As the International Space Station (ISS) approaches the end of its transformative era of in-space research, NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Destinations (CLD) Program aims to catalyze a new generation of platforms through partnerships with the private sector. One such platform is Orbital Reef, a commercial space station being developed by a consortium led by Blue Origin and Sierra Space. Orbital Reef is poised to not only continue the groundbreaking research conducted on the ISS, but also expand scientific opportunities and enable new commercial ventures in low Earth orbit.
NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations Program
NASA’s CLD Program was established to support a smooth transition from the ISS to commercially owned and operated platforms that can meet the agency’s needs for scientific research, technology development, and astronaut training in LEO. In December 2021, NASA awarded contracts to three companies – Northrop Grumman, Nanoracks, and the Orbital Reef team – to design commercial LEO destinations that address both government and commercial needs.
The CLD Program is structured in two phases. During Phase 1, the selected companies work with NASA to design their platforms and capabilities. Phase 2 will support the certification of one or more destinations for use by NASA astronauts and the provision of end-to-end services, including ground support, transportation, and on-orbit operations. The goal is to have these commercial platforms operational in the late 2020s, ensuring a seamless transition from the ISS and preventing any gap in the United States’ LEO presence.
Orbital Reef: A Self-Reinforcing Ecosystem in Space
Orbital Reef is envisioned as a mixed-use business park and research facility – one of the first commercial space stations in LEO. The name “Orbital Reef” reflects the project’s guiding principle: to serve as a robust infrastructure for a diverse and growing ecosystem in Earth’s orbit, much like coral reefs in the ocean. By providing accessible and customizable space, Orbital Reef aims to lower the barriers to entry and enable a wide range of users, from government agencies and academic institutions to commercial enterprises, to establish their operations in space.
The initial configuration of Orbital Reef will consist of five main elements: a Node, a Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) module developed by Sierra Space, a Core module and a power/thermal Mast developed by Blue Origin, and a Research Module developed by Boeing. This modular architecture allows for future expansion through the addition of more modules to support growing demand and new functionalities.
Capabilities and Opportunities
Orbital Reef will offer hundreds of Middeck Locker Equivalents (MLE) worth of volume to accommodate both passive and active payloads, as well as state-of-the-art research facilities. To ensure a smooth transition from the ISS, Orbital Reef’s payload interfaces will be backwards-compatible with ISS MLE standards, meaning that hardware used on the ISS will be compatible by default. Additionally, upgraded interfaces will be available to optimize processes and crew time.
The station will have the capability to host external payloads, accessible through a science airlock and external robotics. An EVA airlock will provide astronauts with external access for spacewalks. Co-orbiting free-flyers and full modules developed by third parties can also be accommodated, receiving utilities and services from Orbital Reef.
Internally, the station will provide power, data transmission, heat rejection, and distribution of various gases and liquids. Crew time can be allocated for payload operations, photography, videography, and other activities. Customers will also have the opportunity to work and live on Orbital Reef, bringing their own payload facilities if needed.
Addressing ISS-Era Challenges
While the ISS has been a remarkable platform for groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements, it has also faced several challenges that Orbital Reef aims to address. These include the need for numerous flights to assemble the station, the requirement for external spacewalks for maintenance, limitations in stowage and on-orbit facilities, and the low cadence of flights for payload delivery and sample return.
Orbital Reef’s design leverages innovations such as Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket with its larger fairing and Sierra Space’s expandable LIFE habitat to provide substantial pressurized volume with fewer launches. The station is also designed for internal maintenance, minimizing the need for complex EVA operations and allowing the crew to focus on research, production, and revenue-generating activities.
To address transportation challenges, Orbital Reef will utilize Blue Origin’s New Glenn launch system and Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spacecraft for cargo and crew. The station will also be compatible with other vehicles such as SpaceX’s Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner. Dream Chaser’s ability to land on conventional runways worldwide will provide researchers with quick access to their samples and products.
The Future of Space Research
The research community has several avenues to shape the future of space-based research on commercial LEO destinations like Orbital Reef. The 2023 Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences Research in Space, produced by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, provides recommendations for transformative science at the frontiers of space research over the next decade. This report offers guidance to researchers on fields likely to be supported by NASA and insights into future facility needs.
Researchers can engage with Orbital Reef and other CLD developers to inform them of their needs and work with implementation partners to mature their technologies. Opportunities for microgravity research on suborbital and orbital flights are available through the Orbital Reef team and other providers. Additionally, NASA, the ISS National Laboratory, and other agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Defense have ongoing funding opportunities for space-based research and technology development.
Summary
As the ISS approaches the end of its operational life, commercial LEO destinations like Orbital Reef are poised to usher in a new era of space-based research and commercial activities. By leveraging innovative technologies, addressing challenges faced by the ISS, and providing accessible and customizable facilities, Orbital Reef aims to enable a diverse range of users to conduct groundbreaking research, develop new technologies, and establish commercial ventures in low Earth orbit.
The research community has a crucial role to play in shaping the future of space-based research on these new platforms. By engaging with CLD developers, participating in funding opportunities, and leveraging suborbital and orbital flight opportunities, researchers can ensure a seamless transition from the ISS to the next generation of LEO destinations and continue to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and technological advancement in space.
