The station would function as a “mixed-use business park”, capable of hosting up to ten people at a time in low Earth orbit. Inside the 32,000 sq ft station, there will be designated areas for “film-making in microgravity”, “conducting cutting-edge research”, and a “space hotel”.
In a statement, Blue Origin said: “The station will open the next chapter of human space exploration and development by facilitating the growth of a vibrant ecosystem and business model for the future.”
“Designed to open multiple new markets in space, Orbital Reef will provide anyone with the opportunity to establish their own address on orbit. This unique destination will offer research, industrial, international, and commercial customers the cost competitive end-to-end services they need including space transportation and logistics, space habitation, equipment accommodation, and operations including onboard crew.”
Blue Origin also said that Orbital Reef’s large-Earth-facing windows will allow guests to “take in the beauty of our planet” and “experience the thrill of weightlessness in complete comfort.”
A price range for stays at the station is yet to be released, though the company’s senior vice president of advanced development programmes said that they aim to make visits to the station accessible. Orbital Reef will begin operating in the second half of this decade.
