Recently, Sierra Space intentionally detonated its first full-scale space station module prototype, preparing for potential missions by 2030. The explosion, equivalent to 164 dynamite sticks, occurred during tests at NASA's Marshall Space Center, following explosive trials on scale models.
A scale model of the Sierra Space Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) habitat, part of an Orbital Reef space station, is displayed at the company's booth ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 4, 2022.
Sierra Space's LIFE Modules: Success and Future Prospects
Sierra Space's inflatable Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) modules, utilizing soft goods technology from ILC Dover, including Vectran straps, are destined for deployment on the Orbital Reef space station led by Sierra Space and Blue Origin, part of NASA's funded concepts to succeed the International Space Station (ISS) upon its projected retirement around 2030.
Designed to accommodate astronauts in Earth's orbit, Sierra Space's LIFE modules have been subjected to deliberate explosive tests, notably the recent Ultimate Burst Pressure (UBP) test. This evaluation, the first on a full-scale LIFE prototype, aimed to ensure the module's resilience in the vacuum of space and its ability to withstand encounters with micrometeorites.
The test, resulting in an explosion equivalent to 164 sticks of dynamite, surpassed NASA's prescribed pressure resilience for space station habitats by approximately 27 percent.
The structural strength of the LIFE module lies in advanced "softgoods" like Vectran, a robust synthetic fiber surpassing steel in strength once inflated. The module's framework, rigid and reliable upon deployment, is designed to provide insulation, safety, and comfort for inhabitants in the low-Earth orbit environment of a space station.
Celebrating the successful UBP test, Sierra Space released a mini-documentary highlighting the module's intricacies and advancements. This accomplishment follows two years of research, construction, and testing on smaller-scale prototypes.
While Sierra Space envisions the potential inclusion of LIFE modules in Blue Origin's Orbital Reef station, uncertainties remain, including funding, final plans, and potential delays common in the space industry.
Sierra Space's Ambitious LIFE Modules: Size Surpassing ISS, Future Challenges
In theory, Sierra Space's LIFE modules could surpass the ISS' size by launching three of them, and larger designs, such as a 50,000 cubic-foot version, are in development.
Sierra Space plans to continue burst tests on both full-scale and scale modules, evaluating their resistance to micrometeorites. However, the readiness of any concept to replace the ISS within six years remains uncertain.
NASA is actively working to minimize potential gaps between space stations, addressing technological and funding challenges amid the evolving space environment. The White House issued guidance in March 2023 on attracting research to commercial stations after the ISS program.
In October 2023, NASA sought industry feedback on requirements for new commercial space stations and emphasized human safety standards. The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel recommended a swift understanding of these requirements, acknowledging the tight 2030 timeline and the need for a robust business case for commercial stations.
NASA funds space station design work led by two commercial teams: one with Blue Origin and Sierra Space, and another with Voyager Space. Additionally, NASA supports Axiom Space in creating commercial modules for the ISS and plans for Axiom to detach these modules to form its own free-flying space station in the later stages of the ISS's life.
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