Blue Origin’s Orbital Reef space station closer to reality after NASA trial

NASA’s sci-fi-esque space station has announced breakthroughs that bring the project closer to reality.

The Orbital Reef is a space station intended to exist in Earth’s lower atmosphere to allow scientists continued access to space and advancement.

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The space station was created by billionaire Jeff Bezos’ company Blue Origin in partnership with NASA as part of their commercial space strategy.

“NASA enables commercial industry to build, own and operate space systems, with the agency procuring services for its science and research needs,” the space agency wrote.

“Industry can also use these same services for fully commercial activities in space.

“Through our public-private partnerships, we are helping open the space to more science, more people and more opportunity.”

The Orbital Reef project was given four milestones as part of the 2021 NASA Space Act Agreement that brought the project to life, reports NASA.

The milestones include testing materials and designs that will clean, recover and store the air and water needed to support humans during spaceflight.

With recent critical life support milestones testing positive, this milestone marks another step forward toward the project’s goal of making the United States a part of space exploration.

Angela Hart, manager of NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program, explained how crucial these tests are to moving the project forward.

“These milestones are critical to ensuring that a commercial destination can support human life so that NASA astronauts can continue to access low Earth orbit to conduct important scientific research in the unique microgravity environment,” she said .

“Additionally, each milestone achieved allows NASA to gain insight into our partner’s progress in station design and development.”

The Orbital Reef’s life support system will mirror that of the International Space Station, a regenerative system that recycles air and waste produced by humans on board.

These regenerative functions are integral to reducing the amount of supplies that need to be transported to space.

Testing of the project’s life support systems includes a trace contaminant control test, a water contaminant oxidation test, a urine water recovery test, and a water tank test.

BEGINNING OF ORBITAL REEF

The conceptual model for the orbital reef was first released to the public in November 2022.

A conceptual one video took viewers from launch to space and showed what the space station could look like when completed.

The film was highly romanticized and showed a real potential for a full life on board.

People were seen making art, dancing and even enjoying romances.

One dramatic scene showed a woman staring at the Earth from a station window.

“Your address, in orbit,” a single statement concluded the video.

The space station will serve both a residential function, for those who can afford it, and a research function as part of the collaboration with NASA.

Blue Origin previously said it hopes to have the Orbital Reef space station operational by 2027.

RESIDENCE IN SPACE

The development will consist of spacious modules and living areas with large windows to the earth, allowing travelers to enjoy the view of our planet.

Travelers experience weightlessness and live and work in space with a rental contract on board the project.

Numerous amenities will be available to travelers for any length of visit, Bezos’ company said, including medical care and recreational options.

In addition to those who live there of their own accord, scientists will also be housed there for work.

They will receive housing and laboratories – including a micro garden – that are necessary for fundamental scientific applications

“Whether it’s physical, biological or earth sciences, developing new products or testing exploration systems, you’ll find it easier than ever to do your work in orbit,” says the Blue Origin. website is reading.

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