Aurora Space Station
The Aurora Space Station is a technology concept for a private commercial space station in low Earth orbit that was announced on 5 March 2018 by Orion Span, a startup aerospace company in California, USA. The concept envisions a capacity of six people: two crew and four tourists.[1][2]
| Station statistics | |
|---|---|
| Crew | Crew: 2 Tourists: 4 |
| Launch | 2021 (conceptual) |
| Carrier rocket | TBD |
| Mission status | Concept |
| Length | 13.3 m (44 ft) |
| Width | 4.3 m (14 ft) |
| Pressurised volume | 160 m3 (5,700 cu ft) |
| Typical orbit altitude | 320 km (200 mi) |
| Orbital period | 90 min |
No launch contract has been signed for deployment of the modules nor crewed vehicles,[1][3] and its construction has not started,[3] but its representatives claim it will be launched in 2021.[1]
Overview
Frank Bunger, the founder and CEO of Orion Span, stated that the Aurora Station would offer to space tourists a 12-day stay for US$9.5 million.[1][2] He said that the design concept is such that the station would not require extravehicular activities (spacewalks) for assembly and operation. Orion Span plans to design, test and build the station in Houston, Texas. [1] The company has yet to sign a launch contract, but stated that this commercial station would be deployed in low Earth orbit in 2021,[1] and start to receive passengers in 2022.[2] Bunger said that travelers will be required to complete a three-month training program before launch.[2] Guests would be able to free-float, look out windows, practice hydroponics, and play in a 'hologram deck'.[4]
References
- Luxury Space Hotel to Launch in 2021. Mike Wall, Space. 6 April 2018.
- First luxury hotel in space announced. Maureen O'Hare, CNN News. 5 April 2018.
- Startup announces plans for low-cost commercial space station. Jeff Foust, Space News. 5 April 2018.
- This luxury space hotel could be up and running in four years. NBC News. 5 April 2018.