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{{Short description|Experimental inflatable module – Installed on ISS}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox space station module
| module
|
| module_image = 20180706 Bigelow Airlock Johnson Space Center.jpg
| module_image_caption
| module_image_size = 300px
| mission_type = ISS module
| operator = [[NASA]]
| manufacturier = [[Bigelow Aerospace]]
| COSPAR_ID = 2016-024A <ref name="Display">{{cite web|url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2016-024A|title=Display: SpaceX CRS-8 2026-024A|publisher=NASA|date=14 May 2020|access-date=31 January 2021}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>
| mission_duration = {{time interval|8 April 2016|show=ymd}} ''(in progress)''
| launch = 8 April 2016, 20:43:31 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]<ref name="JonathanLL">{{cite web|url=https://planet4589.org/space/log/launchlog.txt|title=Launch Log|publisher=Jonathan's Space Report|access-date=1 February 2021}}</ref>
| launch_vehicle = [[Falcon 9 Full Thrust]]<br/>([[SpaceX CRS-8]])
| launch_site = [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station|CCAFS]], [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]]
| launch_contractor = [[SpaceX]]
| berthed = 16 April 2016, 09:36 UTC <ref name="ISS tweet 20160416"/><br/>''[[Tranquility (ISS module)|Tranquility]]'' aft
| unberthed = 2028 (planned)
| undocked =
| reentry =
| mass = {{cvt|1413|kg}} <ref name="nasa-overview"/>
| length = {{cvt|4.01|m}} <ref name="verge20160405"/>
| diameter = {{cvt|3.23|m}}
| volume = {{cvt|16.0|m3}}
| configuration_image =
| configuration_caption =
| configuration_size = 300px
}}
The '''Bigelow Expandable Activity Module''' ('''BEAM''') is an experimental [[inflatable space habitat|expandable]] [[International Space Station#Pressurised modules|space station module]] developed by [[Bigelow Aerospace]], under contract to NASA, for testing as a temporary module on the [[International Space Station]] (ISS) from 2016 to at most 2028, when the contract can not be further extended. It arrived at the ISS on 10 April 2016,<ref name="space20160410"/> was berthed to the station on 16 April 2016, and was expanded and pressurized on 28 May 2016. Although originally planned to be a two year test, it has exceeded expectations and is used as additional cargo storage. The module is under ownership of NASA after Bigelow Aerospace suspended operations in 2021.
== History ==
NASA originally considered the idea of inflatable habitats in the 1960s, and developed the [[TransHab]] inflatable module concept in the late 1990s. The TransHab project was canceled by Congress in 2000,<ref name="nasa2000"/><ref name="nasa2000conf"/><ref name="spaceref2261"/> and Bigelow Aerospace purchased the rights to the patents developed by NASA to pursue private space station designs.<ref name="Seedhouse2014-8"/> In 2006 and 2007, Bigelow launched two demonstration modules to Earth orbit, [[Genesis I]] and [[Genesis II (space habitat)|Genesis II]].<ref name="space20060712"/><ref name="nature20070705"/>
NASA re-initiated analysis of expandable module technology for a variety of potential missions beginning in early 2010.<ref name="ns20100303"/><ref name="Sang2010"/> Various options were considered, including procurement from commercial provider Bigelow Aerospace, for providing what in 2010 was proposed to be a [[toroid|torus-shaped]] storage module for the [[International Space Station]]. One application of the toroidal BEAM design was as a [[centrifuge]] demo preceding further developments of the NASA [[Nautilus-X]] multi-mission exploration concept vehicle.<ref name="hobbyspace-nautilusX"/> In January 2011, Bigelow projected that the BEAM module could be built and made flight-ready 24 months after a build contract was secured.<ref name="sdc20110126"/>
On 20 December 2012, NASA awarded Bigelow Aerospace a In 2013, it was planned that at the end of BEAM's mission, it would be removed from the ISS and burn up during reentry.<ref name="ns20130116"/> During a press event on In December 2021, Bigelow transferred ownership of BEAM to NASA's Johnson Space Center.<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 10, 2021|title=Engineering Services for the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM)|url=https://sam.gov/opp/220ac7db7bef4b4085636f3cd65dc5c2/view|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-12|website=sam.gov|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212192929/https://sam.gov/opp/220ac7db7bef4b4085636f3cd65dc5c2/view |archive-date=12 December 2021 }}</ref> With the cessation of Bigelow Aerospace activities, NASA contracted [[ATA Engineering]], a former Bigelow subcontractor, for engineering support on the BEAM.<ref name=SpaceNews-20220121> {{cite news |url= https://spacenews.com/bigelow-aerospace-transfers-beam-space-station-module-to-nasa/ |title= Bigelow Aerospace transfers BEAM space station module to NASA |author= Jeff Foust |date= 21 January 2022 |publisher= Space News }} </ref>
== Deployment and status ==
[[File:BEAM module expansion series.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|right|Progression of expansion of BEAM]]
