Astronomy / Space Inflatable space stations

[Yaffle]

Yes, for real. There's an experimental one on Friday's Dragon launch:

See here for the full article - http://nasa.tumblr.com/post/142294936624/the-five-ws-of-an-expandable-habitat-in-space

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) is an expandable module developed by Bigelow Aerospace using a NASA patent conceptualized in the 1990s. It is made up of layers of fabric that will expand when installed and equalize with the pressure of the International Space Station.

 

[Patrick_68000]

A few months ago, I had read the information on the inflatable space stations. I wonder if they also provide the inflatable dolls for the astronauts ?

 

[xondk]

Very interesting, though I still have to wonder how vulnerable it is these modules will be to any kind of debris?

 

[Yaffle]

The article mentions it as part of the experiment. It's not going to be used, just inflated and monitored to see if it's a viable thing to do.

Sensors inside BEAM will monitor temperature and radiation changes, as well as its resistance to potential orbital debris impacts. During its time on station, the airlock between BEAM and the rest of the space station will remained closed, and astronauts will enter only to collect data and help the experiment progress. If BEAM is punctured, the habitat is designed to slowly compress to keep the rest of the space station safe.

 

[xondk]

The article mentions it as part of the experiment. It's not going to be used, just inflated and monitored to see if it's a viable thing to do.

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Definitely has potential, we will see.

 

[Surfinjo]

The principal seems perfectly sound. The issue of debris will be no greater than for a space suit.

 

[Patrick_68000]

Very interesting, though I still have to wonder how vulnerable it is these modules will be to any kind of debris?

it is constituted by one layer of 15 centimeters thick of Vectran, a polyester twice as strong than Kevlar. http://www.vectranfiber.com/ --- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vectran

 

[Spruxxx]

Ultimate bouncy castle

 

[metatheurgist]

So, when our alien overlords arrive, the plan is for them to die from laughter?

 

[Patrick_68000]

So, when our alien overlords arrive, the plan is for them to die from laughter?

They will see us as care bears

 

[Surfinjo]

So, when our alien overlords arrive, the plan is for them to die from laughter?

I would imagine any being capable of travelling here would regard us as we generally regard Chimpanzees.

But the point of the technology is that large spaces can be transported in relativity small areas. Assembly will be inflating the shape and a functional unit can be easily constructed.

Might also be very handy as an emergency environment, say a space life raft. Probably not possible to enter Earth's atmosphere, but capable of supporting life for a time until rescue can arrive.

 

[Glock_N_Load]

So, when our alien overlords arrive, the plan is for them to die from laughter?

They will arrive in Solo then log out. They may already be here in Solo, watching. Then, when the time is right, "wham" they log in Open and invade. We have no chance.

 

[metatheurgist]

They will arrive in Solo then log out. They may already be here in Solo, watching. Then, when the time is right, "wham" they log in Open and invade. We have no chance.

Our Alien Overlords have extra-dimensional tech? We're doomed! Doomed!

But the point of the technology is that large spaces can be transported in relativity small areas. Assembly will be inflating the shape and a functional unit can be easily constructed.

Might also be very handy as an emergency environment, say a space life raft. Probably not possible to enter Earth's atmosphere, but capable of supporting life for a time until rescue can arrive.

Yes, I'm aware it's a nifty development for us chimps. I just can't help pointing out that it looks primitive.

 

[Patrick_68000]

However, they have more important projects, as B330 --- http://bigelowaerospace.com/b330/

 

[lysan]

A few months ago, I had read the information on the inflatable space stations. I wonder if they also provide the inflatable dolls for the astronauts ?

No, that would require a basement, rather difficult in space -_-

 

[Minonian]

However, they have more important projects, as B330 --- http://bigelowaerospace.com/b330/

http://savepic.net/7951089.jpg

http://savepic.net/7942897.jpg

A solid core to make connection possible, and can be also used as the more complex machinery and wiring housing. thats good thinking. this indeed can be used as a long range mission habitat, as the NASA thinking about mars expedition. if they are joining together multiple, it can be spacey enough for a journey in this magnitude, even a small green house is possible if this material transparent. but one single hab module joined the crew capsule? Nah! Seriously i have no problem wit separation and small spaces but, to live in a small cabine like this for 2-3 years? No         way!!! You can do it, but your psyche not going to say thanks for it.If its a prison than at least make it comfortable. And the inflatable modules are a good way to do this.

 

[Surfinjo]

The deployment of a new, expandable "room" on the International Space Station was suspended on Thursday when it failed to open up as expected.

Astronaut Jeff Williams began inflating the module, but controllers eventually told him to stand down after 3.5 hours of extremely slow progress.

Installed in a compact form, the vessel is supposed to stretch to 4m in length with a volume of 16 cu m.

But as Williams squirted air into the module, it stretched only a few cm.

Engineers on the ground will now review the data with a view to resuming the expansion on Friday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36389843

 

[Patrick_68000]

it stretched only a few cm ? Still a long way to go. Thanks for the link

 

[metatheurgist]

Space:1, Chimps:0.

 

[Patrick_68000]

Space:1, Chimps:0.

Chimps is stubborn