October 8, 2014

Image Credit: Bigelow Aerospace

Brett Smith for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online

Starting next year, astronauts aboard the International Space Station will be able to work inside an inflatable module attached to the stations Tranquility node, according to Space.com Contributor Elizabeth Howell.

Developed by Bigelow Aerospace, the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) will travel to the ISS aboard SpaceXs Dragon cargo spacecraft in 2015. After arriving at the station, the robotic Canadarm2 will be used to attach the nearly $18 million BEAM.

Once attached, BEAM is expected to expand out to a length of 13 feet and diameter of about 10.5 feet. After the expansion and initial testing, a member of the ISS crew will enter the module a first for space exploration. The module is expected to remain attached for a nominal period of two years.

Testing of the new module will determine if it is space-worthy and capable of protecting occupants from radiation, small meteorites and space debris.

We cannot think of a stronger endorsement for either our company or expandable habitat technology than NASAs desire to make BEAM a part of the ISS, Bigelow said in a statement released last year.

[ Watch the Video: Bigelow Expandable Activity Module Installation Animation ]

Expandable habitats will dramatically increase the amount of volume available for crewed, space-based activities, the statement added. Expandables will also provide enhanced protection from solar radiation, physical debris, and trace contaminants, while requiring less mass, smaller amounts of rocket faring space, and fewer dollars than traditional metallic structures.

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Bigelow Aerospace's Inflatable Space Pod To Be Tested On The Space Station In 2015