What's Happening?
Lockheed Martin is taking steps to offer its Orion spacecraft as a commercial service, starting with a study for a private astronaut mission. The company has partnered with BioAstra, a nonprofit organization, to explore a mission beyond Earth orbit for biomedical research. This initiative is inspired by NASA's Twins Study, which compared physiological changes in space. The study will help Lockheed Martin understand the requirements for conducting non-NASA missions with Orion. The company is also considering transitioning some responsibilities from NASA to Lockheed, such as servicing the spacecraft and capsule recovery.
Why It's Important?
This development marks a significant shift in the space industry, as Lockheed Martin moves towards commercializing space travel. By offering Orion as a service, the company could open new opportunities for private and international clients, potentially expanding the market for space exploration. This could lead to increased competition and innovation in the space sector, driving down costs and making space travel more accessible. The initiative also aligns with NASA's policy changes, which encourage private sector involvement in space missions. As the space economy evolves, such collaborations could accelerate the development of a sustainable space industry.
What's Next?
Lockheed Martin plans to phase in a services model for Orion, with NASA expected to remain the primary customer. The company is exploring alternatives to the Space Launch System for launching Orion, potentially using a dual-launch approach. Discussions with the European Space Agency and Airbus Defence and Space are ongoing to adapt the service module for longer missions. The success of this model could pave the way for more private and international missions, contributing to the growth of a lunar and deep space economy.
