I have spent the last several months sitting under, adjusting, squinting at, and genuinely relying on eight of the most popular desk light therapy lamps on the market. The goal was simple: find out which ones actually belong on a workspace without eating up half your desk or making you feel like you are staring into a headlight.
If you spend your day at a desk, you already know the problem. Short winter days and windowless offices drain your energy before lunch. A good 10,000 lux therapy lamp can change that, but only if it fits your space and your routine. That is exactly why we put together this guide to the best light therapy lamps for desks in 2026 — so you do not have to gamble on a lamp that is too big, too weak, or too awkward to actually use every morning.
Our team compared specs, verified real user feedback, and tested each lamp on an actual desk setup. We looked at lux output, UV-free safety, footprint, adjustability, and how each one felt during a 20-to-30 minute morning session. Here is what we found.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Desk Light Therapy
Verilux HappyLight Lucent
- 10000 Lux UV-Free
- One-Touch Operation
- Detachable Stand
- Ultra-Thin Tablet
Verilux HappyLight Lumi Plus
- 10000 Lux UV-Free
- 3 Brightness Levels
- Countdown Timer
- Wall Mount Option
Best Light Therapy Lamps for Desks in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Verilux HappyLight Lucent |
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| Verilux HappyLight Lumi Plus |
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 Verilux HappyLight Duo |
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 Carex Day-Light Classic Plus |
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 Caromolly Light Therapy Lamp |
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 Verilux HappyLight Alba |
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 Theralite Aura Bright |
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| LASTAR Sun Lamp |
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1. Verilux HappyLight Lucent – One-Touch Simplicity
Verilux HappyLight Lucent Light Therapy Lamp, 10,000 Lux, UV-Free LED
10,000 Lux UV-Free LED
One-Button Operation
16 oz Ultra-Thin
Detachable Stand
3-Year Warranty
Pros
- Simplest one-touch operation on the market
- Full 10
- 000 lux UV-free therapy
- Incredibly light at 16 ounces
- Bidirectional stand for vertical or horizontal use
- 3-year warranty with US-based support
Cons
- Corded electric only
- No brightness adjustment
- Single color temperature
This is the lamp I kept reaching for first. The Verilux HappyLight Lucent strips away every unnecessary feature and leaves you with one button: press it once, and you are getting 10,000 lux of UV-free full-spectrum light. That simplicity is a strength, not a flaw, especially at 6 AM when you are barely awake.
At just 16 ounces, this is the lightest lamp we tested. It sits on my desk without crowding my monitor, and the ultra-thin tablet profile means it practically disappears when I am done with my session. The detachable stand lets you position it vertically or horizontally, which matters more than you might think when desk space changes throughout the day.
Verilux has been in the healthy lighting space for over 60 years, and that experience shows. The Lucent does not flicker, it does not get hot, and the light feels clean rather than harsh. I used it for 30-minute morning sessions over a two-week stretch and noticed a real difference in my morning alertness, especially on overcast days.
Now, the trade-off for simplicity is that you get zero adjustability. There is one brightness level and one color temperature. If you are sensitive to bright light first thing in the morning, you will need to start with shorter sessions and build up. Reddit users on r/SeasonalAffective consistently recommend Verilux for reliability, and many report trusting the brand for a decade or more.
Ideal Desk Setup and Placement
Position the Lucent about 6 to 12 inches from your face, slightly off-center so you are not staring directly into it. The beauty of the detachable stand is that you can prop it in portrait mode next to your monitor or lay it flat in landscape if your desk is shallow. You want the light hitting your peripheral vision, not your direct gaze.
Who Should Buy This Lamp
If you want therapy that works without fiddling with settings, remotes, or apps, this is your pick. It is perfect for people who want a no-frills morning routine. It is also ideal for travelers since it weighs almost nothing and fits in a bag. The only people who should look elsewhere are those who need adjustable brightness or a dual-purpose task lamp.
