NASA successfully deploys BEAM, first inflatable room attached to International Space Station
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully deployed the first experimental inflatable room attached to the International Space Station (ISS).
The experimental inflatable room dubbed as BEAM (Bigelow Expandable Activity Module) was deployed after it was successfully expanded and pressurized.
Key facts
- The inflatable room BEAM has been built by Nevada Company Bigelow Aerospace.
- It will be attached to the ISS for a two-year test and is the first such habitat to hold humans in orbit.
- It is made up of aluminium and soft fabric which expands in space. It is light weight and also takes minimal space. It creates place for astronauts to live and work.
- It is 4 metres long and 3.2 metres in diameter with 16 cubic metres of interior volume when fully expanded.
- Its 2 year orbital test is intended to pave the way towards the use of such habitable rooms for long space trips, including to Mars and Moon.
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Month: Current Affairs - May, 2016