Jeff Bezos is set to launch a $100 billion replacement for the International Space Station after Elon Musk helps to destroy it.
The ISS has been in operation for the past 32 years but that will soon come to an end when it crashes back to Earth in 2031.
It’s the largest structure we’ve ever sent to space but it is now at the end of its operational life.
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And it’s Musk’s SpaceX who has won the lucrative $843 million NASA contract to help bring it down.
But the removal of the ISS just means that it is time for a replacement, which is where Bezos comes in.
A new ground-breaking research facility is set to be launched, which will be the first ever commercially-owned and operated space station in low-Earth orbit.
Blue Origin, which is the space company owned by Bezos, has been given the task by NASA to build Orbital Reef.
The 8,200 cubic foot station will be almost as big as the ISS and the billionaire’s firm has been awarded $130 million to develop it.
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.
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.”
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 space plane for crew and cargo transportation.
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.
It’s due to be fully operational by 2030, just before the ISS is brought to its end.