Blue Origin’s Orbital Reef space station’s life support system has achieved significant milestones, completing four tests that evaluate the system’s ability to maintain air and water necessary for human spaceflight. The tests included a water tank test, water contaminant oxidant test, trace contaminant control test, and urine water recovery test, as confirmed by NASA.
The development of the commercial space station is funded by NASA, with Blue Origin working on the project under a Space Act Agreement. Angela Hart, NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program manager, emphasized the importance of these milestones in ensuring that a commercial space destination can sustain human life. She highlighted the significance of these tests in enabling NASA astronauts to conduct crucial scientific research in the unique microgravity environment of low Earth orbit.
Furthermore, each completed milestone provides valuable insights into Blue Origin’s progress in station design and development. This progress signifies a significant step towards the realization of a commercial space station that can support human life and further advances in space exploration.