In early 2015, BEAM was scheduled for deployment on the next available ISS transport vehicle, [[SpaceX CRS-8]], which was scheduled for launch in September 2015. Due to a rocket failure during the SpaceX CRS-7 launch in June 2015, the delivery of BEAM was delayed.<ref name="nasasf20150907"/><ref name="launchlog"/> The successful launch of SpaceX CRS-8 took place on 8 April 2016,<ref name="nasasf20160408"/> and the Dragon cargo vehicle was berthed to the [[nadir]] port of ''[[Harmony (ISS module)|Harmony]]'' node on 10 April 2016.<ref name="unitoday20160411"/> On 16 April 2016, British astronaut [[Tim Peake]] extracted BEAM from Dragon's trunk using Canadarm2, and installed it on the aft port of ''[[Tranquility (ISS module)|Tranquility]]'' node.<ref name="sfnow20160416"/>
The first attempt at module inflation took place on 26 May
{{multiple image |direction=vertical |align=right
|image1=ISS-47 Jeff Williams works inside the BEAM.jpg
|image2=ISS-53 Paolo Nespoli works inside the BEAM.jpg
}}
On 6 June
NASA noted in May 2017 that, after spending one year in space, the BEAM instrumentation had recorded "a few probable micrometeoroid debris impacts" but that the module's protective layers had resisted
In October 2017, it was announced that the module would stay attached to the ISS until 2020, with options for two further one-year extensions. The module will be used to store up to 130 cargo transfer bags
In July 2019, an engineering assessment certified BEAM's ability to remain attached to the station until 2028, as it has exceeded performance expectations and become a core cargo storage module on the volume-constrained station. A contract extension will be required to allow BEAM to serve its extended operational lifetime.<ref name="sn20190812"/>
With the suspension of all activities at Bigelow Aerospace, development on BEAM has ended. Engineering support passed to Bigelow subcontractor [[ATA Engineering]] in 2022, who will not continue development.<ref name=TMRO-20220126> {{cite episode |title=SpaceX's Raptor 2 is Revealed! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB4jcVBBOOU |series= TMRO News |publisher= TMRO |airdate= 26 January 2022 }} </ref>
== Objectives ==
The BEAM is an experimental program in an effort to test and validate expandable habitat technology.<ref name="characteristics"/> If BEAM performs favorably, it could lead to development of expandable habitation structures for future crews traveling in deep space.<ref name="nasa-beammain"/> The two-year demonstration period will:<ref name="characteristics"/><ref name="bigelow-beam"/>
* Demonstrate launch and deployment of a commercial inflatable module. Implement folding and packaging techniques for inflatable shell. Implement a venting system for inflatable shell during ascent to ISS.
* Determine [[Radiation protection#Spacecraft and radiation protection|radiation protection]] capability of inflatable structures.
* Demonstrate design performance of commercial inflatable structure like thermal, structural, mechanical durability, long term leak performance, etc.
* Demonstrate safe deployment and operation of an inflatable structure in a flight mission.
== Characteristics ==
[[File:ISS-47 BEAM installation (1).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|right|BEAM in the process of being moved to the rear port of ''Tranquility'' in April 2016]]
BEAM is composed of two metal bulkheads, an [[aluminium]] structure, and multiple layers of soft fabric with spacing between layers, protecting an internal restraint and bladder system;<ref name="FAQ NASA"/> it has neither windows nor internal power.<ref name="airspace201509"/> The module was expanded about a month after being attached by its [[Common Berthing Mechanism]] to the space station. It was inflated from its packed dimensions of {{cvt|2.16|m}} long and {{cvt|2.36|m}} in diameter to its pressurized dimensions of {{cvt|4.01|m}} long and {{cvt|3.23|m}} in diameter.<ref name="verge20160405"/> The module has a mass of {{cvt|1413|kg}},<ref name="nasa-overview"/> and its interior pressure is {{cvt|101.3|kPa}}, the same as inside of the ISS.<ref name="engadget20160325"/>
BEAM's internal dimensions provide {{cvt|16.0|m3}} of volume where a crew member will enter the module three to four times per year to collect sensor data, perform microbial surface sampling, conduct periodic change-out of the radiation area monitors, and inspect the general condition of the module.<ref name="lvrj20130116"/><ref name="FAQ NASA"/> The hatch to the module will otherwise remain closed.<ref name="wapo20130116"/> Its interior is described as being "a large closet with padded white walls", with various equipment and sensors attached to two central supports.<ref name="ap20130117"/>
=== Radiation shielding ===
The flexible Kevlar-like materials of construction are proprietary.<ref name="US 7204460 B2"/><ref name="Lyle2015"/> The multiple layers of flexible fabric and closed-cell [[Vinyl polymer|vinyl polymer foam]]<ref name="Seedhouse2014-26"/> in the BEAM structural shell are expected to provide impact protection (see [[Whipple shield]]) as well as [[Radiation protection#Spacecraft and radiation protection|radiation protection]], but model calculations need to be validated by actual measurements.<ref name="FAQ NASA"/>
In a 2002 NASA study, it was suggested that materials that have high hydrogen contents, such as [[polyethylene]], can reduce primary and secondary radiation to a greater extent than metals, such as
== BCSS airlock ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery class="center" perrow="5">
Image:BEAM mock-up interior.jpg | Interior of BEAM mock-up
