Bigelow Expandable Activity Module: Difference between revisions

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{{shortShort description|Experimental inflatable spacemodule station– moduleInstalled on ISS}}

{{Use American English|date=MarchJanuary 20192021}}

{{Use mdydmy dates|date=MarchJanuary 20192021}}

{{Infobox space station module

| module = Bigelow Expandable Activity Module

|module_image names_list = BEAM mockup.jpg

| module_image = 20180706 Bigelow Airlock Johnson Space Center.jpg

|module_image_size = 275px

| module_image_caption = Full-scale mock-up of BEAM at Johnson Space Center

| module_image_size = 275px300px

|NSSDC_ID =

|launch = April 8, 2016, 20:43&nbsp;UTC<ref name="nasasf20160409"/>

|launch_vehicle = [[Falcon 9 Full Thrust]] <br /> ([[SpaceX CRS-8]])

|berthed = April 16, 2016, 09:36&nbsp;UTC<ref name="ISS tweet 20160416"/> <br /> ''[[Tranquility (ISS module)|Tranquility]]'' aft

|unberthed = Planned: 2028

|reentry =

|mass = {{convert|3115.1|lb|kg|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name="nasa-overview"/>

|length = {{convert|4.01|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name="verge20160405"/>

|diameter = {{convert|3.23|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name="verge20160405" />

|volume = {{convert|565|cuft|m3|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name="verge20160405" />

}}

| mission_type = ISS module

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 least 2020. It arrived at the ISS on April 10, 2016,<ref name="space20160410"/> was berthed to the station on April 16, and was expanded and pressurized on May 28, 2016.

| 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>

==History==

| launch_vehicle = [[Falcon 9 Full Thrust]] <br /> ([[SpaceX CRS-8]])

[[File:Bigelow Expandable Activity Module at Bigelow’s facility in Las Vegas.jpg|thumb|left|Completed BEAM flight unit at the Bigelow Aerospace facility in North Las Vegas]]

| launch_site = [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station|CCAFS]], [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40|SLC-40]]

| launch_contractor = [[SpaceX]]

| berthed = 16 April 16, 2016, 09:36&nbsp; UTC <ref name="ISS tweet 20160416"/> <br /> ''[[Tranquility (ISS module)|Tranquility]]'' aft

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]].<ref name="space20060712"/><ref name="nature20070705"/>

| unberthed = Planned: 2028 (planned)

|reentry undocked =

|NSSDC_ID reentry = =

| mass = {{convertcvt|3115.1|lb1413|kg|abbr=on|order=flip}} <ref name="nasa-overview"/>

| length = {{convertcvt|4.01|m|ft|abbr=on}} <ref name="verge20160405"/>

| diameter = {{convertcvt|3.23|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name="verge20160405" />

| 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 leastmost 20202028, when the contract can not be further extended. It arrived at the ISS on April 10, April 2016,<ref name="space20160410"/> was berthed to the station on 16 April 162016, and was expanded and pressurized on 28 May 282016. Although originally planned to be a two year test, 2016it 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[[File:Bigelow DecemberExpandable 20Activity Module at Bigelow’s facility in Las Vegas.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|left|Completed BEAM flight unit at the Bigelow Aerospace facility in [[North Las Vegas, Nevada]]]]

On 20 December 2012, NASA awarded Bigelow Aerospace a {{USD|US$17.8 million|link=yes}} contract to construct the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) under NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Program.<ref name="spaceref20130111"/><ref name="NASAannouncement"/> [[Sierra Nevada Corporation]] built the US$2 million [[Common Berthing Mechanism]] under a 16-month firm-fixed-price contract awarded in May 2013.<ref name="sn20130612"/> NASA plans made public in mid-2013 called for a 2015 delivery of the module to the ISS.<ref name=sn20130612/>

