Full-Scale LIFE Inflatable Space StationCredit Sierra Space

Full-Scale LIFE Inflatable Space Station burst test at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

Sierra Space has reached a significant achievement in developing the initial commercial space station.

The primary test for the full-size LIFE™ structure at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center surpassed NASA’s safety recommendations by 27%, exceeding the suggested fourfold safety levels.

The results indicate that the structure has considerably surpassed NASA’s safety and certification guidelines. Sierra Space will utilize this expandable technology in collaboration with Blue Origin on Orbital Reef and on Sierra Space’s Free-Flying Orbital Pathfinder.

Full-Scale LIFE Inflatable Space Station (2)Credit Sierra Space

As a leading commercial space company focused on creating the first comprehensive business and technology platform in space, Sierra Space has accomplished a groundbreaking milestone by successfully designing, manufacturing, assembling, and testing its inaugural full-scale, expandable space station structure, in partnership with ILC Dover.

Full-Scale LIFE Inflatable Space Station (3)Credit Sierra Space

By the Numbers:

Company’s first stress test of a full-size, inflatable space station structure
The test unit stood over 20’ tall and was comparable in size to an average family home
The article was 300 m³ in volume, or 1/3rd the volume of the Intl. Space Station
Test results exceeded NASA’s recommended x4 safety levels by 27%

Full-Scale LIFE Inflatable Space Station (4)Credit Sierra Space

source Sierra Space