Watch view from inside Jeff Bezos’ ritzy Orbital Reef ‘space park’ where tourists will float 230 miles over Earth

Tourists could flock to a luxury space station floating above Earth in just a few years.

Orbital Reef Station is described as a “mixed-use business park” that will serve as a science laboratory, hotel for tourists and more.

Orbital Reef is a futuristic space stationCredit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

It is designed as an alternative to the International Space StationCredit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

The space station is being developed by Blue Origin, the space company headed by Amazon founder Jeff BezosCredit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

They were designed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' space company Blue Origin — along with Sierra Space, the company behind the runway-friendly Dream Chaser spaceplane.

Sierra Space describes it as “the first commercially owned and operated space station, providing unparalleled opportunities for commerce, research and tourism.”

It is designed to float in low Earth orbit about 230 miles above our heads.

Early concepts for the space station were revealed in late 2021, and parts of the space station are expected to be operational as soon as 2027.

It's supposed to be fully operational by 2030, so mark your calendar for your big space vacation.

Blue Origin says the idea behind the space station is to allow people to spend time in space relaxing or even working, but without the hefty fees.

“Reducing the costs associated with living and working in space is critical to achieving a vibrant life future “For the benefit of Earth,” the space giant explained.

“Blue Origin is focused on service, technical support, transportation, payload delivery, security, standardization, and delivering the best return on investment for NASA and future residents.”

The idea is that the Orbital Reef station will be modular, allowing it to be highly customizable.

So you can add different modules over time, such as additional living spaces, exhibition decks, or research laboratories.

Jeff Bezos unveils Orbital Reef, a Blue Origin business complex and hotel in space

“Think spacious units with large windows to view Earth, our Blue Origin, while feeling the thrill of weightlessness in complete comfort,” Blue Origin boasts, on its website.

“Distinctive spaces will be designed for personal and commercial use, and the large openings create a safe and inspiring environment.

“We aim to provide a truly extraordinary experience, whether you are in orbit for research, logistics, tourism or other applications.”

Earlier this year, NASA – which helps fund Orbital Reef – completed tests of the station's life support system.

Sierra Space - the company behind the Dream Chaser spaceplane - is also developing the project — Sierra Space – the company behind the Dream Chaser spaceplane – is also developing the projectCredit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

NASA is providing significant funding for the Orbital Reef space stationCredit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

Stunning views from large windows are part of Orbital Reef's promiseCredit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

Orbital Reef is supposed to have a life support system similar to the International Space Station where everything is monitored and controlled.

That means Recycling and water and oxygen extraction, including urine recovery.

“These milestones are critical to ensuring that a commercial destination can support human life,” said NASA's Angela Hart.

“So NASA astronauts can continue to reach low Earth orbit to conduct important scientific research in the unique microgravity environment.

The station will float about 230 miles above EarthCredit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

Orbital Reef is designed to be modular, so it can be easily customized and expandedCredit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

What is the International Space Station?

Here's what you need to know about the International Space Station…

The International Space Station, often shortened to ISS, is a large spacecraft that orbits Earth and houses astronauts who ascend there to complete scientific missions.
Many countries have worked together to build it and are working together to use it
It is made up of many pieces that astronauts had to send individually on rockets and put together between 1998 and 2000.
Since 2000, people have been living on the International Space Station
NASA uses the station to learn how to live and work in space
It is located approximately 250 miles above Earth and orbits the planet just like a satellite
Living inside the International Space Station is said to be like living inside a large house with five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a gym, lots of science labs and a large window to view Earth.

Some areas of the Orbital Reef space station can serve as research laboratoriesCredit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

Tourists can visit Orbital Reef to capture stunning views of Earth from spaceCredit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

“In addition, each milestone accomplished allows NASA to gain insight into the progress our partner has made in designing and developing the station.”

NASA supports the project as it seeks to eventually close the International Space Station.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is set to drop the International Space Station in 2031, ending its 32-year mission.

The International Space Station is expected to disintegrate, landing in a debris field 1,200 miles wide above the ocean.

Scientists will conduct experiments in low Earth orbitCredit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

Blue Origin says Orbital Reef will make it cheaper to do business in spaceCredit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

The Orbital Reef space station could become operational in 2027Credit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

This is expected to be over the uninhabited South Pacific, a very remote marine area known as Point Nemo.

This is the “rocket graveyard” where ill-fated space debris ends up.

It is about 1,700 miles away from the nearest piece of land.

Orbital Reef is one of the commercial alternatives that will allow research to continue in low Earth orbit.

Blue Origin says Orbital Reef will provide the work "Address in orbit" — Blue Origin says Orbital Reef will give business 'an address in orbit'Credit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

The station is supposed to operate like a giant "Business Park" — The station is supposed to function like a giant “business park”.Credit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

Blue Origin and Sierra Space are designing the Orbital Reef to support docking for many types of spacecraftCredit: Blue Origin/Sierra Space/NASA

“We are on the threshold of the deepest industrial revolution in human history datesaid Tom Weiss of Sierra Space.

“An industrial revolution marked by the transition from the last 60 years of space exploration to a future in which humanity expands our factories and cities into space.

“It's not just about tourism, it's about opening new horizons the next Great discoveries using microgravity factories that we will build only 250 miles above the Earth's surface.

“Orbital Reef’s microgravity plants and services have the potential to revolutionize every industry and become a major contributor to the growth of the U.S. and global economies.”