In conjunction with NASA missions & goals, Sierra Space is developing ideas for lunar exploration with technology applicable to low-Earth orbit, moon missions and deep space exploration, including Mars. Sierra Space is developing Gateway and lunar lander concepts under NASA’s Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-2 (NextSTEP-2) program. We are expanding our transportation services beyond Dream Chaser and have developed systems for the Gateway Logistics Services (GLS) and Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programs.
Employer: Hassell Studio
Client: Sierra Space Corporation
At Hassell, I’ve led the design efforts for the internal configuration of the Life1 habitat and Sevice module. The work has been conducted in strict coordination with the habitat and system engineers at Sierra Space and based on NASA requirements for the NASA commercial LEO destination program.
Axonometric diagram of the Life 1 module and service module
Sierra Space’s space station leverages its transportation and destination technologies including the Dream Chaser spaceplane and LIFE Habitat.
The station is a configuration of multiple expandable LIFE habitats that can be serviced by both cargo- and crew-carrying Dream Chaser spaceplanes.
The LIFE habitat is 27 feet in diameter and 27 feet long, including its vestibule. The LIFE habitat pressurized volume is 300 cubic meters, or about 1/3 of the pressurized volume on the International Space Station. It consists of three floors outfitted with everything a crew of four astronauts would need to live in space and perform science missions. This includes science labs, robotics work stations, medical and sick bay, sleep and hygiene quarters, galley, exercise equipment, Sierra Space’s Astro Garden® plant growth system and ample storage room for crew supplies.
Interior view of the central core of the Life 1 inflatable module
Sierra Space’s LIFE habitat is currently being designed to support four crew members living and working on long-duration missions, such as those to Mars. It comfortably houses six for missions in LEO, but can accommodate 12 crew for shorter periods of time such as those during which crew members transition. Because of its modular nature, additional habitats can be joined to each other to accommodate more crew, or for a variety of other purposes.
All of the air and water required to survive in space is delivered by logistics carriers to the habitat, where it is then stored until needed. The LIFE habitat has life support systems that regulate the air to maintain proper pressure, temperature, humidity and oxygen levels. These life support systems recycle some of the air and water that is used to reduce the amount that has to be delivered to the habitat.
The lab space of the Life 1 module
The gathering space of the Life 1 module
In 2021, Blue Origin and Sierra Space announced plans to build out Orbital Reef, which would be the first crewed private space station.
Orbital Reef will be designed to fit 10 people, and those people need somewhere to sleep. Sierra Space, which will provide the living quarters for Orbital Reef, by way of its expandable Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) habitat. It’ll also conduct cargo and crew transportation between the station and Earth.
Orbital Reef introduces a new type of space architecture. Spacious modules with large Earth-facing windows let travelers take in the beauty of our planet and experience the thrill of weightlessness in complete comfort. Distinct quarters for living and working, and large hatches make a safe, sensible, and inspiring environment. Onboard Orbital Reef, there will be habitation amenities for any length of visit within our orbital community, supported by medical care and recreation opportunities.
Interior view of the Service module