SpaceX Sets April 8 For Next Dragon Launch

schwit1 writes: SpaceX has scheduled April 8 for the next Falcon 9 launch, set to carry its first Dragon capsule since the launch failure last year. Though this is the most important news contained by the article, its focus is instead on the various preparations that SpaceX is doing at its Texas test facility to prepare for this launch as well as the increased launch rate required for the company to catch up on its schedule. Note that the Dragon launch will also be significant in that it will be carrying Bigelow's inflatable test module for ISS, built for only $17 million in less than two years. NASA, ESA, or JAXA would have required at least half a billion and several years to have accomplished the same.

Comments

Re:As a tech site

[G-forze]

It's really nothing more than that - an inflatable test module which wont be used for anything, at least yet. Here's a NASA blog post which contains some information.

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) is an experimental expandable capsule that attaches to the space station. After installation, the BEAM expands to roughly 13-feet-long and 10.5 feet in diameter to provide a large volume, where a crew member can enter. During the two-year test mission, astronauts will enter the module for a few hours three-to-four times a year to retrieve sensor data and conduct assessments of the module’s condition.

Re:NASA, ESA, or JAXA would have required

[michelcolman]

Actually, never mind, I just looked it up and it seems that its 24 to 36 protective layers will actually be as hard as concrete and provide better ballistic protection than the rest of the ISS.

Re:NASA, ESA, or JAXA would have required

[Vulch]

NASA were working on the TransHab module for the ISS which got killed by the US Congress. Bigelow picked up the work and have turned it into actual orbiting items.