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Author
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Topic: [Discuss] Bigelow Expanded Aerospace Module
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-11-2013 03:03 PM
   
Editor's note: In an effort to keep the topic [ISS] Bigelow Expanded Aerospace Module (BEAM) focused on status updates, feedback and opinions are directed to this thread. Please use this topic to discuss Bigelow Aerospace's NASA contract to provide a new inflatable module for the International Space Station. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-11-2013 03:11 PM
Poor Cupola... |
328KF
Member Posts: 1234
From:
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 01-11-2013 03:17 PM
That was my first thought when I saw this too. The PMM already blocked one portion of the view from there, but it's not shown in that diagram. Aside from that, I am happy to see NASA finally test this technology with astronauts in orbit. I first saw an inflatable module at JSC in 1998 and was kinda curious what crewmembers might think about them. While there, I actually had the chance to ask John Young and he related the structure more to an automobile tire than to a balloon, and was very confident in the safety margins. Good for Mr. Bigelow seeing the value in this cast-off project from NASA and moving it forward. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-11-2013 03:46 PM
The graphic isn't new, so it may not reflect the current plan for BEAM (including its size, which I have seen described as "small.") And if I recall correctly, the Cupola is slated to be moved to Unity (Node 1), though that might occur after BEAM is installed on Tranquility (Node 3). And BEAM is only meant to be a temporary test article. On the upside, the Cupola may offer some unique up-close views of BEAM inflating and deflating in space... |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-16-2013 05:48 PM
New Bigelow and NASA imagery show the actual size and placement of BEAM on the International Space Station. |
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