Blue Origin Unmasks Plans To Open Commercial Space Station By 2030
Image via Orbital Reef
Jeff Bezos’ space company Blue Origin is planning to open a commercial space station and all-in-one business center floating in the middle of zero-gravity. Because space tourism is already so yesterday, right?
Named Orbital Reef, this space station is a collaborative effort between the private space firm and Sierra Space, with backing from some renowned names in the industry such as Boeing, Redwire Space, Genesis Engineering Solutions, and Arizona State University.
It’s been stated by the companies that Orbital Reef is scheduled to begin its operations in the second half of this decade, a date rapidly approaching.
Image via Orbital Reef
It aims to “open the next chapter of human space exploration and development by facilitating the growth of a vibrant ecosystem and business model for the future.” Plus, it includes the opportunity for someone or their business to get their own space address. Talk about a flex.
And how, pray tell, is this going to be accomplished? The “unique destination” is going to offer everything that it can, acting as sort of a futuristic “mixed-use business park” that is maybe a little more difficult to get to than your average one.
Image via Orbital Reef
According to Blue Origin, this space station will be able to host up to 10 people at a time, which rivals even the ISS’ capacity, with multiple “stations” for Boeing’s spacecraft to dock when its users travel to and from the structure.
Again, talk about a flex—imagine saying, “I passed the Moon on my way home from work yesterday.”
Among some of the services it aims to offer its “research, industrial, international, and commercial customers” are “cost competitive end-to-end services they need including space transportation and logistics, space habitation, equipment accommodation, and operations including onboard crew.”
Image via Orbital Reef
Some of the parties that the Orbital Reef intends to bring literally onboard include “seasoned” space agencies, sovereign nations without space programs, media and travel firms, and high-tech consortiums. Of course, “future-minded investors” are certainly welcome.
Announcing #OrbitalReef - a commercial space station transforming human space travel and opening access to new markets. Our team developing the premier commercial destination in low Earth orbit: @BlueOrigin @SierraSpaceCo @BoeingSpace @RedwireSpace @ASU https://t.co/PP4wxrfkF3 pic.twitter.com/qJDdYg7BSv
— Orbital Reef (@OrbitalReef) October 25, 2021
[via Engadget, image via Orbital Reef and Blue Origin]
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