NASA AMA: We are expanding the first human-rated expandable structure in
space….AUA!
Abstract
We’re signing off for now. Thanks for all your great questions! Tune
into the LIVE expansion at 5:30am ET on Thursday on NASA TV
(www.nasa.gov/ntv) and follow updates on the @Space_Station Twitter.
We’re a group from NASA and Bigelow Aerospace that are getting ready to
make history on Thursday! The first human-rated expandable structure,
the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) will be expanded on the
International Space Station on May 26. It will be expanded to nearly
five times its compressed size of 8 feet in diameter by 7 feet in length
to roughly 10 feet in diameter and 13 feet in length. Astronaut Jeff
Williams is going to be doing the expanding for us while we support him
and watch from Mission Control in Houston. We’re really excited about
this new technology that may help inform the design of deep space
habitats for future missions, even those to deep space. Expandable
habitats are designed to take up less room on a rocket, but provide
greater volume for living and working in space once expanded. Looking
forward to your questions! *Rajib Dasgupta, NASA BEAM Project Manager
*Steve Munday, NASA BEAM Deputy Manager *Brandon Bechtol, Bigelow
Aerospace Engineer *Lisa Kauke, Bigelow Aerospace Engineer *Earl Han,
Bigelow Aerospace Engineer Proof:
http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-televises-hosts-events-for-deployment-of-first-expandable-habitat-on-0
We will be back at 6 pm ET to answer your questions, ask us anything!