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Bigelow is the NewSpace outfit working on private space stations. Their first 2 Genesis test articles went up a few years ago on Russian Zenit launchers and are still working in polar orbits.
Their first manned Sundancer module is scheduled to go up in 2014 on a Falcon 9. They are also working with United Launch Associates for launching the much larger BA-330 module on the Atlas V, and with Boeing on the CST-100 capsule (shown below), which could be launched on the Falcon 9, Atlas V or Delta IV.
MAKE NO MISTAKE: these guys are no less serious than SpaceX, and they have all the funding and help they need: $500+ million in the bank and lots of partners, including Boeing, Lockheed and NASA Space Act contracts.
One interesting tidbit is that NASA was very interested in docking one at ISS to expand the living space but there was a problem: the Bigelow modules are too large, much larger than ISS modules, meaning a smaller module would have to be constructed, which it so happens should be the size of a concept they already had in their roadmap but canceled to speed up their program: the Galaxy. No word on if they'll go that route.
Anyhow, the imagery and specs below, with a comparison to the ISS Destiny module at bottom....
Sundancer specs:
Occupancy: Up to three on a long-term basis and up to six for short-term stays
Volume: 180 m3
Radiation Protection: Bigelow Aerospace’s shielding is equivalent to or better tan the International Space Station and substantially reduces the dangerous impact of secondary radiation.
Ballistic Protection: Sundancer utilizes an innovative micrometeorite and Orbital Debris Shield. Hypervelocity tests conducted by Bigelow Aerospace have demonstrated that this shielding structure provides protection superior to that of traditional “aluminum can†designs.
Propulsion: Sundancer utilizes two propulsion systems on the fore and aft of the spacecraft. The aft propulsion system can be refueled and reused.
Electrical Power: Every Sundancer habitat will include an independent power system comprised of solar arrays and batteries.
Avionics: Each module will contain an independent avionics system to support navigation, re-boost, docking, and other maneuvering activities.
Environment Control and Life Support System: Each Sundancer will contain its own independent ECLS system including lavatory and hygiene facilities.
Windows: Sundancer will boast four large windows coated with a film for UV protection, providing and unparalleled opportunity for both celestial and terrestrial viewing.
BA-330 specs:
Bigelow Aerospace’s first station complex will also include the BA 330 module, which will have almost twice the volume of Sundancer.
Occupancy: Up to six on a long-term basis
Volume: 330 m3
Radiation Protection: Bigelow Aerospace’s shielding is equivalent to or better than the International Space Station and substantially reduces the dangerous impact of secondary radiation.
Ballistic Protection: BA 330 utilizes an innovative Micrometeorite and Orbital Debris Shield. Hypervelocity tests conducted by Bigelow Aerospace have demonstrated that this shielding structure provides protection superior to that of the traditional “aluminum can†designs.
Propulsion: BA 330 utilizes two propulsion systems on the fore and aft of the spacecraft. The aft propulsion system can be refueled and reused.
Electrical Power: Every BA 330 habitat will include an independent power system comprised of solar arrays and batteries.
Avionics: Each module will contain and independent avionics system to support navigation, re-boost, docking, and other maneuvering activities.
Environment Control and Life Support System: Each BA330 will contain its own independent ECLS system including lavatory and hygiene facilities.
Windows: BA 330 will boast four large windows coated with a film for UV protection, providing an unparalleled opportunity for both celestial and terrestrial viewing.
Station assembly sequence:
CST-100 capsule approaching the Sundancer
Propulsion Bus + Docking Node approaching Sundancer+CST-100
Let's get a better look at that Node-Propulsion Bus - engines by Aerojet
BA-330 module approaching station stack
Assembled Bigelow station with three CST-100's, AND it can be expanded further - room for 2 more modules
Comparisons with ISS Destiny
Their first manned Sundancer module is scheduled to go up in 2014 on a Falcon 9. They are also working with United Launch Associates for launching the much larger BA-330 module on the Atlas V, and with Boeing on the CST-100 capsule (shown below), which could be launched on the Falcon 9, Atlas V or Delta IV.
MAKE NO MISTAKE: these guys are no less serious than SpaceX, and they have all the funding and help they need: $500+ million in the bank and lots of partners, including Boeing, Lockheed and NASA Space Act contracts.
One interesting tidbit is that NASA was very interested in docking one at ISS to expand the living space but there was a problem: the Bigelow modules are too large, much larger than ISS modules, meaning a smaller module would have to be constructed, which it so happens should be the size of a concept they already had in their roadmap but canceled to speed up their program: the Galaxy. No word on if they'll go that route.
Anyhow, the imagery and specs below, with a comparison to the ISS Destiny module at bottom....
Sundancer specs:
Occupancy: Up to three on a long-term basis and up to six for short-term stays
Volume: 180 m3
Radiation Protection: Bigelow Aerospace’s shielding is equivalent to or better tan the International Space Station and substantially reduces the dangerous impact of secondary radiation.
Ballistic Protection: Sundancer utilizes an innovative micrometeorite and Orbital Debris Shield. Hypervelocity tests conducted by Bigelow Aerospace have demonstrated that this shielding structure provides protection superior to that of traditional “aluminum can†designs.
Propulsion: Sundancer utilizes two propulsion systems on the fore and aft of the spacecraft. The aft propulsion system can be refueled and reused.
Electrical Power: Every Sundancer habitat will include an independent power system comprised of solar arrays and batteries.
Avionics: Each module will contain an independent avionics system to support navigation, re-boost, docking, and other maneuvering activities.
Environment Control and Life Support System: Each Sundancer will contain its own independent ECLS system including lavatory and hygiene facilities.
Windows: Sundancer will boast four large windows coated with a film for UV protection, providing and unparalleled opportunity for both celestial and terrestrial viewing.
BA-330 specs:
Bigelow Aerospace’s first station complex will also include the BA 330 module, which will have almost twice the volume of Sundancer.
Occupancy: Up to six on a long-term basis
Volume: 330 m3
Radiation Protection: Bigelow Aerospace’s shielding is equivalent to or better than the International Space Station and substantially reduces the dangerous impact of secondary radiation.
Ballistic Protection: BA 330 utilizes an innovative Micrometeorite and Orbital Debris Shield. Hypervelocity tests conducted by Bigelow Aerospace have demonstrated that this shielding structure provides protection superior to that of the traditional “aluminum can†designs.
Propulsion: BA 330 utilizes two propulsion systems on the fore and aft of the spacecraft. The aft propulsion system can be refueled and reused.
Electrical Power: Every BA 330 habitat will include an independent power system comprised of solar arrays and batteries.
Avionics: Each module will contain and independent avionics system to support navigation, re-boost, docking, and other maneuvering activities.
Environment Control and Life Support System: Each BA330 will contain its own independent ECLS system including lavatory and hygiene facilities.
Windows: BA 330 will boast four large windows coated with a film for UV protection, providing an unparalleled opportunity for both celestial and terrestrial viewing.
Station assembly sequence:
CST-100 capsule approaching the Sundancer
Propulsion Bus + Docking Node approaching Sundancer+CST-100
Let's get a better look at that Node-Propulsion Bus - engines by Aerojet
BA-330 module approaching station stack
Assembled Bigelow station with three CST-100's, AND it can be expanded further - room for 2 more modules
Comparisons with ISS Destiny