Inflatable Habitat on the Space Station

To demonstrate expandable habitation modules, NASA will attach the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) Inflatable Habitat, to the International Space Station.   Watch the video…

Future astronauts will require highly reliable habitation systems to keep them healthy and productive during missions, that take them farther from Earth than humans have ever gone before.

Above image credit NASA

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) will be attached to the International Space Station for a minimum two-year technology demonstration.

Inflatable Habitat preparing for Launch to the Space Station

SpaceX loads Bigelow’s BEAM inflatable space habitat for launch, scheduled on April 8 for the Space Station, where it will be attached, inflated and remain in place for two years.   Credit SpaceX

Through public-private partnerships with U.S. industry, NASA is investigating habitation concepts that can support astronauts who are living and working in the harsh environment of deep space.
The space station is the world’s leading laboratory for conducting cutting-edge research and is the primary platform for technology research, development and testing in space to enable human and robotic exploration of destinations beyond low-Earth orbit, including asteroids and Mars.

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