• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Jeff Bezos has a $100,000,000,000 plan to replace the International Space Station after Elon Musk destroys it

Home> Technology> Space

Updated 15:37 4 Dec 2024 GMTPublished 14:39 4 Dec 2024 GMT

Jeff Bezos has a $100,000,000,000 plan to replace the International Space Station after Elon Musk destroys it

The space project will be the first of its kind and is expected to launch in just a few years

Ellie Kemp

Ellie Kemp

Jeff Bezos is set to launch a shiny new space station to replace the International Space Station after Elon Musk helps destroy it.

After 32 years of service, the ISS will be brought crashing down to Earth in 2031 at the end of its operational life.

The largest single structure we've ever put in space, it's allowed scientists to conduct ground-breaking experiments in microgravity.

And, in what sounds like the mission of his dreams, Elon Musk's SpaceX has won a $843 million NASA contract to help bring down the ISS.

Advert

The ground-breaking research facility is set to be replaced, though - and this is where Jeff Bezos comes in.

The International Space Station will no longer exist after 2030 (NASA via Getty Images)
The International Space Station will no longer exist after 2030 (NASA via Getty Images)

While China already has its Tiangong space station in space, multi-billionaire Bezos is set to launch the first-ever commercially-owned and operated space station in low-Earth orbit.

What is Orbital Reef?

Bezos' space company, Blue Origin, was awarded $130 million by NASA to develop Orbital Reef, a 8,200 cubic foot station almost as big as the ISS.

Advert

It will allow the ground-breaking research carried out on the ISS to continue - with some added extras.

In partnership with Sierra Space - as well as, unsurprisingly, Amazon, Boeing, and others - it will offer commercial space activities and act as a space tourism hub.

The station will only be able to support 10 people initially, but modules will be added to support further operations.

How the Orbital Reef is expected to look from the inside (Blue Origin)
How the Orbital Reef is expected to look from the inside (Blue Origin)

Advert

These include science modules, with support for microgravity research, development, and manufacturing.

Meanwhile, Blue Origin described the station on its website: "Think spacious modules with large windows to view Earth... while experiencing the thrill of weightlessness in complete comfort.

"Distinct quarters will be designed for personal and business use, and large hatches create a safe and inspiring environment."

It continued: "We aim to provide a truly extraordinary experience, whether you are in orbit for research, logistics, tourism, or other applications."

Advert

Amazon is set to sort logistics and supply chain management, while Sierra Space will provide Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) modules, node modules, and a runway-landing Dream Chaser spaceplane for crew and cargo transportation.

Artist's impression of Orbital Reef's interior (Hassell Studio)
Artist's impression of Orbital Reef's interior (Hassell Studio)

A Boeing Starliner crew spacecraft will also help transport personnel, while the company will supply science modules, space station operations and maintenance.

Orbital Reef is projected to launch in 2027 and will reportedly cost upwards of $100 billion in total.

Advert

It's due to be fully operational by 2030, just before the ISS is brought to its end.

Featured Image Credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images/Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images

Topics: Business, Science, Space, Technology, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, NASA, SpaceX

Ellie Kemp
Ellie Kemp

Ellie joined UNILAD in 2024, specialising in SEO and trending content. She moved from Reach PLC where she worked as a senior journalist at the UK’s largest regional news title, the Manchester Evening News. She also covered TV and entertainment for national brands including the Mirror, Star and Express. In her spare time, Ellie enjoys watching true crime documentaries and curating the perfect Spotify playlist.

X

@EllieKempOnline

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

11 hours ago
a day ago
4 days ago
  • Paul Hennessy/Anadolu via Getty Images
    11 hours ago

    NASA announces timeline of astronauts' evacuation from International Space Station due to 'serious medical issue'

    The first ever medical evacuation of the ISS was ordered on Friday, January 9

    Technology
  • Getty Images/BAY ISMOYO
    a day ago

    Microsoft spent 8 years and $7,600,000,000 building a product which doesn't exist today

    The venture lost more than it gained after purchasing Nokia in 2012

    Technology
  • James Cawley/Getty Images
    4 days ago

    Meteor explosion in Earth’s atmosphere captured on camera in space for 'first time ever'

    The space phenomenon took place over the North Pacific Ocean

    Technology
  • Kenneth Cheung/Maxkabakov/Getty Images
    4 days ago

    We asked ChatGPT what scares it the most about humans and it gave an unsettling response

    ChatGPT broke down four areas of concern - and one of them is pretty ironic

    Technology
  • Elon Musk has savage 5-word response to Jeff Bezos launching $6,200,000,000 AI start-up
  • How soon Elon Musk wants to destroy the International Space Station as he unveils reason why
  • Why Elon Musk's SpaceX plans to destroy International Space Station for $843,000,000 after NASA astronauts get stranded
  • Eerie ISS photo shows just how far space station has come as Elon Musk readies to destroy it