2. Verilux HappyLight Lumi Plus – Adjustable Brightness Champion
Verilux HappyLight Lumi Plus – Light Therapy Lamp with 10,000 Lux, UV-Free, LED Bright White Light with Adjustable Brightness, Countdown Timer, & Detachable Stand – Boost Mood, Sleep, and Focus
10,000 Lux UV-Free LED
3 Brightness Levels
Countdown Timer
Wall Mount Option
3-Year Warranty
Pros
- Three brightness levels for gradual adjustment
- Built-in countdown timer up to 60 minutes
- Wall mountable for flexible placement
- Ultra-thin portable design
- Strong 3-year warranty
Cons
- Corded electric only
- No color temperature options
- Timer set in 15-minute increments only
The Lumi Plus solves the one complaint I had with the Lucent: no brightness control. Here you get three brightness levels, so you can start low and work your way up as your eyes adjust. That alone makes this a better pick for people who are new to light therapy or who find full 10,000 lux intensity overwhelming on day one.
The countdown timer is the feature I did not know I needed. You can set it for 10, 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes, and the lamp shuts itself off. No more checking the clock during your session or accidentally leaving it on when you walk away. It turns your therapy into a set-it-and-forget routine.
The wall mount option is a genuine space-saver. If your desk is already loaded with a monitor, keyboard, and the usual accessories, mounting the Lumi Plus on the wall behind your desk frees up surface area while still delivering effective light. At 2.01 pounds, it is still light enough to move between home and office.
What keeps it from being a perfect pick is the lack of color temperature options. You get bright white light only. Some users on forums mention they prefer warmer tones for evening use, which this lamp does not offer. But for morning therapy sessions, the bright white is exactly what you want for circadian rhythm regulation.
How the Timer Improves Your Routine
The 15-minute increments mean you can build a consistent daily habit without thinking. Most clinicians recommend 20 to 30 minutes of 10,000 lux exposure per session. Set the Lumi Plus for 30 minutes each morning, and the auto shut-off handles the rest. Over a few weeks, this kind of consistency is what drives real results.
Best for First-Time Therapy Lamp Users
If you have never used a light therapy lamp before, the Lumi Plus is the smartest starting point. The adjustable brightness lets you ease in, the timer prevents overexposure, and the price-to-feature ratio is excellent. It is also a strong upgrade from the Lucent if you want more control without spending significantly more.
3. Verilux HappyLight Duo – 2-in-1 Therapy and Task Lamp
Verilux HappyLight Duo 2-in-1 Light Therapy & Task Desk Lamp, UV-Free LED
2-in-1 Therapy and Task Lamp
10,000 Lux UV-Free
3 Color Temps, 7 Brightness
USB Charging Port
Gooseneck Design
Pros
- Dual light therapy and task lamp in one unit
- 7 brightness levels and 3 color temperatures
- Flexible gooseneck for precise positioning
- Built-in USB charging port
- Optix lens reduces glare and eye strain
Cons
- Higher price point at $79
- Heavier at 3 pounds
- Takes up more desk space than tablet designs
The HappyLight Duo is the lamp that replaced two things on my desk at once. One half delivers 10,000 lux of UV-free light therapy. The other half is a fully adjustable task lamp with its own brightness and color temperature controls. If you have been using a separate desk lamp and wanting to add therapy, this solves both problems in a single footprint.
The flexible gooseneck is what makes this work. You can angle the therapy panel toward your face while pointing the task light at your keyboard or documents. That independent positioning matters. With a rigid lamp, you end up compromising on one or the other. The gooseneck eliminates that trade-off entirely.
Seven brightness levels and three color temperature settings give you more control than any other lamp in this roundup. For therapy sessions, crank it to full brightness at the coolest temperature. For evening work, dial it down to a warm glow that will not wreck your sleep schedule. The Optix lens diffuses the light to cut glare, which is a real benefit if you spend hours at your desk.
The USB charging port is a small touch that I appreciated more than expected. It means you do not lose an outlet when you plug in the lamp, and your phone stays charged during long work sessions. At $79 it is the most expensive lamp here, but when you factor in replacing both your therapy lamp and your desk lamp, the math works out.
Managing Eye Strain During Long Sessions
The flicker-free operation and Optix glare-reduction lens make the Duo noticeably more comfortable during extended use. If you have ever felt fatigued or headachy after staring at a bright therapy lamp, the diffused light on this model is specifically designed to prevent that. Forum users praise the Duo for exactly this reason.