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 March 12, March 2015, at the Bigelow Aerospace facility in [[North Las Vegas, Nevada]], the completed ISS flight unit, compacted and with two [[Mobile Servicing System|Canadarm2]] grapple fixtures attached, was displayed for the media.<ref name="BEAMPress20150312"/>

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 April 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 102016.<ref name="unitoday20160411"/> On 16 April 162016, 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"/>

==Deployment and status==

[[File:BEAM module expansion series.jpg|thumb|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 April 8, 2016,<ref name="nasasf20160408"/> and the Dragon cargo vehicle was berthed to the nadir port of ''[[Harmony (ISS module)|Harmony]]'' node on April 10.<ref name="unitoday20160411"/> On April 16, 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 26, 2016, and was suspended after higher-than-expected air pressure inside BEAM was detected with minimal expansion of the module.<ref name="space20160527"/> The attempt was terminated after two hours.<ref name="verge20160527"/> The failure to expand and unfold may be the result of the unanticipated 10-month delay in module inflation, which may have caused the fabric layers to stick together.<ref name="space20160527" /> The module was expanded on 28 May 282016 over the course of seven hours, with air being injected 25 times for a total of 2 minutes 27 seconds.<ref name="nasa20160528"/> Its length was extended {{convertcvt|67|in170|cm|order=flip|abbr=on}} from its stowed configuration, {{convertcvt|1|in2.5|cm|order=flip|abbr=on}} less than expected.<ref name="spacepol20160528"/> After expansion was complete, air tanks aboard BEAM were opened to equalize air pressure in the module with that of the ISS.<ref name="spacenews20160528"/> The module was originally to be monitored for two years.<ref name="spacepol20160528" /><ref name="spacenews20160528" />

{{multiple image |direction=vertical |align=right

|image1=ISS-47 Jeff Williams works inside the BEAM.jpg |caption1=Jeff Williams inside BEAM

|image2=ISS-53 Paolo Nespoli works inside the BEAM.jpg |caption2=[[European Space Agency|ESA]] astronaut [[Paolo Nespoli]] inside BEAM, outfitted with new cargo storage bins

}}

On 6 June 6, 2016, astronaut [[Jeffrey Williams (astronaut)|Jeff Williams]] and cosmonaut [[Oleg Skripochka]] opened the hatch to BEAM and entered to collect an air sample, download expansion data from sensors, and install monitoring equipment. The hatch to BEAM was re-sealed on 8 June 82016 after three days of tests.<ref name="nasa20160606"/><ref name="nasa20160608"/> A second round of tests took place on September 29 ofSeptember that same year2016 when astronaut [[Kathleen Rubins]] entered the module to install temporary monitoring equipment.<ref name="nasa20160929"/>

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 penetration. Early results from monitors inside the module have shown that [[galactic cosmic radiation]] levels are comparable to those in the rest of the space station. Further testing will try to characterize whether the inflatable structure is any more resilient to radiation than traditional metal modules.<ref name="nasa20170526"/><ref name="arstech20170528"/>

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 to make available space aboard the station.<ref name="arstech20171003"/> The ISS crew began work in November 2017 to prepare BEAM for use as storage space.<ref name="nasa20171121">{{cite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2017/11/21/beam-work-and-vision-checks-for-crew-today/ |title=BEAM Work and Vision Checks for Crew Today |publisher=NASA |first=Mark |last=Garcia |date=November 21, 2017 |accessdateaccess-date=January 29, 2018}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

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>

At the end of BEAM's mission, it will be removed from the ISS and burn up during reentry.<ref name="ns20130116"/>

== 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 aluminum[[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 {{convertcvt|2.16|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and {{convertcvt|2.36|m|ft|abbr=on}} in diameter to its pressurized dimensions of {{convertcvt|4.01|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and {{convertcvt|3.23|m|ft|abbr=on}} in diameter.<ref name="verge20160405" /> The module has a mass of {{convert|3115.1cvt|lb1413|kg|abbr=on|order=flip}},<ref name="nasa-overview" /> and its interior pressure is {{convertcvt|14101.7|psi3|kPa psi atm|1|lk=on|abbr=on|order=out}}, the same as inside of the ISS.<ref name="engadget20160325"/>

