What's unique and new about the partnership with Blue Origin is the fact that not only is the University aiding and advising on the science side, but the business side as well, Rousset said. It will also aid and advise novice researchers and innovate STEM outreach to engage the next generation of scientists.Īnyone can use the space to conduct whatever business they need, Elkins-Tanton said, whether that be research, international or commercial affairs, education and more. The ASU-led advisory council will be in charge of advising Blue Origin and Orbital Reef participants in regards to microgravity research, or research that is impossible to do in Earth's gravity. The orbital reef is pictured on Sunday, Oct. This was after the Interplanetary Initiative hosted one of its yearly networking events where government, industry and nonprofit leaders involved in space exploration attend, said Jessica Rousset, deputy director of the Interplanetary Initiative.

The partnership came about when Lindy Elkins-Tanton, the vice president of the Interplanetary Initiative and professor at the School of Earth and Space Exploration, received a phone call from Blue Origin asking if the University would take the lead on the advisory council project. ASU will lead the Orbital Reef University Advisory Council to advise Blue Origin in matters of not only research and education but by evolving standards of conduct and STEM outreach.īecause of ASU's history and experience in space exploration and its connections, Blue Origin believes the University and its Interplanetary Initiative are 'uniquely positioned to help open the doors to Orbital Reef with its transdisciplinary approach to advancing society through exploration,' said Erika Wagner, payload sales director for Blue Origin.

Orbital Reef is designed to be a ''mixed use business park' in space,' according to a press release. ASU has been selected to lead a cohort of 14 universities to advise Blue Origin, a Jeff Bezos-funded organization, on its endeavor to build the Orbital Reef space station.

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