Bigelow Aerospace, founded by Robert Bigelow, was the parent company behind Bigelow Built LLC, prior to its closure in 2018. The company, based in Nevada, USA, was renowned for its innovative work in inflatable spacecraft technology, advancing the aerospace industry in significant ways.
The company started operations in 2009 and swiftly gained recognition for its Bigelow Space Complex, an inflatable module designed to provide habitable space in low Earth orbit. This technology, traditionally used in underwater habitats, was adapted and pioneered by Bigelow Aerospace for use in space, marking a significant milestone in space habitation technology.
Inflatable Space Modules
Bigelow Built LLC primarily focused on the production of inflatable modules for various space usage, including housing astronauts in orbit. The primary advantage of these structures is their increased volume in space, achieved without significantly increasing launch mass compared to traditional, rigid spacecraft components.
The company's inflatable modules, such as the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) attached to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2016, provided invaluable data about the long-term durability and performance of these structures in the space environment.
BEAM Inflatable Module
The BEAM module, attached to the ISS, was the first inflatable habitat to be used for long-term space habitation. It provided scientists with crucial information about the performance of inflatable structures in space, paving the way for future developments in this area. The BEAM module was successfully expanded, deactivated, and eventually returned to Earth in 2021.
After years of testing and data collection, the BEAM module proved the feasibility and reliability of inflatable structures for space habitation. Its success contributed to the advancement of commercial space station projects and space tourism initiatives.
Bigelow's Proprietary Inflatable Technology
Bigelow Aerospace's proprietary technology allowed it to create lightweight and robust structures capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of space. The unique modular design and the use of Vectran, a high-strength, low-weight fabric, contributed to the durability and success of their inflatable modules.
The company's innovations contributed significantly to the bourgeoning private space industry, with Bigelow Aerospace ultimately selling spacecraft components to competing companies like SpaceX and Boeing. Bigelow Aerospace also collaborated with NASA on various projects, contributing to mission-specific spacecraft components and technologies.
Bigelow's Impact on the Space Industry
The company's innovative work in inflatable space technology opened up new possibilities for space habitation, space tourism, and even future human missions to Mars. By increasing the amount of habitable space available in orbit, these inflatable structures lowered the cost of space missions, making them more accessible to both private entities and government agencies.
The closure of Bigelow Aerospace in 2018, following the sale of its assets to Northrop Grumman, did not mark the end of its technological legacy. The lessons learned from the company's inflatable modules continue to influence the design and development of future space habitats and commercial space stations.
Bigelow Built LLC's innovations have left an indelible mark on the aerospace industry, driving further advancements in space habitation technology. As the space industry continues to grow, the potential applications of inflatable structures in space will undoubtedly multiply, solidifying Bigelow Aerospace's legacy in human space exploration and habitation.