BEAM's internal dimensions provide {{convertcvt|565|cuft16.0|m3|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} 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 aluminumaluminium.<ref name="nasa-radiation"/> Vinyl polymer may also be used in laboratories and other applications for radiation shield garments.<ref name="newsci20021115"/>

== BCSS airlock ==

In 2013, Bigelow mentioned a concept to build a second BEAM module for use as an [[airlock]] on its planned [[Bigelow Commercial Space Station]]. The module's inflatable nature would provide room for up to three crew or tourists to spacewalk simultaneously, compared with a maximum of two that can operate outside the ISS.<ref name="tpm20130117" />

== 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|2|refs=

<ref name="nasasf20160409">{{cite news |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/04/iss-crs-8-dragon-arrival-flawless-launch/ |title=ISS welcomes CRS-8 Dragon after flawless launch |work=NASA Spaceflight |first=Chris |last=Gebhardt |date=April 9, 2016 |accessdate=April 26, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="ISS tweet 20160416">{{cite tweet |user=Space_Station |authorlink=NASA |number=721272997537918976 |title=#BEAM is attached to the station at 5:36am ET, a huge step for expandable habitats in space and our #JourneyToMars. |date=April 16, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=April 27, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="nasa-overview">{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/spacex_crs-8_mission_overview.pdf |title=SpaceX CRS-8 Mission Overview |publisher=NASA |accessdateaccess-date=April 26, 2016}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="verge20160405">{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/4/5/11355852/nasa-beam-spacex-iss-future-space-tourism |title=How expandable astronaut habitats could pave the way for private space hotels |workpublisher=[[The Verge]] |first=Loren |last=Grush |date=April 5, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="space20160410">{{cite news |url=http://www.space.com/32528-spacex-dragon-delivers-inflatable-room-space-station.html |title=SpaceX Dragon Arrives at Space Station, Delivers Inflatable Room Prototype |workpublisher=Space.com |last=Pearlman |first=Robert |date=April 10, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=April 11, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="nasa2000">{{cite web |url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c106:H.R.1654.ENR: |title=National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2000 |publisher=Library of Congress |agency=106th Congress |date=January 24, 2000 |accessdateaccess-date=May 26, 2007}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="nasa2000conf">{{cite web |url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/T?&report=hr843&dbname=106& |title=National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2000, Conference Report |publisher=Library of Congress |agency=106th Congress |first=F. James |last=Sensenbrenner |date=September 12, 2000 |accessdateaccess-date=June 10, 2007|archive-date=2 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202173712/http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/T?&report=hr843&dbname=106&|url-status=dead}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="spaceref2261">{{cite web |url=http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=2261|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202212050/http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=2261|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 February 2013|title=Letter from NASA JSC Center Director: Actions Required to Address ISS Budget Challenges |publisher=NASA via SpaceRef.com |first=George W. S. |last=Abbey |date=February 27, 2001 |accessdateaccess-date=June 10, 2007}}</ref>

<ref name="Seedhouse2014-8">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9qigBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA8 |title=Bigelow Aerospace: Colonizing Space One Module at a Time |publisher=Springer-Praxis |first=Erik |last=Seedhouse |page=8 |date=2014 |isbn=978-3-319-05197-0 |doi=10.1007/978-3-319-05197-0}}</ref>

<ref name="space20060712">{{cite news |url=http://www.space.com/2618-exclusive-bigelow-orbital-module-launched-space.html |title=Exclusive: Bigelow Orbital Module Launched into Space |workpublisher=Space.com |first=Leonard |last=David |date=July 12, 2006 |accessdateaccess-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="nature20070705">{{cite news |url=http://www.nature.com/news/2007/070705/full/news070702-13.html |title=Second space 'hotel' model launched |workjournal=[[Nature (journal)|Nature]] |first=Heidi |last=Ledford |date=July 5, 2007 |accessdateaccess-date=April 26, 2016 |doi=10.1038/news070702-13}}</ref>