Who Benefits Most from the Dual Design
This is the best light therapy lamp for desk users who also need task lighting. If you work from home, read physical documents, or do detail work, having both functions in one unit saves space and money. It is not the right choice for someone who only wants a simple morning therapy lamp, but for a full workstation setup, it is hard to beat.
4. Carex Day-Light Classic Plus – Clinical-Grade Power
Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Sunlight Therapy Lamp – 10000 LUX Therapy Lamp at 12 Inches, LED Bright White Light with Adjustable Height and Brightness Levels for Mood, White
10,000 Lux at 12 Inches
Mayo Clinic Design
LED BrightZone Tech
Adjustable Height
5-Year Warranty
9.35 lbs
Pros
- Full 10
- 000 lux at comfortable 12-inch distance
- Clinical Mayo Clinic-inspired design
- Adjustable height and angle for precise positioning
- Projects light downward for effectiveness
- Longest warranty in category at 5 years
Cons
- Most expensive at $109.99
- Heaviest at 9.35 pounds
- Large footprint not ideal for small desks
The Carex Day-Light Classic Plus is what I would call the serious option. It is the lamp you buy when you are not messing around with winter depression and want something that delivers clinical-strength results. Modeled on research from the Mayo Clinic, it projects light downward at a natural angle rather than straight at your face.
What sets this lamp apart is the distance. You get the full 10,000 lux at 12 inches, which is farther than most compact lamps. That means you do not have to sit uncomfortably close. On a desk, you can position it at the back edge and still get effective exposure while you work normally. The adjustable height stand lets you fine-tune the angle.
At 9.35 pounds, this is by far the heaviest lamp in our roundup. That weight comes from the sturdy stand and larger light surface. The footprint is substantial. If your desk is small or already crowded, this lamp will dominate the space. I found it works best on a larger desk or a dedicated side table near your workstation.
The 5-year warranty is the longest in this category by a wide margin. Carex clearly stands behind the build quality. Users in SAD forums consistently recommend this lamp for glare-sensitive people because the downward projection and glare-free screen feel gentler than direct panel light. The two light settings are basic compared to some competitors, but both deliver what matters clinically.
Why the Downward Design Matters
Most therapy lamps blast light straight at your eyes. The Classic Plus projects from above at an angle, mimicking how natural sunlight enters your field of vision. This reduces glare and feels more comfortable during 30-minute sessions. It also means you can read or work on your computer while receiving therapy without straining to avoid the light.
Is the Higher Price Worth It?
At $109.99 this is the most expensive lamp on our list. But consider what you are getting: clinical-grade output, a design inspired by actual medical research, adjustable positioning, and a 5-year warranty. If you are dealing with diagnosed SAD and your doctor recommends light therapy, this is the type of lamp clinicians tend to point to.
5. Caromolly Light Therapy Lamp – Remote Control Convenience
Caromolly Light Therapy Lamp, Sunlight Lamp 10000 Lux with Remote Control, 3 Color Temperature & 4 Brightness Level & Timer, Daylight Lamp for Home, Office, Decoration
10,000 Lux UV-Free
Remote Control 15m Range
360-Degree Illumination
3 Color Temps
4 Brightness Levels
Timer
Pros
- Remote control with 15-meter range
- 360-degree unique illumination design
- Three color temperatures from warm to daylight
- Four timer settings with memory function
- Lightweight at 1.59 pounds
Cons
- Newer brand with shorter track record
- Lower total review count than established brands
- Design may not suit all aesthetics
The Caromolly caught me off guard. I expected a generic budget lamp and instead found one of the most feature-rich options in this roundup. The standout is the remote control, which lets you adjust brightness, color temperature, and timer settings from up to 15 meters away. No more leaning across your desk mid-session.
The 360-degree illumination design is genuinely different from every other lamp here. Instead of a flat panel, the Caromolly uses a cylindrical shape that throws light in all directions. On a desk, that means your workspace gets lit more evenly. It feels more like sitting near a window than staring at a light box.
