NASA Goes Ikea to Test Inflatable Annex for Space Station

The International Space Station is getting an inflatable spare room.

The first-of-its-kind habitat built by Bigelow Aerospace LLC weighs 3,000 pounds and is made of a Kevlar-like material to withstand space debris and radiation. It looks more like a giant propane gas tank than a kids moon bounce and will be attached to a port on the space station.

It will rocket into space in 2015 with the blessing of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, which last week awarded the firm a $17.8 million contract to demonstrate the technology. Eventually, Las Vegas hotelier Robert Bigelow wants to build separate stations that might be used as research laboratories orbiting Earth or to establish a permanent presence on the moon or Mars.

Ultimately, hes hoping to build hotels in low-earth orbit and have that be one of the up-and-coming space businesses -- this will give him more credibility, said Marco Caceres, a senior space analyst with Teal Group Corp. in Fairfax, Virginia. Theres a lot of people out there that say, Oh cmon, hotels in low-earth orbit -- thats a fantasy right? I believe he has the tools to do it.

The challenge will be finding customers, Caceres said in a phone interview. Bigelows primary focus is on corporations and governments interested in developing astronaut programs or doing research. Space tourism is secondary, and the company has tried to steer away from the space hotel label.

NASAs willingness to back the mission is a seal of approval, Bigelow Aerospace said in a press release scheduled for release today. We cannot think of a stronger endorsement, the company said.

Bigelow, 68, and NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver planned to discuss the mission during a press conference today at the companys Las Vegas headquarters.

The agreement is a step forward in cutting-edge technology that can allow humans to thrive in space safely and affordably, Garver said in a Jan. 11 release announcing the contract.

Bigelow plans to introduce a stand-alone station that can accommodate as many as 12 people by 2016, the company said.

A flight to the planned Alpha Station would cost between $26.3 million and $36.8 million for a 60-day stay, depending on the taxi selected, according to the company.

Follow this link:
NASA Goes Ikea to Test Inflatable Annex for Space Station