Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) - ISS Inflatable Module Technology Demonstration

Abstract

INNOVATION: BEAM is a pathway project demonstrating the design, fabrication, test, certification, integration, operation, on‐orbit performance, and disposal of the first ever man‐rated space inflatable structure. The groundwork laid through the BEAM project will support developing and launching a larger inflatable space structure with even greater mass per volume (M/V) advantages need for longer space missions. OVERVIEW: Inflatable structures have been shown to have much lower mass per volume ratios (M/V) when compared with conventional space structures. BEAM is an expandable structure, launched in a packed state, and then expanded once on orbit. It is a temporary experimental module to be used for gathering structural, thermal, and radiation data while on orbit. BEAM will be launched on Space X‐8, be extracted from the dragon trunk, and will attach to ISS at Node 3‐ Aft. BEAM performance will be monitored over a two‐year period and then BEAM will be jettison using the SSRMS.