NASA funds companies to develop commercial space stations

A North American Space Agency (NASA) announced the investment in three US companies to promote the development of commercial space stations. The program will have an initial contribution of $415M monthly (about R$ 2,3 billion) and aims to allow the creation of commercial stations that can replace the current International Space Station (ISS) at the end of its useful life at the end of this decade.

The companies selected for the program are: Blue Origin, by Jeff Bezos, which received $130 million; The nanoracks, which will take US$ 160 million; and the Northrop Grumman, a giant in the US defense sector, which will have US$ 125,5 million at its disposal. A fourth company, the Axiom space, had previously been awarded a similar $140 million contract. In total, 11 companies submitted proposals to the space agency.

“With commercial companies now already providing transportation to low Earth orbit, we are partnering with US companies to develop space destinations where people can visit, live and work, enabling NASA continue to forge a route into space for the benefit of humanity, while fostering commercial activity in space,” said Bill Nelson, Administrator of NASA.

This procurement phase is the first in a two-step approach to ensuring a seamless transition of activities from the International Space Station to commercial destinations. At this first moment, the companies, under the coordination of the NASA, will design space destinations suited to the potential needs of government and the private sector.  

"These contracts will help us ensure that the United States maintains a continued human presence" in low-Earth orbit, said Phil McAlister, director of commercial flight for the United States. NASA. This first phase should continue until 2025, probably with new funding for companies over time. In the second phase, which should start in 2026, the NASA will certify stations from these and other potential companies for use by their astronauts and purchase services from commercial providers where available.

The proposed space stations

reef orbital

Developed by Blue Origin and Saw Space, reef orbital (Coral Orbital) brings in its concept to be a space more focused on scientific research, but also for industrial and commercial customers. THE reef orbital is inspired by exactly the same size as the ISS (916 cubic meters), but with a capacity to house up to 10 people simultaneously and with areas for leisure and conducting science.

The station's architecture is designed to be a "mixed-use space business park", which will provide the infrastructure needed to support all types of human spaceflight activity in low Earth orbit, and can be scaled up to serve new markets. The idea is that it will orbit the Earth and begin to be operated by the second half of this decade.

starlab

Already nanoracks proposes to starlab, which is scheduled to be launched in 2027. With the participation of Voyager Space and the Lockheed Martin, starlab it will be a continuously manned space station dedicated to conducting research and fostering industrial activity. The station will consist of an inflatable module attached on one side and a spacecraft on the other to provide power and propulsion. It will have the capacity to house up to four people at the same time, in a space of 340 cubic meters.

The first space science park will be named George Washington Carver Science Park and will initially have four main laboratories: one for biology, a second for housing, another laboratory for physical sciences and new materials and an open bench area to meet needs presented by the market.

ENorthrop Grumman space station - still unnamed

The proposal of Northrop Grumman is the most similar to the current ISS: a modular station based on decades of experience gained from participating in commercial projects, from NASA and defense agencies. It appears to be the most defense-oriented station, serving the government, but will also feature laboratories to be leased to commercial customers.

The project takes advantage of some ready-made elements, such as the spacecraft Cygnus, a model capable of carrying payloads to the International Space Station. A Cygnus will work as a basic module for expanding capabilities, which will include science, tourism, industrial experimentation and “other infrastructure”.

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In early November, the NASA announced it would delay the moon landing scheduled to happen in 2024. Now, the feat that is part of the Artemis program should only happen after 2025.

Sources: NASA, The Verge.