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Bigelow Aerospace

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Bigelow Aerospace
Company typePrivate
IndustryAerospace
Founded1999
FounderRobert Bigelow (Founder and President)
Headquarters
North Las Vegas, Nevada
,
United States
ProductsOrbital facilities, commercial space stations
Number of employees
120 (2006)
WebsiteBigelowAerospace.com

Bigelow Aerospace is a North Las Vegas, Nevada space technology startup company that is pioneering work on expandable space station modules. It was founded in 1999 by hotelier Robert Bigelow.

An expandable module is a space structure that has a flexible outer shell, allowing conservation of diameter for launch and weight overall. Once in orbit, the module is inflated to allow for greater work, play and living area for astronauts. Expandable modules initially were proposed and designed by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under the TransHab program. After cancellation of the Transhab program, Bigelow Aerospace entered into three Space Act agreements whereby Bigelow Aerospace is the sole commercializer of several of NASA's key expandable module technologies.

Background

Bigelow Aerospace was founded by Robert Bigelow and is funded in large part by the fortune Bigelow gained through his ownership of the hotel chain Budget Suites of America. As of 2006, Bigelow had invested US$75 million in the company.[1] Bigelow has stated that he is prepared to fund Bigelow Aerospace with about US$500 million through 2015.

Module design and business plans

File:NautilusModule2.jpg
Model of the proposed BA 330 module.

The company intends to develop a family of prototype and production space station modules, including: the Genesis I, a one-third scale prototype module launched on July 12, 2006 weighing approximately 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg), with approximate dimensions of 14.5 feet (4.4 meters) in length and 5.25 feet (1.6 meters) in diameter, expanding to nearly twice the diameter once in orbit;[2] Genesis II, with the same dimensions as Genesis I but with additional systems to be tested and items being sent up by paying members of the public; the Galaxy, a 45% scale prototype module designed to bridge the development gap between the Genesis modules and the eventual manned complex modules; the first manned test module Sundancer; and the BA 330, a full-scale production module weighing approximately 50,000 pounds (23,000 kg) when fully loaded, with dimensions of approximately 45 feet (13.7 meters) in length and 22 feet (6.7 meters) in diameter when expanded.[3] The BA 330 was formerly referred to as the Nautilus.

Contrary to many expectations, Bigelow Aerospace anticipates that its inflatable modules will be more durable than rigid modules.[4] This is partially due to the company's use of several layers of vectran, a material twice as strong as kevlar, and also because, in theory, flexible walls should be able to sustain micrometeorite impacts better than rigid walls.

Expected uses for Bigelow Aerospace's expandable modules include microgravity research and development and space manufacturing. Other potential uses include space tourism, such as modules for orbital hotels, and space transportation, such as components in spaceships for Moon or Mars manned missions. The company plans to sell BA 330 modules for US$100 million apiece. Bigelow also plans to launch by 2010 an orbital resort, tentatively called the CSS Skywalker.

On April 10, 2007, Bigelow Aerospace announced business plans to offer (by 2012) a four-week orbital stay for US$15 million, with another four weeks for an additional US$3 million. An entire orbital facility could also be leased for US$88 million a year, or half a facility for US$54 million a year.[5]

CSS Skywalker

CSS Skywalker
File:Cssskywalker.jpg
Artist's conception of CSS Skywalker
Description
Role: Space Hotel
Crew: 5 - 7
Dimensions
Height: 98.0 ft 30.0 m
Diameter: 21.9 ft 6.7 m
Habitable Volume: 52,972 ft³ 1,500 m³
Masses
Total: 220,000 lb 100,000 kg
Electrical System
Solar Cells
CSS Skywalker

The CSS Skywalker (Commercial Space Station Skywalker) is a 2005 concept for the first space hotel by Bigelow Aerospace.[6] The Skywalker was designed to be composed of multiple Nautilus habitat modules, which would be inflated and connected upon reaching orbit. An MDPB (Multi-Directional Propulsion Module) propulsion module would allow the Skywalker to be moved into interplanetary or lunar trajectories.[7] Bigelow is continuing to develop a variety of space hotel architectures in 2009.[8]

Module launch timeline

On July 12, 2006 and June 28, 2007, Bigelow launched the Genesis I and II modules, respectively. In 2008, Bigelow Aerospace completed the Galaxy module but did not launch it due to rising launch cost.[9] It was tested on the ground at its North Las Vegas facility instead.