Image:BEAM development unit undergoing burst test.jpg | BEAM development unit undergoing burst test
Image:BEAM (25916886442).jpg | BEAM being loaded into SPACEX Dragon's trunk in February 2016
</gallery>
== See also ==
{{Portal|Spaceflight}}
* [[B330]], an inflatable space habitat
* [[BA 2100|B2100]], concept
== References ==
{{Reflist
<ref name="ISS tweet 20160416">{{cite tweet
<ref name="nasa-overview">{{cite web
<ref name="verge20160405">{{cite news
<ref name="space20160410">{{cite news
<ref name="nasa2000">{{cite web
<ref name="nasa2000conf">{{cite web
<ref name="spaceref2261">{{cite web
<ref name="Seedhouse2014-8">{{cite book
<ref name="space20060712">{{cite news
<ref name="nature20070705">{{cite news
<ref name="ns20100303">{{cite news
<ref name="Sang2010">{{cite web
<ref name="hobbyspace-nautilusX">{{cite web
<ref name="sdc20110126">{{cite news
<ref name="spaceref20130111">{{cite web
<ref name="NASAannouncement">{{cite web
<ref name="sn20130612">{{cite news
<ref name="
<ref name="
<ref name="nasasf20150907">{{cite news|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/09/spacex-conducts-falcon-9-improvements-busy-schedule/|title=SpaceX conducts additional Falcon 9 improvements ahead of busy schedule|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com|first=Chris|last=Bergin|date=September 7, 2015|access-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>
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<ref name="bigelow-beam">{{cite web|url=http://bigelowaerospace.com/beam/|title=BEAM: The Experimental Platform|publisher=Bigelow Aerospace|access-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="
<ref name="
<ref name="
<ref name="engadget20160325">{{cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/03/25/nasa-bigelow-expandable-activity-module/|title=NASA to use the ISS as a testbed for inflatable living modules|publisher=Engadget |first=Timothy J.|last=Seppala|date=March 25, 2016|access-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="
<ref name="
<ref name="ap20130117">{{cite news|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/space-station-get-18-million-balloon-room-0|title=Space station to get US$18 million balloon-like room|agency=Associated Press|first=Hannah |last=Dreier|date=January 17, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130414004028/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/space-station-get-18-million-balloon-room-0|archive-date=April 14, 2013|url-status=live |access-date=January 19, 2013}}</ref>
<ref name="US 7204460 B2">{{cite patent|url=http://www.google.com/patents/US7204460|title=Orbital debris shield|inventor=Bigelow, Robert T.|country=US|number=US 7204460 B2|status=patent|pubdate=2007-04-17 |gdate=2007-04-17|fdate=2004-06-24|pridate=2004-06-24}}.</ref>
<ref name="Lyle2015">{{cite report|url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20160001632/downloads/20160001632.pdf|title=Modeling of Local BEAM Structure for Evaluation of MMOD Impacts to Support Development of a Health Monitoring System|publisher=NASA Langley|first1=Karen H.|last1=Lyle|first2=Gregory J.|last2=Vassilakos|date=November 2015|id=NASA/TM-2015-218985 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417153708/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20160001632/downloads/20160001632.pdf |archive-date=2022-04-17 |url-status=live }} {{PD-notice}}</ref>
<ref name="Seedhouse2014-26">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9qigBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA26|title=Bigelow Aerospace: Colonizing Space One Module at a Time|publisher=Springer-Praxis|first=Erik |last=Seedhouse|page=26|date=2014|isbn=978-3-319-05197-0|doi=10.1007/978-3-319-05197-0|quote=A middle layer was a closed-cell vinyl foam for radiation protection and thermal insulation}}</ref>
<ref name="nasa-radiation">{{cite web|url=http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/spacenews/factsheets/pdfs/radiation.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041030191015/http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/spacenews/factsheets/pdfs/radiation.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2004-10-30|title=Understanding Space Radiation|series=NASA Facts|publisher=NASA Johnson|date=October 2002 |access-date=April 3, 2016|id=FS-2002-10-080-JSC}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>
<ref name="newsci20021115">{{cite news|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn3050-lightweight-radiation-proof-fabric-unveiled/|title=Lightweight radiation-proof fabric unveiled|publisher=New Scientist |first=Marina|last=Murphy|date=November 15, 2002|access-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="tpm20130117">{{cite news|url=http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2013/01/inflatable-spacecrafts-other-goal-space-walks-for-tourists.php|title=Inflatable Spacecraft's Other Goal: Space Walks For Tourists|publisher=Talking Points Memo|first=Carl|last=Franzen|date=January 17, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216212601/http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2013/01/inflatable-spacecrafts-other-goal-space-walks-for-tourists.php|archive-date=February 16, 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=January 19, 2013}}</ref>
}}
== External links ==
{{commons category|Bigelow Expandable Activity Module}}
* [http://bigelowaerospace.com/pages/beam/ BEAM] at BigelowAerospace.com
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