The International Space Station (ISS), in which Spain participates with the European agency, is expected to return to Earth in less than 10 years. However, Blue Origin, the company owned by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, in collaboration with NASA, has been working on an alternative called Orbital Reef, a commercial space station that recently passed a crucial test in preparation for its launch.
NASA-funded Orbital Reef, which has passed SDR review, has scored major milestones in a key test of its critical life support system, NASA confirmed in an official statement. This commercial space station aims to be a center for research and business development that will attract space agencies, private companies and governments. The collaboration between NASA and commercial companies, such as Blue Origin, aims to develop new space stations capable of providing services to the agency.
Advances at Orbital Reef are crucial to ensure its ability to sustain human life and enable NASA astronauts to continue conducting scientific research in microgravity. In addition, each breakthrough provides vital information on station design and development by the partners.
Sustainability and autonomy are crucial elements in space station design, as evidenced on the International Space Station, where an advanced environmental control and life support system ensures clean air and water for the astronauts. This regenerative system recycles most of the water and oxygen generated by human activities, ensuring the long-term viability of the station in space. Orbital Reef intends to employ a similar approach.
The evolution of space exploration and the development of new stations such as Orbital Reef bear witness to humanity’s intrepid spirit, pushing us to explore the unknown and push the limits of what was thought possible. These advances bring us closer to a future where human presence in space is more sustainable and accessible, inspiring us to remember the importance of collaboration and innovation in our continued journey to the stars.