Additionally, Bigelow has reserved a 2011 launch on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.[10] Bigelow has not yet announced the payload for the launch, but this timeframe roughly coincides with the launch of the Sundancer module. However, the Falcon 9 is also capable of launching the BA 330 module. Bigelow is also in talks with Lockheed Martin to contract launch services on its Atlas V - 401 vehicle.[11]

Note: Dates of upcoming launches are proposed and are subject to change.

Module Type Module Name Flight Date Launch Vehicle Mission Status
Genesis Pathfinder Genesis I July 12, 2006 14:53 UTC Dnepr Launch successful, on orbit[12]
Genesis Pathfinder Genesis II June 28, 2007 15:02 UTC Dnepr Launch successful, on orbit[13]
Galaxy Galaxy Canceled none Launch canceled, tests on ground [14]
Sundancer unknown 2011 (SpaceX manifest)[15] SpaceX Falcon 9 Proposed
BA 330 unknown 2012-2014 unknown Proposed

Genesis I Launch

An image from one of the seven exterior cameras on Genesis I.

On July 12, 2006, Genesis I launched on a Dnepr booster from Yasny Launch Base in Siberia. The launch was conducted by Bigelow and ISC Kosmotras. Despite ground-side difficulties during launch, the spacecraft performed as expected upon reaching orbit, inflating, deploying solar arrays and starting internal systems.[16] The mission is planned to last for five years and include extensive observation of the craft's performance including testing packing/deployment procedures and resistance to radiation and space debris, among other space hazards and conditions. Mike Gold, corporate counsel for Bigelow Aerospace, stated in relation to this mission and the next, "Our motto at Bigelow Aerospace is 'fly early and often'. Regardless of the results of Genesis 1, we will launch a follow-up mission rapidly."[12]

Genesis II launch

On June 28, 2007, Genesis II launched on another Dnepr (a converted SS-18 ICBM) from Yasny Launch Base in Siberia. Launched at 8:02 a.m. PDT Genesis II was inserted into orbit at 8:16 a.m. PDT at an inclination of 64 degrees.

Although Genesis I and Genesis II are identical in size and similar in appearance there are several notable differences. Firstly, Genesis I contains 13 video cameras whereas Genesis II contains 22. Secondly, Genesis II includes a suite of additional sensors and avionics that are not present in Genesis I.

Sundancer

The currently third planned Bigelow launch, Sundancer, will be equipped with full life support systems, attitude control, orbital maneuvering systems, and will be capable of reboost and deorbit burns.[17] Like the Genesis pathfinders, Sundancer will launch with its outer surface compacted around its central core, with air expanding it to its full size after entering orbit. After expansion, the module will measure 8.7 m (28.5 ft) in length and 6.3 m (20.6 ft) in diameter, with 180 cubic meters (greater than 6,000 cubic feet) of interior volume.[18] Unlike previous Bigelow craft, it will feature three observation windows.[17] As of 2009, SpaceX has been contracted to provide a Falcon 9 vehicle for a launch in 2011.[19]

Orion Lite

In August, 2009, Bigelow Aerospace announced the development of the Orion Lite spacecraft, intended to be a lower cost, and less capable version of the Orion spacecraft under development by NASA. The intention would be for Orion Lite to provide access to low earth orbit for using either the Atlas 5 or Falcon 9 launch systems, and carrying a crew of up to 7.[20]

Atlas V as a launch vehicle

Bigelow is jointly funding studies with Lockheed Martin to investigate the usage of their Atlas V rocket as a vehicle for human transport to and from later Bigelow space stations. However, such usage remains uncertain as there is currently no existing crew capsule that could be used with the rocket.[21]

Fly your stuff program

Bigelow Aerospace ran a Fly Your Stuff program for the Genesis II launch. The cost to launch pictures or small items was around US$300. Bigelow now photographs each item with internal cameras as the items float inside the craft, displaying them on the company website.

The first image of the interior of Genesis II appeared on the company's website on June 29, 2007. Some of the pictures and other items placed aboard Genesis II as part of the Fly Your Stuff program are clearly visible. Another interior image, apparently taken with more of the spacecraft's internal lights activated, was posted on July 2, 2007. Articles from the Fly Your Stuff program are also visible in this image.

