Blue Origin, Sierra Space Orbital Reef space station in limbo

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and Sierra Space are reportedly considering ending their partnership on the Orbital Reef space station project, according to anonymous sources who spoke to CNBC. The partnership between the two companies was announced in 2021, but updates on the project have been scarce in the past year. The sources emphasized that discussions are ongoing, but it is increasingly likely that the two companies will go their separate ways. Other development projects, such as Blue Origin’s Blue Moon lunar lander and Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane, have taken priority for both companies. Blue Origin won a $130 million contract from NASA for design work on the Orbital Reef project shortly after its unveiling. However, there are no current plans to transfer the agreement, according to NASA spokesperson Rebecca Wickes. Sierra Space did not respond to CNBC’s request for comment.