Orbital Reef

Orbital Reef is premier mixed-use private space station in low Earth orbit for commerce, research and tourism in development by Blue Origin and Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Sierra Space to start operations by end of this decade. The companies released preliminary plans on 25 October 2021. The station is being designed to support 10 persons in 830 m3 of volume. The station is supposed to be operational in the second half of the 2020s decade.

Partners for Orbital Reef

Blue Origin and Sierra Space have partnered with several companies and institutions to realize the project:

Blue Origin: Partner, providing vehicle utility core systems, large-diameter modules, and the reusable heavy-lift New Glenn launch system.

Sierra Space: Partner, providing Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) modules, node modules, and runway-landing Dream Chaser spaceplane for crew and cargo transportation.

Boeing: Providing science modules, space station operations and maintenance, and the Starliner crew spacecraft.

Redwire Space: Providing payload operations and deployable structures, and support for microgravity research, development, and manufacturing.

Genesis Engineering Solutions: Providing the Single Person Spacecraft for routine external operations and tourist excursions.

Arizona State University: Providing research advisory services and public outreach through a global consortium of fourteen leading universities.

Orbital Reef Space Station Exterior view

Orbital Reef Missions

It is envisioned with providing flexible services to a wide market in areas of opening easy access to space, experience, orbital innovations, working on Orbital Reef, Resaerch and space tourism;

Low Earth Orbit, Unbound

Orbital Reef unlocks LEO by reducing cost and complexity for new kinds of customers. Designed for use cases and ideas never before possible, provide end-to-end services, standard interfaces, and technical support needed by space flight novices: planning, payload development, training, transportation, data analysis, and security for your people or payloads (or both).

Space Travel and Commerce

Orbital Reef commercially developed, owned, and operated, would open doors to new markets and catalyzes the growth of a vibrant space ecosystem. It provides an “address on orbit” for use, lease, or ownership that is international and open to all.

Living and Working in Space

Orbital Reef introduces a new type of space architecture. Spacious modules with large Earth-facing windows let travelers take in the beauty of our planet and experience the thrill of weightlessness in complete comfort. Distinct quarters for living and working, and large hatches make a safe, sensible, and inspiring environment.  Habitation amenities will be available for any length of visit within the orbital community, supported by medical care and recreation opportunities.

Orbital Reef Space Station Exterior view

Next-Generation Space Technology

Orbital Reef research facilities are equipped to accelerate future discoveries and development of new industries. Seamless logistics, advanced robotics, and the Single Person Spacecraft make operations and excursions routine. The Dream Chaser spaceplane, Starliner spacecraft, and New Glenn launch system provide the backbone of cost-effective transportation.

Genesis Engineering Solutions single person space craft

A Mixed-Use Business Park

Limitless horizons, the freedom of microgravity, the vacuum of space, and over-flying all of Earth’s mid-latitudes offer unique commercial opportunities for a breathtaking range of applications and new markets like media, entertainment, and manufacturing.

Whether film-making in microgravity, opening a space hotel, or conducting cutting edge research, Orbital Reef will lease locations that scale to fit customers vision.

Orbital Reef sell only the utilities and services customers need to sustain their business: power, cooling, high-bandwidth communications, information and physical security, robotic servicing, technician attention, stowage, and logistics.

Research on Orbital Reef

Orbital Reef provides Out-of-This-World Research Facilities and everything researchers need for fundamental science and applications development: experiment accommodations inside and outside; a spacious laboratory equipped with next-generation shared facilities; technician time; and proprietary provisions, even dedicated, closed-hatch modules. Whether for physical, biological, or Earth science, for new product development, or for testing exploration systems, it will be all easier than ever to do your work in orbit.

Orbital Reef Biological Research Laboratory

Space Tourism

Experiencing space flight, and seeing the Earth from space is life-changing. Floating free and weightless, awed by Earth’s thin blue biosphere, you see sixteen vibrant sunrises and sunsets a day while flying over all of humanity.  Craft flight plans, training, and activities to take customers adventure to a new level, whether for a short visit or a longer stay. With Orbital Reef “Anyone Can Experience Space”

On 2 December 2021, NASA announced it had selected Blue Origin, as one of three companies, to develop designs of space stations and other commercial destinations in space. Blue Origin was awarded $130 million. These Space Act Agreements are the first phase of two with which NASA aims to maintain an uninterrupted U.S. presence in low-Earth orbit by transitioning from the International Space Station to other platforms. Varda Space Industries Nurses an ambition of setting up manufacturing platform in space well utilizing zero gravity to revolutionize manufacturing.