Comments on: Blue Origin completes ground simulation of Orbital Reef space station

By: Edward

Edward — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 06:39:56 +0000

Robert Zinmerman’s link gives us an update into what Blue Origin is doing on its part of the Orbital Reef space station. We used to fear that they were ignoring Orbital Reef in favor of other projects, but now we know it has not been ignored but is only going slowly. Much slower than their partner, Sierra Space.

Well, at least it is an update.

By: Edward

Edward — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 01:31:15 +0000

Sierra Space has suggested that it is willing to sell its Life modules as independent space stations. Perhaps if Orbital Reef is not successful then Sierra Space will fly its own module as its own space station, similar to Vast’s Haven-1. The Life module is listed in the link profided by Richard M.

With Blue Origin still trying to figure out “berthing and docking hatches,” they certainly seem far behind, although it seems to me that they should already have the module to module hatches figured out in order to conform to Sierra Space’s modules. Dragon, Cygnus, Starliner, and Dream Chaser hatches meet established standards.

By: Richard M

Richard M — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 17:15:20 +0000

It also appears that the overall scale of Orbital Reef has been reduced significantly when comparing the current design above with the earlier artist renderings.

In fairness, Orbital Reef has always been shown as modular, and I do not mean just in terms of the individual modules. The completed station shown in past BO renders depicts a series of these main module-and-radiator/solar array “super modules” connected in series, but with only one necessary for viable operation. (Sierra’s own website renders still show it evolving this way, too: https://www.sierraspace.com/commercial-space-stations/ )

What does seem to have changed is the design of the radiators and solar arrays.

But that said, Bob, I think it is undeniable that Orbital Reef seems to be a low priority for a company focused on getting New Glenn into operation and developing its human landing system. To say nothing of the morale crushing upheaval of the recent layoffs. I think you are right to move it to the bottom of your list.