Earth.
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Auxilium will provide orbital 3D bioprinting and biofabrication capabilities aboard the Starlab space station to enhance research and development in regenerative medicine, implantable medical devices and tissue engineering. In November 2024, Auxilium successfully created tiny, functional blood vessels aboard the International Space Station using its AMP-1 platform. These vessels, which have wall thicknesses about the width of a human hair, were produced in under an hour—something not possible on Earth, where the process requires more time, materials, and complex steps. The achievement opens the door to on-demand tissue production to support astronaut health on long missions to the Moon and Mars, while also advancing solutions for patients on Earth. Photo credit: Auxilium
Auxilium will provide orbital 3D bioprinting and biofabrication capabilities aboard the Starlab space station to support advanced research, device development and manufacturing workflows in regenerative medicine, implantable medical technologies and complex tissue engineering applications. Auxilium's proprietary AMP-1 3D bioprinter has demonstrated the mass production of implantable medical devices and other complex structures, such as perfusable blood vessels, in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. With Starlab, Auxilium will accelerate translation from experimental biology to manufacturable products, positioning AMP-1 as a production facility for the next generation of life science technologies in space.
"3D printing in microgravity enables tissue architectures and material properties not achievable under standard 1g manufacturing," said Isac Lazarovits, director of engineering at Auxilium. "This biomanufacturing facility on board the future Starlab space station will expand access to low Earth orbit, lower barriers for industry and academia, and enable high-impact research and manufacturing that will benefit Earth."
This announcement highlights one piece of Starlab's expansive network dedicated to advancing life sciences research and biomanufacturing in orbit. Microgravity enables breakthroughs impossible on Earth by allowing enhanced protein crystallization for improved drug development, 3D cell growth and disease modeling that better replicates human biology, and advanced stem cell research with applications for treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's.
"This partnership demonstrates Starlab's commitment to fostering innovation in life sciences," said Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab. "By providing companies like Auxilium with the infrastructure to advance biomanufacturing in microgravity, we're creating pathways for breakthrough therapies that will improve lives on Earth."
Starlab's market-driven business model aims to reduce costs, complexity and risks for researchers and commercial partners. With its single-launch, no-assembly-required design enabling full certification and operation within weeks, Starlab minimizes delays and maximizes efficiency for payload customers. Through joint venture partners, customers can conduct research on the International Space Station today, ensuring a seamless transition to Starlab for future advancements.
About Starlab
Starlab Space is a U.S.-led, global joint venture among Voyager Technologies (NYSE:VOYG), Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, MDA Space, Palantir Technologies, and Space Applications Services, with strategic partners including Hilton, Journey, Northrop Grumman, and The Ohio State University. Starlab is developing a next-generation, AI-enabled commercial space station to ensure continued human presence in low Earth orbit and a seamless transition of microgravity science and research alongside the retirement of the International Space Station. Starlab's advanced, user-driven design and robust capabilities make it a premier platform for scientific discovery and technological advancement in space. For more information, visit starlab-space.com.
About Auxilium Biotechnologies
Auxilium Biotechnologies is a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative solutions to treat traumatic injuries to the nervous system. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, the company develops cutting-edge bioprinting and biomanufacturing solutions and implantable medical devices to improve lives worldwide. For more information, visit auxiliumbio.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Starlab, [email protected]
Auxilium, [email protected]