SpaceX’s giant Starship rocket can have exploded during the launch this week. However, that doesn’t mean Elon, or humanity for that matter, isn’t determined to enter a new era of space exploration.

To reach further into the universe, we will have to figure out not only how to send humans to Mars, but also how to upgrade our life support systems and accommodations.

To that end, European aerospace manufacturer Airbus has come up with LOOP, a “multipurpose orbital module” intended to replace the aging International Space Station (ISS). According to Airbus, it designed LOOP to “make long-term stays in space comfortable and enjoyable for its occupants.”

Tight space accommodations

Compared to the iconic images of astronauts floating around the small common areas on the ISS, LOOP’s three-story deck does indeed look a bit more pleasant. Looking at the pictures, it could almost be enough to make all your USS Enterprise fantasies come true. Although since you were going to stay in orbit, you wouldn’t really “go boldly”, etc.

Visit us at TNW Conference 15 & 16 June in Amsterdam

Here are four reasons why you shouldn’t miss it

But don’t imagine swarms of futuristic uniformed space travelers beaming onto the platform. Airbus designed the 8-meter diameter LOOP to comfortably accommodate a crew of four. Although it can be adapted to accommodate eight astronauts at the same time.

The LOOP consists of three decks: Habitation, the Science Deck and a Centrifuge that can create gravity conditions for the inhabitants of the station. The three-level structure also allows for “safe harbor” separation when needed. The decks are connected in the middle by the so-called Tunnel, surrounded by a greenhouse construction.

Meanwhile, the modular approach is meant to be just that: modular. This means customers can choose to replace each deck to tailor the station to individual mission profiles and objectives. According to the developer, an option could also be to connect several LOOP modules to a larger station. With all the space tourism hype, could we see a boutique hotel in the space station? Never say never.

No assembly required

LOOP is designed to match an upcoming generation of superheavy launchers, such as the aforementioned Starship, that can launch the entire module in one piece (once their own launches are successful). This means it will be fully operational almost immediately upon reaching orbit.

Under the umbrella of the LOOP concept, Airbus also offers a whole range of supporting technologies for space exploration, such as solutions for thermal control, power generation and management, environmental control and life support systems, etc.

While Airbus has presented several concepts over the years that have yet to come close to reality, the company has a rich legacy when it comes to contributing to international space missions. It recently became the first ever non-U.S. company to build a mission-critical element for a U.S. human spaceflight mission.

The Kevlar-covered European Service Module and its 15,000 solar cells propel and maneuver NASA’s new Orion spacecraft. In addition, it supplies the crew with water and oxygen and regulates thermal controls.

Do customers go for it?

As with many aerospace concepts, if LOOP really wants to move from design to development, Airbus needs signals from customers willing to buy the product. In this case, there must be someone willing to part with amounts of almost astronomical (pun intended) proportions. Especially considering that the cost of the International Space Station, including development, assembly and operation costs over a decade, ends up at about € 100 billion.