Bigelow space module successfully inflates, deploys solar panels

AP on Bakersfield Californian ^ | 6/29/07 | AP

[NormsRevenge]

A prototype of an inflatable space station module successfully expanded and deployed its solar panels after being launched into orbit, developer Bigelow Aerospace said.

A Russian rocket lofted the Genesis II module into space on Thursday.

The 15-foot-long module's flexible exterior was folded around an inner core for launch and had to expand from a diameter of about 6.2 feet to 8 feet. The solar panels also had to extend to supply power. Both actions were confirmed, said spokesman Chris Reed.

Genesis II also transmitted pictures of itself in orbit.

Bigelow Aerospace of Nevada is privately developing the technology with the intent to place a manned space station in orbit by 2015. Modules would be linked together to form a station.

Its first test module, Genesis I, was launched last year. It carries 13 cameras and recently transmitted images from space showing the smoke plumes from this week's forest fire at Lake Tahoe and the May wildfire on Santa Catalina Island.

Genesis II carries 22 cameras and new systems that weren't aboard its predecessor.

[NormsRevenge]

Progress Made on Inflatable Private Space Module
Leonard David

8 March 2005

[NormsRevenge]

Robert Bigelow, owner of the Budget Suites of America Hotel Chain, among other ventures, is investing his own money in the inflatable space module idea.

An American entrepreneur in action

[NormsRevenge]

Bigelow Aerospace
http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/

Genesis II Different From Genesis I
http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/out_there/genesis_II_difference.php

Bingo anyone?
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BINGO BOX
http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/galaxy_games/bingo_in_space.php

[operation clinton cleanup]

It seems NASA prefers the more expensive route. Glad to see someone picked up the dropped ball and ran with it.

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/history/station/transhab/

[operation clinton cleanup]

[CindyDawg]

Can you see the space station from Earth, at night?

[NormsRevenge]

I never have had any luck but it is viewable, saw a neat pic today someone took..

Here’s Nasa viewing site for the ISS and stuff in the sky

SkyWatch 2.0
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html

[CindyDawg]

Just wondering. We have a full moon and really clear skies. There is a bright light, WNW that looks really low. I told my husband I thought it was a satellite. He said it looked bigger, brighter and closer than the others.

[Old Professer]

Makes me want to flush.

[NormsRevenge]

What you are seeing is

Venus and Saturn Converge
http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20070629/sc_space/venusandsaturnconverge

They will appear to be very close together for a few days..

[poindexter]

Include me out of anything involving an inflatable spaceship! ;-)

[CindyDawg]

Huh. Maybe. Whatever it was it’s dimmer now and more to the north. I took a pic but having trouble with the camera posting.

[CindyDawg]

It was right at dark. I thought they were satellites. One, yep, to the South and this one to the west. Now they look more like planets. They sure were bright. If I’m up I’ll look for Mars later.

[P-40]

Thank you for keeping us posted on this.