Axiom Space secured $350 million in funding to build a private space station to replace the International Space Station after its 2030 retirement. The company plans to launch its first module in 2028 and second habitation module in 2029. Axiom competes with three other teams including Blue Origin's Orbital Reef and Voyager Technologies' Starlab, though its declining valuation raises IPO concerns.

Vast Space is positioning itself as a competitive dark horse in the race to build a private replacement for the International Space Station. The company announced that a team of up to four astronauts will train aboard the ISS in summer 2027 aboard a SpaceX rocket. Vast has already launched its Haven Demo satellite, making it the only operational commercial space station company to fly its own spacecraft. The company aims to launch Haven-1 in 2027 and achieve permanent habitability by 2030, coinciding with the ISS's planned retirement.

Liberty Street Advisors increased its stake in Voyager Technologies (VOYG) by 136,925 shares worth $3.71 million, bringing the company to nearly 30% of the fund's assets. Voyager's stock has risen 12% since its IPO at $31, now trading at $34.58. The investment reflects confidence in Voyager's defense and space technology business, supported by strong Q3 results including 31% growth in its Defense segment, $188.6 million backlog, and $413 million in cash with no debt.

Voyager Technologies announced it has patented a method to manufacture fiber optic cables in space using microgravity to produce ultra-pure crystals for high-performance optical communications. The company plans to send samples to the International Space Station in spring 2026 to validate the method, with commercial manufacturing expected to begin after the Starlab space station launches by 2029. The stock surged 9.41% on the announcement.

Voyager Technologies stock surged 10.56% on January 8, 2026, driven by two positive catalysts: President Trump's announcement of a proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, and NASA awarding Voyager a HUNCH contract for educational hardware development. As a company deriving over half its revenue from defense contracts with 57% year-to-date growth in that segment, Voyager stands to benefit significantly from increased defense spending.

Voyager Technologies saw stock gains after announcing a joint research agreement with the University of North Dakota and securing a $21 million Air Force contract for developing AI-enhanced intelligence and surveillance systems.

Voyager Technologies received a $21 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop advanced AI-enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, causing its stock to rise 8%.

NASA plans to terminate the International Space Station in 2030, with four teams competing to build its replacement. The Starlab team, led by Voyager Technologies, is making significant progress by adding strategic partners like Leidos and Janus Henderson Group, positioning itself as a strong contender in the space station development race.

Starlab, a coalition led by Voyager Technologies, is developing a new international space station to replace the ISS after 2030. The project recently added Leidos as a key partner to help assemble and integrate space station components.

NASA is planning to modify its Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destination program, potentially reducing financial commitments and requiring space companies to bear more costs for developing new private space stations to replace the International Space Station.

Space and defense stock Voyager Technologies announced an investment in privately held AI company Latent AI, focusing on optimizing AI for challenging environments. The investment aims to develop AI-ready processors for space missions, causing Voyager's stock to rise over 13%.

Firefly Aerospace has increased its IPO price range to $41-$43 per share, targeting a valuation over $6 billion. The space technology company produces rockets and space equipment, partners with major industry players, and recently saw significant revenue growth.