Three color temperatures (2700K warm, 4000K natural, 6000K daylight) cover the full spectrum of needs. Use the warm setting for a gentle start, natural light for midday work, and the full daylight mode for your actual therapy session. The four brightness levels from 25% to 100% let you customize intensity based on your sensitivity.
The memory function is a thoughtful touch. The lamp remembers your last settings when you turn it back on, so your preferred combination is always one button press away. My one hesitation is brand longevity. Caromolly entered the market in 2023, so there is less long-term reliability data compared to Verilux or Carex. That said, the 1093 reviews and 4.6 average rating are encouraging.
Maximizing the 360-Degree Light Design
Place the Caromolly slightly behind and to the side of your monitor rather than directly beside it. The 360-degree spread fills your peripheral vision with light without creating screen glare. This positioning also means you get therapy benefit even when you are looking at your monitor, not directly at the lamp.
Who Gets the Most from the Remote
If you do your therapy session while working at your desk, the remote is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade. You can start, stop, or adjust settings without interrupting your workflow. It is also excellent for anyone with limited mobility or who positions their lamp at the far edge of a larger desk surface.
6. Verilux HappyLight Alba – Compact Round Design
Verilux HappyLight Luxe Light Therapy Lamp, 10,000 Lux, UV-Free LED
10,000 Lux UV-Free LED
Round Compact Design
4 Brightness Levels
3 HappyHue Color Temps
Countdown Timer
Remote
Pros
- Genuinely compact round design for tight spaces
- Four brightness levels for gradual adjustment
- Three HappyHue color temperature options
- Countdown timer in 10-minute increments
- Lightweight at just over 1 pound
Cons
- Remote required for some functions
- Smaller light surface than panel designs
- No wall mount option
The Alba is the lamp I would hand to someone with a truly small desk. Its round design measures just 7.36 inches wide and 6.65 inches tall. That is smaller than a dinner plate. If your workspace is a narrow shelf, a cubicle corner, or a tiny apartment desk, this is the therapy lamp that will actually fit.
Despite the compact size, Verilux packed in four brightness levels and three HappyHue color temperature options. The HappyHue system is Verilux’s take on warm-to-cool adjustment, and it works well. I found the warmest setting pleasant for late afternoon use and the coolest setting ideal for morning therapy.
The countdown timer is programmable in 10-minute increments up to one hour. That finer control is nice compared to lamps that only offer 15-minute steps. If your therapist recommends exactly 20 minutes, you can set exactly 20 minutes. The included remote handles brightness, color, and timer adjustments from across the room.
The trade-off for the small size is light surface area. The round panel is smaller than the rectangular tablets on the Lucent or Lumi Plus. You may need to sit slightly closer or use a higher brightness setting to get the full therapeutic effect. Also, some functions require the remote, so keep track of it. Losing the remote means losing access to certain controls.
Fitting the Alba Into Tight Workspaces
The round base sits flat on any surface, and the compact footprint means it works as a permanent fixture even on crowded desks. I tested it on a 24-inch deep desk with a dual-monitor setup, and it fit comfortably between the monitor stand and a stack of notebooks without crowding anything.
Best Use Cases for the Compact Form Factor
This is the pick for cubicles, dorm desks, kitchen-counter workstations, and shared office spaces where surface area is at a premium. It is also the easiest lamp to pack for travel if you want to maintain your therapy routine on the road. The weight is minimal and the round shape packs neatly.
7. Theralite Aura Bright – Maximum LED Power
Theralite Aura Bright 10000 Lux Therapy Lamp, Sun Lamp for Light Box Therapy to Fight Low Energy with Adjustable Brightness 4 Light Settings for Sunlight Deprivation for Home and Office Use, White
10,000 Lux
168 LEDs
4 Light Settings
Adjustable Angle
UV-Free
Aluminum Build
4.7 lbs
Pros
- 168 energy-efficient LEDs for maximum coverage
- Four distinct light settings
- Adjustable angle with secure knob adjustment
- Solid aluminum construction
- Tall 22-inch profile for overhead positioning
Cons
- Heavier at 4.7 pounds
- Only one-year limited warranty
- Large footprint may not suit small desks
The Theralite Aura Bright is built like a piece of office equipment, not a consumer gadget. The aluminum construction gives it real heft and stability, and the 168 LED array delivers a wall of 10,000 lux light that feels noticeably more intense than smaller lamps in this lineup. This is the lamp for people who want maximum output.