Test items, supplied by Bigelow Aerospace employees, were sent into orbit on Genesis I. No new images of items floating inside Genesis I have been released since shortly after the launch and initial activation of the spacecraft due to problems with a computer which controls several of the internal cameras.[22]

Honors

Bigelow Aerospace has received several honors for its spaceflight efforts. On October 3, 2006, Bigelow Aerospace received the Innovator Award from the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation.[23] The award recognizes "initiatives or new inventions that have had recent impact on or hold particular promise for satellite communications and society, and stand as distinguished examples of innovative thinking." Robert Bigelow was presented the award at the Arthur C. Clarke Awards in Washington D.C. alongside Walter Cronkite, who was honored on the same night with the Arthur C. Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award.

On January 26, 2007, the Space Foundation announced that Bigelow Aerospace would be the recipient of its 2007 Space Achievement Award.[24] Bigelow Aerospace joins a list of previous winners that include the Titan Launch Vehicle team; The Inertial Upper Stage team, the SpaceShipOne team; the Arianespace-CNES Ariane 4 launch team; the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) teams; the NASA/Industry Galileo space probe team; the Hubble Space Telescope team; Sea Launch; and the NASA/Boeing International Space Station team. The award was presented to Robert Bigelow on April 9, 2007 at the 23rd National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Bigelow Aerospace; Russian Dnepr rocket to launch a 1/3-scale Genesis model". SpaceFellowship.com. 2006-06-04. Retrieved 2007-03-11.
  2. ^ "Out There - Genesis I". BigelowAerospace.com. Retrieved 2007-03-31.
  3. ^ David, Leonard (2004-05-24). "Bigelow Aerospace to Tackle Inflatable Space Habitats". Space.com.
  4. ^ Fildes, Jonathan (2006-07-14). "Inflatable space module puffs up". BBC News.
  5. ^ Lemos, Robert (2007-04-10). "Space Symposium: Bigelow Puts Price on Space -- $15 Million". Wired Science blog. Retrieved 2007-04-11.
  6. ^ The Five-Billion-Star Hotel, 1 Mar 2005
  7. ^ "CSS Skywalker". Encyclopedia Astronautica.
  8. ^ Space Hotel Visionary Proposes Modified "Orion Lite" Spaceship for NASA, 14 Aug 2009
  9. ^ ReviewJournal.com - News - Company sees future in space
  10. ^ SpaceX Lauch Manifest
  11. ^ "Bigelow Aerospace and Lockheed Martin Converging on Terms for Launch Services" (Press release). Bigelow Aerospace. 2008-02-05. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  12. ^ a b David, Leonard (2006-07-12). "Bigelow Orbital Module Launched into Space". Space.com. Retrieved 2007-03-11.
  13. ^ Malik, Tariq (2007-06-28). "Bigelow's Second Orbital Module Launches Into Space". Space.com. Retrieved 2007-06-29. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ "Special Announcement From Robert T. Bigelow" (Press release). Bigelow Aerospace. 2007-08-13. Retrieved 2007-08-15.
  15. ^ "Launch Manifest". SpaceX. 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-02.
  16. ^ "Launch of Genesis I Pathfinder Ushers in a New Era of Commercial Space Development". SpaceFellowship.com. 2006-07-15. Retrieved 2007-03-12.
  17. ^ a b Ferster, Warren (2006-09-21). "Private Space Habitat Could Launch by 2010". Space.com. Retrieved 2007-07-28.
  18. ^ Covault, Craig (2007-04-08). "Bigelow Reveals Business Plan". Aviation Week. Retrieved 2007-07-28.
  19. ^ "SpaceX Launch Manifest". SpaceX.com. 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-07.
  20. ^ Klamper, Amy (2009-08-14). "Company pitches 'lite' spaceship to NASA : Stripped down version of NASA's future spaceship could be ready 2013". Msnbc.com. Retrieved 2009-09-07.
  21. ^ Ferster, Warren (2006-09-21). "Private Space Habitat Could Launch by 2010". Space.com. Retrieved 2007-07-26.
  22. ^ Ingham, Jay (2007-02-13). "Genesis I Vehicle Performance Update". BigelowAerospace.com. Retrieved 2007-03-11.
  23. ^ "2006 Arthur C. Clarke Awards to honor Walter Cronkite and Robert Bigelow" (Press release). ClarkeFoundation.org. 2006-09-12. Retrieved 2007-03-11.
  24. ^ "Space Foundation honors Bigelow Aerospace with Space Achievement Award" (Press release). SpaceFoundation.org. 2007-01-25. Retrieved 2007-03-11.

External links

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