The Briefing Room
General Category => Science, Technology and Knowledge => Space => Topic started by: kevindavis007 on October 05, 2017, 11:21:13 pm
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The extended experiment will allow NASA to learn more about expendable modules in space.
The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) was only supposed to stay attached to the ISS for two years. It's been performing well enough in its technological demonstration, however, that NASA now wants to extend its stint for three more years. Astronauts aboard the ISS installed BEAM in early 2016 as an experiment, with the intention of regularly checking its integrity, conducting radiation shielding experiments and collecting microbial air and surface samples from within its confines. The results of those tests prove that the module is tough enough to survive the harsh conditions of outer space for far longer than its original lifespan.
While Bigelow Aerospace ultimately wants its expandable habitat to serve as living quarters, it's way too early to expect astronauts to live inside the module. BEAM will instead serve as storage space to hold up to 130 cargo transfer bags used to transport supplies from a spacecraft to the station.
Read More: http://www.isn-news.net/2017/10/nasas-inflatable-iss-habitat-could-stay.html
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