The partnership between Blue Origin and Sierra Space for the Orbital Reef project, a private successor to the International Space Station, is reportedly in jeopardy. According to anonymous sources, talks between the two space companies are potentially ending as other projects take priority. However, NASA has confirmed that Orbital Reef is still moving forward, with Blue Origin continuing to develop the space station under its Space Act Agreement with the agency. Blue Origin is shifting its focus to the development of its upcoming lunar lander, while Sierra Space is prioritizing its Dream Chaser spaceplane.
Blue Origin’s lunar lander, called Blue Moon, won a $3.4 billion contract to build a human landing system for NASA’s Artemis missions. The lander will be a part of the Artemis 5 mission, scheduled for launch in 2029. On the other hand, Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane is making progress, with plans to fly in low Earth orbit and transport crew members and cargo to the International Space Station. Sierra Space also recently secured $290 million in funding for the development of its own commercial space station.
Orbital Reef, announced by Blue Origin in collaboration with Sierra Space, is meant to fill the gap in low Earth orbit that will be left by the decommissioned International Space Station. Blue Origin’s plans for the project were approved by NASA in August 2022, allowing the company to move into the design phase. Sierra Space has been developing its Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) habitat for Orbital Reef, which consists of three-story platforms designed for habitation and scientific missions. However, the partnership between Blue Origin and Sierra Space is currently uncertain, with further updates yet to be revealed.
