# Orbital Reef

> planned low-Earth-orbit space station developed by Blue Origin and Sierra Space

**Wikidata**: [Q109250322](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109250322)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_Reef)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orbital-reef

## Summary
Orbital Reef is a planned low-Earth-orbit commercial space station developed by Blue Origin and Sierra Space. It aims to serve both space tourism and research purposes, with an expected operational start in 2027. The station is designed to accommodate up to six passengers and has a projected volume of 830 cubic meters.

## Key Facts
- **Developed by**: Blue Origin, Sierra Space, Boeing, Redwire, Genesis Engineering Solutions, and Arizona State University
- **Primary uses**: Space tourism and research
- **Expected launch**: 2027
- **Passenger capacity**: Up to six
- **Volume**: 830 cubic meters (expected)
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit (proposed)
- **Announcement date**: October 25, 2021
- **Country of origin**: United States
- **Social media presence**: Twitter handle @orbitalreef with 10,018 followers (as of September 6, 2022)
- **Website**: [orbitalreef.com](https://www.orbitalreef.com/)

## FAQs
### Q: What is Orbital Reef, and who is developing it?
A: Orbital Reef is a planned commercial space station in low Earth orbit, developed by Blue Origin, Sierra Space, and several other companies. It aims to support both space tourism and scientific research.

### Q: When is Orbital Reef expected to launch?
A: The station is expected to begin operations in 2027, according to recent announcements.

### Q: How many people can Orbital Reef accommodate?
A: Orbital Reef is designed to host up to six passengers, making it suitable for both tourists and researchers.

### Q: What is the volume of Orbital Reef?
A: The station is expected to have a volume of 830 cubic meters, providing ample space for research and living quarters.

### Q: What companies are involved in the development of Orbital Reef?
A: Key developers include Blue Origin, Sierra Space, Boeing, Redwire, Genesis Engineering Solutions, and Arizona State University.

## Why It Matters
Orbital Reef represents a significant step in commercializing space travel and research. As the first planned commercial space station in low Earth orbit, it aims to provide a platform for both space tourism and scientific experimentation. By offering a mix of research and leisure opportunities, Orbital Reef could democratize access to space, making it more accessible to private citizens and researchers alike. Its development also underscores the growing collaboration between private companies and government entities in advancing space exploration. As a key player in the emerging space economy, Orbital Reef could set a new standard for future commercial space stations.

## Notable For
- **First commercial space station in low Earth orbit**: Orbital Reef is one of the first planned commercial space stations, distinguishing it from government-led projects like the ISS.
- **Mixed-use design**: Unlike traditional research stations, Orbital Reef is designed to accommodate both space tourists and researchers, offering a unique commercial model.
- **Collaborative development**: The project involves multiple companies and institutions, reflecting a shift toward private-sector-led space exploration.
- **Expected capacity**: With a projected volume of 830 cubic meters, it will provide more living and working space than many existing or planned stations.
- **Early-stage commercialization**: As one of the first commercial space stations, Orbital Reef is positioned to pioneer the commercial space tourism and research market.

## Body
### Overview
Orbital Reef is a proposed commercial space station in low Earth orbit, developed by Blue Origin and Sierra Space in collaboration with Boeing, Redwire, Genesis Engineering Solutions, and Arizona State University. The station is designed to serve both space tourism and research purposes, with an expected operational start in 2027.

### Development and Partnerships
The project was announced on October 25, 2021, with key developers including Blue Origin, Sierra Space, Boeing, Redwire, Genesis Engineering Solutions, and Arizona State University. The collaboration aims to create a mixed-use space station that can accommodate both tourists and researchers.

### Design and Specifications
Orbital Reef is expected to have a volume of 830 cubic meters, providing ample space for research and living quarters. It is designed to host up to six passengers, making it suitable for both tourists and researchers. The station will operate in low Earth orbit, approximately 500 kilometers above sea level.

### Commercial and Research Uses
The primary uses of Orbital Reef include space tourism and research. The station is expected to offer a range of services, including scientific experimentation, commercial activities, and leisure opportunities for tourists. This mixed-use model sets it apart from traditional research stations.

### Social Media and Public Engagement
Orbital Reef has an active social media presence, with a Twitter account (@orbitalreef) that has gained 10,018 followers as of September 6, 2022. The account provides updates on the project's development and progress.

### Future Prospects
Orbital Reef represents a significant step in commercializing space travel and research. As the first planned commercial space station in low Earth orbit, it aims to provide a platform for both space tourism and scientific experimentation. Its development could set a new standard for future commercial space stations.

## References

1. [Source](https://blueorigin-static-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/orbital-reef-press-release.pdf)
2. [Source](https://blueorigin-static-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/orbital-reef-one-pager.pdf)
3. [Blue Origin says it will build an orbiting mixed-use business park in space. NPR. 2021](https://www.npr.org/2021/10/25/1049077333/blue-origin-space-station-business-park-space-orbital-reef-bezos)
4. [Orbital Reef: A Space Station for a New Economy in Space](https://californiaconsultants.org/event/orbital-reef-a-space-station-for-a-new-economy-in-space/)
5. [Source](https://www.orbitalreef.com/)
6. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC3ooNXfcGE)