NASA Glenn Research Center and U.K.-based Blue Abyss have formalized a partnership through a Space Act Agreement aimed at advancing commercial astronaut training. Announced on January 23, 2025, this collaboration will focus on addressing challenges in low-Earth orbit, cis-lunar, lunar, and Martian environments.
By June, Blue Abyss plans to deliver a study outlining mutual benefits and necessary infrastructure for both organizations, which may include robotics research, parabolic flights, and underwater gravity simulations.
Blue Abyss intends to establish its first U.S. facility on 13 acres in Brook Park, Ohio, with an estimated investment exceeding $253 million. The facility will cater to the growing commercial space sector, providing training for astronauts and personnel from companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX.
The training center will feature a human centrifuge for high-G research, a parabolic flight simulator for microgravity experiences, and a pool for freediving and astronaut training. NASA Glenn's Human Exploration and Space Operations chief, Joshua Freeh, highlighted the importance of understanding the future demand for commercial astronauts as the Artemis Mission progresses.
Despite the new facility, astronaut training will continue at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. The collaboration is expected to create numerous jobs in Brook Park, reflecting a shift from its traditional working-class culture. Local officials view the project as a catalyst for economic growth, with new developments, such as luxury townhomes, indicating an evolving demographic landscape.
Construction of the Blue Abyss facility is anticipated to commence later this year, with the Space Act market study expected to be completed by the end of June.