<ref name="ns20100303">{{cite news |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18607-nasa-turned-on-by-blowup-space-stations.html |title=NASA turned on by blow-up space stations |workpublisher=[[New Scientist]] |first=Paul |last=Marks |date=March 3, 2010 |accessdateaccess-date=March 3, 2010 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://archive.today/20190307065208/https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18607-nasa-turned-on-by-blow-up-space-stations/ |archivedatearchive-date=March 7, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Sang2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/458816main_FTD_InflatableModuleMission.pdf |title=A New Space Enterprise of Exploration: Inflatable Module Mission |publisher=NASA |first1=Tony |last1=Sang |first2=Gary |last2=Spexarth |date=May 26, 2010 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307065420/https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/458816main_FTD_InflatableModuleMission.pdf |archivedatearchive-date=March 7, 2019 |url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="hobbyspace-nautilusX">{{cite web |url=http://hobbyspace.com/nucleus/?itemid=26786 |title=NASA NAUTILUS-X: multi-mission exploration vehicle includes centrifuge, which would be tested at ISS |workpublisher=HobbySpace.com |first=Clark S. |last=Lindsey |date=January 28, 2011 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110419194320/http://hobbyspace.com/nucleus/?itemid=26786 |archivedatearchive-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="sdc20110126">{{cite news |url=http://www.space.com/10686-nasa-bigelow-module-international-space-station.html |title=International Space Station Could Get Private Inflatable Room |workpublisher=Space.com |first=Leonard |last=David |date=January 26, 2011 |accessdateaccess-date=January 31, 2011 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://archive.today/20120910234132/http://www.space.com/10686-nasa-bigelow-module-international-space-station.html |archivedatearchive-date=September 10, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="spaceref20130111">{{cite web |url=http://spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=43106 |title=NASA Contract to Bigelow Aerospace |publisher=NASA via SpaceRef.com |date=January 11, 2013 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://archive.today/20130216192953/http://spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=43106 |archivedatearchive-date=February 16, 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=January 18, 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="NASAannouncement">{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/news/beam_feature.html |title=NASA to Test Bigelow Expandable Module on Space Station |publisher=NASA |date=January 16, 2013 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120153333/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/news/beam_feature.html |archivedatearchive-date=January 20, 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=January 18, 2013}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="sn20130612">{{cite news |url=https://spacenews.com/35757sierra-nevada-corp-to-build-iss-berthing-hardware-for-bigelow-module/ |title=Sierra Nevada Corp. To Build ISS Berthing Hardware for Bigelow Module |workpublisher=[[SpaceNews]] |first=Dan |last=Leone |date=June 12, 2013 |accessdateaccess-date=August 14, 2019}}</ref>

<ref name="sn20190812">{{cite news |url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-planning-to-keep-beam-module-on-iss-for-the-long-haul/ |title=NASA planning to keep BEAM module on ISS for the long haul |workpublisher=[[SpaceNews]] |first=Jeff |last=Foust |date=August 12, 2019 |accessdateaccess-date=August 14, 2019}}</ref>

