Inflatable space modules get FAA approval

[Dr Mordrid]

Bigelow is on the way to building their space station modules;

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/space/11/25/space.approve/index.html

And space privatization just keeps on rollin' along.....

Dr. Mordrid

[rylan]

No sharp objects allowed?

[ZokesPro]

I saw a show on the discovery channel that talked about inflatable space componants, and they were rated at a higher strengh than regular materials, as they can absorb more energy. Shoot a BB at a blanket hanging from a clothes line, then shoot a peice of plywood, you'll see what I mean.

[windigo]

what about a spec of ice at around 100 miles a second?
i would'nt get in some balloon in space one little poke and your like a whoopee cushion spirling into the great beyond

[DGhost]

I am assuming that it would probably be made of layers of a fairly strong material, perhaps Kevlar and other fun materials.

that being said, I wouldn't want to be the guy that misplaces a knife...

[Marshmallowman]

Perhaps its inflatable with a hard setting foam?

[windigo]

give me a hard candy shell any time

[Dr Mordrid]

The modules are made from 12 to >20 layers including several layers of Nextel (a ceramic fabric), carbon-fiber, foam and several layers of Kevlar or Vectran (similar to Kevlar). Radiation shielding is superior to conventional construction and it also provides micrometeoroid protection.

A huge advantage to this type of construction is that it's lightweight and can be launched with half or less its operational volume. Don't be suprised if future manned spaceships depend heavily on this type of construction.

Launches of a small 3,000 lb un-manned testbed called "Genesis" start in 2005 with the 50,000 lb "Nautilus" (45 x 22 feet), complete with docking interfaces and life support, due for testing in 2008.

While Bigelow is a private company NASA is heavily involved. In fact many of the techs used were developed by NASA's TransHab project and licensed to Bigelow for further development and production.

Dr. Mordrid

[Brian R.]

Has anyone in space ever been injured by a projectile?

[VJ]

Didn't MIR suffer serious debris impact damage shortly before it was retired?


Jörg

[Dr Mordrid]

Most shuttle flights have suffered some window damage (pitting, small chips etc.) from micrometeoroids. Once it even lost several tiles on the upper portion of an engine fairing. Also some damage to the Space Station and some satellites had to have their solar arrays repaired by the shuttle.

Dr. Mordrid