A NEW FRONTIER IN EB-5 — BY MARIE EKBERG PADILLA AND MARTA LILLO
On an EB-5 Mission in Space
To build Starlab , Voyager partnered with leading aerospace and technology developers such as Airbus , MDA Space , Mitsubishi Corporation , and Palantir . This private ownership structure reflects the international makeup of the ISS , currently owned by space agencies from the United States , Europe , Canada , Japan , and other nations .
The project is a public-private partnership under the U . S . government ’ s National Interest Program . It began with a NASA Space Act Agreement that has grown to over $ 200 million in funding , Kuta explained . Now , Voyager seeks to supplement NASA ’ s funding with $ 80 million in EB-5 capital , representing 40 % of the $ 205 million development budget for its Huntsville , Alabama hub .
“ We ’ ve been operating for three years , funding it out of our existing balance sheet and derisking it to feel comfortable with EB-5 capital ,” Kuta said .
Allowing EB-5 investors into the project aligns with the program ’ s mission to stimulate the U . S . economy through job creation and foreign capital investment .
The project is a public-private partnership under the U . S . government ’ s National Interest Program
“ We liked the global angle of EB-5 because it ’ s what Starlab represents ,” Kuta said .
A Unique EB-5 Venture
Because USCIS designated Starlab as a national interest project , the agency expedited review of its application , approving it within 60 days in September this year , Kuta said .
The project qualifies for the lower EB-5 investment threshold of $ 800,000 due to its location in a Targeted Employment Area .
“ This is the first space station that will be owned by shareholders ,” Kuta noted .
Currently in its final design stage , Starlab is slated to begin manufacturing next year . The station is set to launch into orbit aboard SpaceX ’ s Starship in 2028-2029 under an already signed contract , he said .
Starlab will operate in low-earth orbit , where 70 % of all satellites reside , and promises to serve as a hub for both research and space tourism .
“ We do a lot of work in the ISS right now , including missions and satellite deployment . We even own our airlock , the Bishop , permanently
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