posted 01-31-2014 08:08 AM               

As private contractors take over more and more of the tasks formerly entrusted to NASA, Bigelow Aerospace is primed to become one of the largest movers and shakers of future space stations and missions. Relying on expandable modules that inflate into space habitats, this cutting-edge technology is presented here from its inception to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

To make these expandable modules feasible, Bigelow relies on a strong yet flexible proprietary material that allows for safety, life support, radiation shielding, thermal control and communications verification testing, while being tougher and more durable than rigid modules. The possibility of these expandable modules opens up the arena for a space economy that includes private ventures as well as providing new opportunities for NASA's research-focused human spaceflight plans.

This book serves as an informative text and reference guide for all those who now work or hope to work in the manned commercial space arena. It provides unique insight into and understanding of how Bigelow Aerospace’s expandable module technology is changing the face of commercial spaceflight and is laying the foundation for an orbital economy.

• 2014, 400 p. 88 illus., 80 illus. in color.
  
• Springer, August 28, 2014
  
• ISBN 978-3-319-05196-3