So who's funding it?

 

This is a remarkable article, about an endeavour to create the next international space station --

as a private venture.

Now, while I'm sure there's a lot of government(s) funding involved, still, has any calculated the BILLIONS of dollars it cost to just launch the pieces of the current ISS into space?  And how much it cost after that to put the pieces together?

I suspect that they've figured out a way to do this cheaper (but it will be interesting to see how). They are still going to require some heavy lift launches, I would think.

Airbus and Voyager Space finalize mission for next International Space Station

"Airbus Defense and Space and Voyager Space’s collaboration to build the next International Space Station (ISS) has taken a significant step forward as the two companies confirm the creation of Starlab Space.

Airbus and Voyager announced on January 9, 2024, that they have completed the transaction to create the new entity which will steam ahead to design, build, and operate the Starlab commercial space station.

Starlab is planned for launch in 2028 to ensure a continued human presence in low-Earth orbit (LEO) and ultimately replace the ISS."

First of all, it doesn't look that big. 

Oh yeah - cue the dancers.