NASA and Bigelow release details of expandable module for ISS
January 16 2013 08:15:04 PM |
by Clark Lindsey, Managing Editor
The NASA/Bigelow event today formally introduced the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM):
Some features of the project:
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NASA will pay $17.8M for the BEAM demo.
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BEAM will arrive in 2015
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It will be delivered in the unpressurized cargo section of the 8th SpaceX Dragon cargo delivery mission to the ISS.
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It will berth to the Tranquility node,
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BEAM will stay at the station for a 2 year demonstration period.
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The goals of the demo include:
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Structural integrity and leak rate.
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Embedded instruments within module measure radiation and temperature changes , which can be compared to traditional aluminum modules.
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Astronauts will periodically enter the module gather data and make inspections
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After the 2 years, "the module will be jettisoned from the station, burning up on re-entry."
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Bigelow expects to have two BA-330 modules ready by 2016 for construction of their first station.
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Bigelow said seven countries have expressed interest in leasing space on a Bigelow habitat.
A short video of the berthing of the BEAM to the ISS:
Lori Garver at the Bigelow facility:
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Twitter / NASA: NASA Deputy Administrator announces NASA to test Bigelow expandable module on space station:
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Twitter / Lori_Garver: Touring Bigelow Aerospace w/ Robert Bigelow; here in front of a mockup of an expandable module
Some images released:
The
Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM).
BEAM attached to the ISS.
Coastal Ron16th January 2013 9:54pm Clark S. Lindsey16th January 2013 3:17pm
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