As discussed in a previous post, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) has at least one firm launch order for its new medium lift rocket, Falcon V, even before it has launched its new light rocket, Falcon I. Now we know who put the money down ($10 million range) for the Falcon V launch: Bigelow Aerospace, led by Robert Bigelow, founder and owner of the Budget Suites of America hotel chain. In 2005, Bigelow Aerospace will launch a 1/3rd scale space station.
Bigelow's medium-term business plan calls for building space guest houses at low cost with large living areas using inflatable space station modules. These inflatable modules were designed by NASA under the Transhab program for the International Space Station, and underwent early testing. The International Space Station went hugely over budget, killing Transhab. Bigelow Aerospace is reviving study of these modules and apparently is licensing NASA's patents on the technology. These inflatable space station modules are surprisingly roomy and safe compared to the hard shelled modules on the International Space Station.
Good luck to the Bigelow Aerospace team!
Note: Bigelow has three patents: 6,293,500 for the deflated module tube assembly; 6,481,670 for thermal and radiation management of space stations; and 6,467,221 for an improved space sleeping berth. Bigelow applied for all of these in 2000. What has Bigelow been doing since that time? I'm guessing that he was riding out the recession and biding his time until cheaper space transportation became available.
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