Commercial Space Station: Blue Origin, Boeing & Sierra Space Partnership

The Expanding Landscape of Orbital Infrastructure

The competition to establish commercial presence in Earth orbit is intensifying. Sierra Space has unveiled further details regarding its ambitious plans for a privately owned space station. This announcement includes the participation of both Blue Origin and Boeing, who will collaborate in deploying the spacecraft during the latter part of this decade.

Collaborative Efforts in Space Station Development

The projected station, designated “Orbital Reef,” will integrate technologies and services from Redwire Space, Genesis Engineering, and Arizona State University. It represents the third publicly announced initiative for a commercial space station, following closely on the heels of plans presented by Voyager Space, Nanoracks, and Lockheed Martin, targeting a 2027 launch. Axiom Space is also actively developing a commercial station platform.

Sierra Space initially revealed its commercial space station concept earlier this year, contributing to a growing trend of private sector endeavors aimed at succeeding the International Space Station as it nears retirement. As a division of Sierra Nevada Corporation, the company has been focused on the development of a sizable inflatable habitat, known as LIFE (Large Integrated Flexible Environment), intended for use within Orbital Reef. This recent update expands upon those initial plans.

Orbital Reef: A Multifaceted Business Hub

According to Brent Sherwood, senior VP of advanced development program at Blue Origin, Orbital Reef is envisioned as an “off-world mixed use business park.” The station is anticipated to support a diverse range of commercial activities, encompassing scientific research, in-space manufacturing, media production, entertainment ventures, and even space tourism.

Once fully operational, Orbital Reef will be able to accommodate a crew of 10 individuals. Its internal volume is projected to be approximately 90% equivalent to that of the existing International Space Station.

Key Contributions from Partner Organizations

Blue Origin will contribute essential modules, utility systems, and its powerful New Glenn launch vehicle. Boeing will oversee station operations, provide a dedicated science module, and utilize its Starliner crew spacecraft for transporting personnel to and from the orbital facility. Redwire will specialize in providing microgravity research technologies, in-space manufacturing capabilities, payload operations, and deployable structures.

Genesis Engineering, based in Maryland, is designing a single-person spacecraft tailored for routine operations and tourism. Arizona State University will spearhead a consortium focused on delivering research advisory services.

The Economic Potential of Microgravity

Mike Gold, executive VP for civil space and external affairs at Redwire, emphasized the economic implications of microgravity research. He stated, “The microgravity environment provides a whole new arena for scientific and commercial discovery.” Gold further believes that nations and companies that excel in microgravity research, development, and manufacturing will become the dominant economic forces of the future.

Financial Considerations and Investment

The projected cost of the station remains undisclosed. Executives from the involved companies refrained from specifying the individual capital contributions or the overall anticipated investment. Sherwood explained that providing such details would compromise their business case.

NASA intends to allocate up to $400 million towards initial space station proposals through its Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations project. However, this funding will be distributed among multiple proposals and is expected to represent only a portion of the total development and launch expenses for even a single station. NASA recently informed CNBC that it received “roughly about a dozen proposals” from companies competing for these funds.

Launch Vehicle Readiness

The success of these ventures hinges on the launch capabilities of Blue Origin’s New Glenn, Boeing’s Starliner, and Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane. Currently, none of these vehicles have yet reached space. Boeing is planning another Starliner test launch in the first half of 2022. Blue Origin aims to launch New Glenn in the fourth quarter of the current year, and Sierra Space has a contract with NASA for seven missions to the ISS utilizing Dream Chaser.

This report has been updated to incorporate additional information regarding Orbital Reef.