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Bigelow Aerospace Deploys Genesis 2 Space Module

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the final-frontiers dept.

ThePopeLayton writes "Space.com is reporting that Bigelow Aerospace has successfully launched its Genesis 2 Space Module. This is significant as Bigelow Aerospace is one of a few private groups currently developing space technologies. The module was launched in a compact form and upon achieving a stable orbit will be inflated using compressed air. Bigelow's website is reporting 'the second experimental pathfinder spacecraft has been successfully launched and inserted into orbit.' The module has a variety of things on board: Scorpions, Hissing Cockroaches, Ant colonies, and even a Bingo game."

3 of 94 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Does it... by Bagels · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Well, the occupants won't necessarily be governed by any terrestrial laws (maybe international ones?), so I'd guess probably yes.

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  2. Re:Failure is unpossible by mikael · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Wow! An orbiting roach motel...

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  3. Re:The bigger picture by caseih · · Score: 2, Insightful

    These are much more than just balloons and launching them really does give them credibility. They have proved that they can, using so-called balloon technology, create a habitable module in space that can survive the vacuum, micrometerites, radiation, and so forth. I'm frankly excited at what they've been able to do. I would not doubt at all that if this project ultimately proves successfully technologically, that we'll eventually see Bigelow inflatable modules on the international space station. This may give NASA a bit of competition, which will be good.

    There's a long way for them to yet go. They have to figure out how to assemble and build stations out of these modules in orbit. That requires things like space walks and robotic arms and so forth. Watching the astronauts spend hours and hours under difficult conditions working to just bolt a truss into place on the station gives me a lot of respect for what it takes. Also a critical piece of Bigelow's vision is still missing, which is a way to get people up there. Even buying launches from Inertia, it will cost many millions of dollars per launch, not to mention years of training for people flying. Space flights will not be routine for many more years.

    But Bigelow is making small but giant steps towards the future. I think it's exciting and worthwhile.