Question: Which of the following American Space Company recently announced the plan to build a commercial off-Earth outpost called Orbital Reef?
a) Blue Origin
b) Virgin Galactic
c) SpaceX
d) None of these
Answer: (a)
Related Facts:-
- On 25 October 2021; Blue Origin, announced the plan to build a commercial off-Earth outpost called Orbital Reef.
- Other partners in this project are Boeing, Sierra Space and many more
- Orbital Reef envisioned customers include national governments, private industry and space tourists.
- This new space station named as Orbital Reef will initially complement the International Space Station (ISS) but eventually take the baton from it.
- It should be noted that the International Space Station (ISS) is expected to be retired in the 2028 to 2030 timeframe.
- Orbital Reef a Collaboration of Different Partners:-
- Orbital Reef is a collaboration involving some big companies in the space industry.
- Blue Origin:-
- Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin will provide some modules and the company will also use and its New Glenn heavy-lift rocket for this purpose.
- Glenn heavy-lift rocket is scheduled to lift off for the first time in late 2022 and it will be the primary launcher used to get station hardware to space.
- Boeing
- Another American aerospace company Boeing, which is a key partner in the ISS program, will be in charge of Orbital Reef operations and maintenance.
- The company will also provide science modules, and its Starliner capsule will deliver people and cargo to the outpost.
- Sierra Space:
- Sierra Space’s is making expandable Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) modules, which will serve as Orbital Reef’s primary living quarters.
- The company’s Dream Chaser space plane will also be available for possible cargo and crew delivery, company representatives said.
- Redwire Space:-
- Redwire Space will provide the solar arrays and other deployable structures for the new space station.
- It is the company, whose subsidiary Made In Space has sent multiple 3D printers to the ISS.
- It will also provide payload operations and support research and manufacturing work.
- Genesis Engineering Solutions:
- Genesis Engineering Solutions will contribute a single-person spacecraft, which will allow Orbital Reef visitors to take spacewalks from the outpost.
- Arizona State University:
- Arizona State University will lead a consortium of 14 universities that provide research advice and public outreach.
Links:-
https://www.space.com/blue-origin-unveils-orbital-reef-private-space-station