<ref name="BEAMPress20150312">{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/content/new-expandable-addition-on-space-station-to-gather-critical-data-for-future-space-habitat/ |title=New Expandable Addition on Space Station to Gather Critical Data for Future Space Habitat Systems |publisher=NASA |first=Carlyle |last=Webb |date=March 12, 2015}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<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 |workpublisher=NASA Spaceflight NASASpaceFlight.com|first=Chris |last=Bergin |date=September 7, 2015 |accessdateaccess-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="launchlog">{{cite web |url=http://spaceflightnow.com/tracking/launchlog.html |title=Launch Log |workpublisher=Spaceflight Now |date=April 8, 2016 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422101717/http://spaceflightnow.com/tracking/launchlog.html |archivedatearchive-date=April 22, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="nasasf20160408">{{cite news |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/04/spacex-dragon-rtf-falcon9-launch/ |title=SpaceX return Dragon to space as Falcon 9 nails ASDS landing |workpublisher=NASA Spaceflight NASASpaceFlight.com|first=William |last=Graham |date=April 8, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="unitoday20160411">{{cite news |url=http://www.universetoday.com/128332/spacex-dragon-carrying-new-room-captured-and-mated-to-space-station/ |title=SpaceX Dragon Carrying New Inflatable Room Captured and Mated to Space Station |workpublisher=Universe Today |first=Ken |last=Kremer |date=April 11, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="sfnow20160416">{{cite news |url=http://spaceflightnow.com/2016/04/16/watch-live-expandable-room-to-be-installed-on-space-station-saturday/ |title=Expandable room installed on space station |workpublisher=Spaceflight Now |first=Stephen |last=Clark |date=April 16, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="space20160527">{{cite news |url=http://www.space.com/33017-nasa-inflating-beam-space-module-saturday.html |title=NASA Will Try to Pump Up Inflatable Space Station Room Again Saturday |workpublisher=Space.com |first=Mike |last=Wall |date=May 27, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=May 31, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="verge20160527">{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/5/27/11792446/nasa-beam-expansion-failed-unexpected-forces-bigelow |title=NASA's first expandable habitat failed to inflate on the ISS because of friction |workpublisher=The Verge |first=Arielle |last=Duhaime-Ross |date=May 27, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=June 2, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="nasa20160528">{{cite news |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/05/28/beam-expanded-to-full-size/ |title=BEAM Expanded To Full Size |publisher=NASA |first=Mark |last=Garcia |date=May 28, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=June 3, 2016|archive-date=6 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206205245/https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/05/28/beam-expanded-to-full-size/|url-status=dead}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="spacepol20160528">{{cite news |url=http://www.spacepolicyonline.com/news/beam-successfully-expanded |title=BEAM Successfully Expanded |workpublisher=SpacePolicyOnline.com |first=Marcia S. |last=Smith |date=May 28, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=June 3, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="spacenews20160528">{{cite news |url=https://spacenews.com/beam-module-fully-expanded-on-space-station/ |title=BEAM module fully expanded on space station |workpublisher=[[SpaceNews]] |first=Jeff |last=Foust |date=May 28, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=June 3, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="nasa20160606">{{Citecite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/06/06/beam-open-for-the-first-time/ |title=BEAM Open for the First Time |publisher=NASA |first=Daniel G. |last=Huot |date=June 6, 2016 |access-date=June 19, 2016}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="nasa20160608">{{cite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/06/08/beam-closed-as-crew-packs-spaceships-for-departure/ |title=BEAM Closed as Crew Packs Spaceships for Departure |publisher=NASA |first=Mark |last=Garcia |date=June 8, 2016 |access-date=October 1, 2016}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="nasa20160929">{{cite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/09/29/beam-open-today-for-tests/ |title=BEAM Open Today for Tests |publisher=NASA |first=Mark |last=Garcia |date=September 29, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=October 1, 2016}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="nasa20170526">{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/first-year-of-beam-demo-offers-valuable-data-on-expandable-habitats |title=First Year of BEAM Demo Offers Valuable Data on Expandable Habitats |editor-first=Erin |editor-last=Mahoney |publisher=NASA |date=May 26, 2017 |accessdateaccess-date=June 20, 2017}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="arstech20170528">{{cite news |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/05/the-future-nasa-uses-3d-printing-to-test-its-new-expandable-habitat/ |title=Inflatable space habitat passes first hurdle, now on to radiation testing |workpublisher=Ars Technica |first=Eric |last=Berger |date=May 28, 2017 |accessdateaccess-date=June 20, 2017}}</ref>

