NASA has awarded Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, $172 million to build a new space station that will be used by astronauts and tourists. It is noted that the current International Space Station is wearing out and is slated to be decommissioned soon (source).
The Orbital Reef project as a replacement for the ISS
One of the promising candidates for the replacement of the ISS is Orbital Reef, which is a joint project of Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and Sierra Space, founded by Irene and Fatih Ozmena. Orbital Reef has already successfully passed several important development stages, such as testing the regeneration system that will provide clean air and water to the station (source). The system has demonstrated the ability to effectively purify the air and process urine into drinking water, which is also already successfully used on the ISS, which allows saving the lives of astronauts and saving money.
The need for a new US space station and problems with the ISS
The priority is NASA spending on the Artemis mission, which involves establishing a permanent presence of people on the moon, including space a station in lunar orbit and a base on the surface of the moon. The cost of this mission is estimated at $93 billion from 2012 to 2025. Later, it is also planned to send funds to send astronauts to Mars (source).
In addition, the current International Space Station is gradually wearing out and needs regular repairs. In recent years, the station has developed cracks, air leaks, and problems with the toilet, temperature, and oxygen supply system (source). With that in mind, President Biden's administration has pledged to continue operating the ISS until at least 2030, but NASA plans to transition to at least one private space station. After that, the old station is planned to be destroyed, melted upon entering the Earth's atmosphere and submerged in the ocean (if everything goes according to plan) (source).
As NASA becomes the lessee of the new space stations and commercial companies become the owners, these stations can be opened to space tourists. However, the price of the tickets is not yet known. For example, a short trip to the edge of space using Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket can cost tens of millions of dollars (source).
Glossary
- NASA - the US National Aerospace Agency.
- Blue Origin is a space company founded by Jeff Bezos.
- ISS - International Space Station.
- Orbital Reef is a promising space station, a joint project of Blue Origin and Sierra Space.
- Artemis is a NASA mission that involves establishing the presence of man on the moon.
- Mars is the fourth planet of the solar system.
- New Shepard is a rocket developed by Blue Origin to take microplayers to the edge of space.
Link
- Article: Business Insider
Answers to questions
What funds did NASA provide Blue Origin for the construction of a new space station?
How does the Orbital Reef project become an alternative to the International Space Station (ISS)?
What stages of development did the Orbital Reef project go through?
What are the problems with the International Space Station (ISS)?
What are NASA's plans for new space stations and the ISS?
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Discussion of the topic – NASA awarded Blue Origin $172 million for a new space station: what it means for astronauts and tourists
NASA allocated $172 million to Blue Origin to build a space station for astronauts and tourists. The International Space Station needs to be replaced, and this could affect the future of space travel.
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John
It is interesting that the new Orbital Reef project is already at the stage of testing the regenerative system. Do you think it will become a real competitor for the ISS?
Maria
I'm for innovation! I am sure that the new space station will be a better alternative to the old ISS. 🚀
Sophie
And I think that repairing and maintaining the old ISS can also be an option. Let's not throw away everything that has served!
Tom
I am interested in the ambitious Artemis project. I would love to see a man on the moon and on Mars, that's definitely exciting! 🌕🔴
Elena
I agree, Artemis is a really exciting project! New space possibilities simply amaze the imagination. 🌌
GrumpyOldMan
I tell you, this new station will not replace the ISS! It is only necessary to spend money on quality repairs, and not on new entertainment in space.
Olivia
I think that the development of private space stations is a good step in the opening of space for different layers of society. 🌠
Luca
I wonder what new opportunities will open up for space tourism with the appearance of new space stations. Inspiring! 🛸
Nadia
Yes, exactly - space tourism has great potential. A new era of space travel will begin with this! ✨