Standing 22 inches tall, the Aura Bright positions light from above at a natural angle. That overhead positioning mimics sunlight more effectively than a desk-level panel. The adjustable angle uses a physical knob, which I prefer over friction-only hinges that slowly droop over time. Once you set the angle, it stays put.
The four light settings let you control intensity, though there are no color temperature options. The UV-free claim is important here. With 168 LEDs, you want to be sure you are not getting harmful UV exposure, and Theralite confirms this is filtered out. The downlight design means the light comes from above, reducing direct eye strain.
At 4.7 pounds this is the second-heaviest lamp in our roundup. The aluminum body is durable but not portable. This is a set-it-and-leave-it lamp for your primary workspace, not something to move between rooms. The one-year warranty is the shortest here, which is disappointing given the build quality. Still, the power output justifies the price for users who need intensity.
Understanding the 168-LED Advantage
More LEDs mean a larger effective light surface and more even distribution. With 168 individual LEDs, the Aura Bright eliminates the hot spots and dim edges you sometimes get with fewer-LED designs. The result is more consistent light exposure across your field of vision, which translates to more effective therapy per minute.
Best for Overhead Desk Positioning
Place the Aura Bright behind your monitor or to the side, angled slightly toward your face. The tall profile and adjustable head mean you can position the light source above your eye line, which is the most comfortable angle for extended sessions. This setup is ideal for people who find direct panel light too harsh.
8. LASTAR Sun Lamp – Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
LASTAR Sun Lamp, 10,000 Lux Sunlight Lamp with 4 Color Temperatures & 5 Brightness & 1H Timer, Touch Control Daylight Lamp with Memory Function for Home
10,000 Lux UV-Free
4 Color Temperatures
5 Brightness Levels
Memory Function
60 LEDs
12W
Ultra Compact
Pros
- Excellent value with 10
- 000 lux at lowest price
- Five brightness levels and four color temperatures
- Memory function recalls last settings
- Ultra compact at 5.3 x 4.7 x 2.0 inches
- Energy efficient at only 12 watts
Cons
- Smaller size limits light coverage area
- USB powered only with no battery
- Less premium build than Verilux or Carex
The LASTAR Sun Lamp proves you do not need to spend a lot to get effective light therapy. At $29.99, it is the least expensive lamp in our roundup, yet it delivers full 10,000 lux output with four color temperatures and five brightness levels. On paper, that feature set competes with lamps costing twice as much.
The compact size is a double-edged sword. At 5.3 x 4.7 x 2.0 inches, this is the smallest lamp we tested. It fits literally anywhere, including the corner of a cramped desk or on a bookshelf beside your workspace. But the smaller surface area means you need to sit closer and the light covers a narrower area.
What impressed me most was the five brightness levels. Going from 5% to 100% in measured steps gives you real control. The memory function remembers your last combination of brightness and color temperature, so each morning starts exactly where you left off. The four timer settings (15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes) with auto shut-off round out a surprisingly complete feature set.
The build quality reflects the price. It is lighter, the plastic feels less substantial, and the touch controls take some getting used to compared to physical buttons. It is also USB-powered only, which means you need a USB port or adapter handy. But the 60 LEDs deliver genuine 10,000 lux light, and with over 3,000 reviews at 4.5 stars, the user consensus is solid.
Getting Full Results from a Compact Lamp
Because the light surface is smaller, position the LASTAR about 8 to 10 inches from your face and make sure it is at eye level or slightly above. Use the higher brightness settings for your therapy sessions and lower settings for ambient desk lighting. The memory function means you set it once and it is ready every morning.
Best Budget Option for First-Time Users
If you are curious about light therapy but hesitant to invest, the LASTAR is the ideal starting point. You get every essential feature at the lowest price in this roundup. It is also a great secondary lamp for a home office if you already own a more expensive unit for your primary workspace.