<ref name="arstech20171003">{{cite news |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/10/nasa-tries-an-inflatable-room-on-the-space-station-likes-it/ |title=NASA tries an inflatable room on the space station, likes it |workpublisher=Ars Technica |first=Eric |last=Berger |date=October 3, 2017 |accessdateaccess-date=October 4, 2017}}</ref>

<ref name="characteristics">{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/1804.html |title=Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) |work=Bigelow Aerospace |publisher=NASA |date=March 16, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=April 3, 2016}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="nasa-beammain">{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/content/bigelow-expandable-activity-module |title=Bigelow Expandable Activity Module |publisher=NASA |accessdateaccess-date=March 28, 2016}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="bigelow-beam">{{cite web |url=http://bigelowaerospace.com/beam/ |title=BEAM: The Experimental Platform |publisher=Bigelow Aerospace |accessdateaccess-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="ns20130116">{{cite news |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23083-nasa-buys-blowup-habitat-for-space-station-astronauts.html |title=NASA buys blow-up habitat for space station astronauts |workpublisher=[[New Scientist]] |first=Paul |last=Marks |date=January 16, 2013 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412235915/https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23083-nasa-buys-blow-up-habitat-for-space-station-astronauts/ |archivedatearchive-date=April 12, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=August 24, 2017 }}</ref>

<ref name="FAQ NASA">{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/beam-facts-figures-faqs |title=BEAM Facts, Figures, FAQs |publisher=NASA |first=Erin |last=Mahoney |date=July 17, 2015 |accessdateaccess-date=April 3, 2016}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

<ref name="airspace201509">{{cite news |url=http://www.airspacemag.com/space/future-construction-space-180956237/ |title=The Future of Construction in Space |workmagazine=[[Air & Space/Smithsonian]] |first=Bruce |last=Lieberman |date=September 2015 |accessdateaccess-date=April 27, 2016}}</ref>

<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 |workpublisher=Engadget |first=Timothy J. |last=Seppala |date=March 25, 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="lvrj20130116">{{cite news |url=http://www.lvrj.com/business/north-las-vegas-based-bigelow-areospace-lands-17-8-million-nasa-contract-187174211.html |title=North Las Vegas-based Bigelow Aerospace lands US$17.8 million NASA contract |worknewspaper=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] |first=Jennifer |last=Robison |date=January 16, 2013 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://archive.today/20130216101826/http://www.lvrj.com/business/north-las-vegas-based-bigelow-areospace-lands-17-8-million-nasa-contract-187174211.html |archivedatearchive-date=February 16, 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=January 19, 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="wapo20130116">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/international-space-station-to-receive-inflatable-module/2013/01/16/8a102712-5ffc-11e2-9940-6fc488f3fecd_story.html |title=International space station to receive inflatable module |worknewspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |first=Brian |last=Vastag |date=January 16, 2013 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://archive.today/20130217004226/http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/international-space-station-to-receive-inflatable-module/2013/01/16/8a102712-5ffc-11e2-9940-6fc488f3fecd_story.html |archivedatearchive-date=February 17, 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=August 24, 2017 }}</ref>

<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 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://archive.today/20130414004028/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/space-station-get-18-million-balloon-room-0 |archivedatearchive-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 document report|url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archiveapi/nasacitations/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov20160001632/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 Research Center |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 Space Center |date=October 2002 |accessdateaccess-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 |workpublisher=[[New Scientist]] |first=Marina |last=Murphy |date=November 15, 2002 |accessdateaccess-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 |workpublisher=[[Talking Points Memo]] |first=Carl |last=Franzen |date=January 17, 2013 |archiveurlarchive-url=https://archive.today/20130216212601/http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2013/01/inflatable-spacecrafts-other-goal-space-walks-for-tourists.php |archivedatearchive-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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{{Space stations}}

{{Orbital launches in 2016}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2019}}

{{Use American English|date=March 2019}}

[[Category:Bigelow Aerospace]]