Bigelow Expandable Activity Module: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 15:56, 8 May 2024

Revision as of 16:35, 30 May 2024

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[[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|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"/>