George Washington Carver Science Park

George Washington Carver Science Park

The George Washington Carver Science Park, established by Voyager Space Holdings and The Ohio State University, is a key element and innovative fortification for Starlab, the first privately owned, commercial operated space station in low-Earth orbit, one that will succeed the International Space Station after its retirement in 2030.  In December 2021, NASA awarded a $160 million Space Act Agreement to a team now led under a Voyager-Airbus partnership, to design Starlab as part of NASA’ Commercial low-Earth Orbit Destination (CLD) program. 

The GWCSP will support university, commercial, and non-profit research and development activities in low-Earth orbit, including those operating today on the International Space Station.   The park will be home to commercial space companies, university research and education activities, and will include a dedicated Starlab Payload and Analog Research Laboratory, along with additional ground-based research, development, and operational activities to support Starlab.  The research and development activities conducted at the GWCSP will generate positive social, economic, educational and quality-of-life outcomes for a broad range of constituents, both in Ohio and beyond,

The Ohio State University will serve as the lead partner for Starlab and the Carver Science Park, with five major roles in the partnership:

1. Development of the global research and stakeholder community for Starlab

2. Contribution of key scientific and engineering expertise to Starlab, in areas such as controlled environment agriculture and materials science and engineering

3. Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and new company development from Starlab research and activities

4. Workforce Development, Student Engagement, and Success in Starlab

5. Hosting of the US Ground Location for Starlab and the George Washington Carver Science Park, to be located at the north side of the Ohio State University Airport

Starlab Space Station

Starlab, a groundbreaking joint venture between Voyager Space Holdings and Airbus GmbH, will emerge as the premier privately owned and commercially-operated space station in low-Earth orbit, succeeding the ISS upon its retirement in the early 2030s. With its innovative one-launch design and a permanent crew of four, Starlab promises extended missions of over a year.   The State of Ohio and The Ohio State University are pivotal in its development, contributing expertise and infrastructure across various disciplines.  Starlab's research agenda spans from agriculture to astrophysics, catering to a global stakeholder environment that includes private companies, space agencies, universities, and non-profits, thereby advancing space exploration and fostering international collaboration.

George Washington Carver Science Park

Along with Starlab, Ohio State University is host to the George Washington Carver Science Park, marking a significant milestone in commercial spaceflight research and economic development.  The park will include Starlab's US Ground Location (SGL-US) and Payload and Analog Research Laboratory, serving as a pivotal center for payload development, research, operations, communications, and training activities.  Led by JobsOhio, Ohio secured the SGL-US through a competitive proposal process, with the permanent facility to be sited on ten acres at Ohio State's Don Scott Airport.  The park can accommodate the development of up to eighty acres.  The university's Board of Trustees ratified the agreement in November 2023, while a temporary facility is already operational at the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences.  Headed by Dr. John M. Horack and Dr. Scott Shearer, Ohio State's leadership in Starlab and the George Washington Carver Science Park underscores its commitment to advancing space exploration and fostering innovation in partnership with industry and academia.

Research