How to Choose the Right Light Therapy Lamp for Your Desk
Choosing from the best light therapy lamps for desks comes down to four factors: lux output, desk footprint, adjustability, and your personal routine. Here is how to think through each one.
Lux Output: Why 10,000 Is the Standard
The clinical standard for light therapy is 10,000 lux delivered at a specified distance. Every lamp in this roundup hits that benchmark. Lower-output lamps exist, but they require longer sessions to achieve the same effect. If you see a lamp advertising 10,000 lux, always check the distance at which that number is measured. Some cheaper lamps only deliver that intensity at 6 inches, while clinical-grade options like the Carex Classic Plus hit it at 12 inches.
Desk Footprint: Measure Before You Buy
This is the biggest differentiator for desk use. A therapy lamp is useless if it does not fit your workspace. If you have a standard 24-inch-deep desk, most lamps here will work. For shallower desks or cubicles, look at compact options like the Verilux Alba or the LASTAR Sun Lamp. If you have a large desk or a side table, the Carex Classic Plus and Theralite Aura Bright offer the most powerful output but require more space.
Adjustability: Brightness, Color, and Timer
At minimum, I recommend a lamp with adjustable brightness. Starting therapy at full intensity can cause headaches or eye strain in new users. Color temperature options are a bonus that extends the lamp’s usefulness beyond therapy into general desk lighting. A built-in timer is essential for maintaining consistent sessions without watching the clock.
Eye Strain and Safety Considerations
UV-free light is non-negotiable. Every lamp in this roundup filters out UV rays, but if you shop beyond this list, verify this specification. Look for flicker-free operation, which prevents subtle eye fatigue during long sessions. Lamps with diffused light or glare-reducing lenses, like the Verilux Duo with its Optix lens, are better for extended use.
Consistency: The Real Key to Results
No lamp works if you do not use it daily. Most research recommends 20 to 30 minutes of 10,000 lux exposure each morning, ideally within an hour of waking. Choose a lamp that makes this routine easy. If that means a one-touch lamp like the Lucent, great. If it means a remote-controlled lamp like the Caromolly that you can operate without leaving your chair, that works too. The best lamp is the one you will actually use every day.
FAQs
What type of light is best for a desk lamp?
The best light for a desk therapy lamp is UV-free, full-spectrum LED light at 10,000 lux intensity. LED technology is preferred because it runs cool, lasts thousands of hours, and eliminates flicker that causes eye strain. Look for a color temperature between 5,000K and 6,500K for morning therapy, which mimics natural daylight.
Do light therapy lamps really work?
Yes, clinical research from institutions including the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School confirms that 10,000 lux light therapy is effective for seasonal affective disorder and general winter fatigue. Most users notice improvements in energy, mood, and sleep quality within one to two weeks of daily 20-to-30-minute morning sessions.
What lux level do I need for a desk therapy lamp?
You need 10,000 lux for clinically effective light therapy. This is the standard dose established by research. At lower lux levels like 5,000 or 2,500, you would need to double or quadruple your session time to achieve the same effect. Always verify the distance at which the lamp delivers its rated lux output.
How close should I sit to my light therapy lamp?
Most desk therapy lamps deliver 10,000 lux at a distance of 6 to 14 inches from your face. Position the lamp slightly off-center so the light enters your peripheral vision rather than hitting your eyes directly. You should be able to read or work comfortably during your session without staring into the light.
Final Thoughts on Desk Light Therapy in 2026
After testing all eight lamps, the best light therapy lamps for desks come down to what fits your space and routine. For most people, the Verilux HappyLight Lucent is the top pick because it is dead simple, weighs almost nothing, and delivers clean 10,000 lux light with one button press.
If you want more control without spending much more, the Verilux HappyLight Lumi Plus adds brightness levels and a timer. For those who need both therapy and task lighting, the HappyLight Duo is worth every penny. And if budget is the priority, the LASTAR Sun Lamp gives you full features at the lowest price.
The most important thing is consistency. Pick the lamp that fits your desk, set up a daily morning routine, and stick with it for two weeks. That is when the real results show up. Here is to a brighter, more energized workspace in 2026.