摘要：
Janus Henderson Group and Voyager Technologies have announced a strategic investment in Starlab Space to develop next-generation commercial space stations. Starlab was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Houston, operating as a global joint venture led by Voyager Technologies. Partner organizations include Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, MDA Space, Palantir Technologies, and Space Applications Services. Strategic partners involved are Northrop Grumman, Hilton, Journey, and The Ohio State University.
Starlab is designing an AI-enabled commercial space station intended to maintain a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit and support microgravity research when the International Space Station (ISS) retires. Janus Henderson invests on behalf of its advisory clients.
Jonathan Coleman, Small Cap Growth Portfolio Manager at Janus Henderson, said, "We are excited to announce our investment in Starlab, a leader in the development of a commercial space station to replace the ISS. We have strong conviction that Starlab has the best design, lowest cost profile, and most compelling business model of any of the contenders vying to replace the ISS after its de-orbit in 2030. The US-led global partnership is a distinctive model that makes the business a more attractive partner to NASA and international space agencies. As an investor in multiple strategic backers of Starlab, Janus Henderson looks forward to working closely with Starlab's joint venture partners and believes their combined expertise, track record, and scale in commercial space mean Starlab is exceptionally well positioned."
Dylan Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Voyager Technologies, stated, "The investment from a global financial leader such as Janus Henderson is a strong market signal that the commercial space economy is entering a new phase of maturity. This partnership underscores the confidence from customers, partners and financial institutions that Starlab offers the right design, the right team, and the right business model for the post-ISS era. We are building a commercially sustainable, transformative platform, and this investment reinforces that we're on the path to delivering it."
Janus Henderson's small cap equity team has over 40 years of investment experience and manages more than $40 billion in small and mid cap equities worldwide. The firm's investment in Starlab follows recent investments in other private companies, including Kardium Inc., developer of the Globe Pulsed Field System for atrial fibrillation treatment.
