Image: Blue Origin
Assuming what is currently an ambitious plan comes to fruition, each of the partners will add something to the mix.
Blue Origin, for example, will provide the reusable heavy-lift capability needed to boost the station components into space as well as utility systems and the big core modules.
Sierra will provide other modules as well as a spaceplane called Dreamchaser for crew and cargo transportation.
Boeing will provide a science module, operations and maintenance services as well as its Starliner crew spacecraft.
Other partners include Redwire Space, Genesis Engineering solutions and a consortium of universities headed by Arizona State University.
“For over sixty years, NASA and other space agencies have developed orbital space flight and space habitation, setting us up for commercial business to take off in this decade,” said Brent Sherwood, senior vice president of Advanced Development Programs for Blue Origin.
“We will expand access, lower the cost, and provide all the services and amenities needed to normalize space flight.
“A vibrant business ecosystem will grow in low Earth orbit, generating new discoveries, new products, new entertainments, and global awareness.”
The companies see the first-ever commercial orbital platform as carrying forward the work done on the aging International Space Station (ISS) in areas such as microgravity research, development and manufacturing.
“This is exciting for us because this project does not duplicate the immensely successful and enduring ISS, but rather goes a step further to fulfill a unique position in low Earth orbit where it can serve a diverse array of companies and host non-specialist crews,” said Boeing’s ISS program manager, John Mulholland.
Plans include a “single-person spacecraft” from Gensisis Engineering Solutions that will allow workers and tourists to move outside Orbital Reef.
“The Single-Person Spacecraft will transform spacewalking,” said Genesis program manager Brand Griffin.
“Space workers and tourists alike will have safe, comfortable, and quick access outside Orbital Reef. Shirtsleeve environment, great visibility, automated guidance, and advanced precision manipulators will make external operations cost-effective and routine.”
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