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Revision as of 07:51, 9 February 2011
File:BigelowLogo.png | |
Company type | Private |
---|---|
Industry | Aerospace |
Founded | 1999[1] |
Founder | Robert Bigelow (Founder and President) |
Headquarters | North Las Vegas, Nevada , United States |
Products | Orbital facilities, commercial space stations |
Number of employees | 115 (Feb 2011)[2] |
Website | BigelowAerospace.com |
Bigelow Aerospace is a North Las Vegas, Nevada space technology startup company that is pioneering work on expandable space station modules. Bigelow Aerospace was founded by Robert Bigelow in 1998[3] and is funded in large part by the fortune Bigelow gained through his ownership of the hotel chain Budget Suites of America. By 2010, Bigelow had invested US$180 million in the company.[4] Bigelow has stated on multiple occasions that he is prepared to fund Bigelow Aerospace with about US$500 million through 2015 in order to achieve launch of full-scale hardware.[3][5]
History
Bigelow originally licensed the multi-layer, expandable space module technology from NASA after NASA cancelled the ISS TransHab project due to budget constraints in the late 1990s.[6] Bigelow continued to develop the technology for a decade, redesigning the module fabric layers—including adding proprietary extensions of Vectran shield fabric, "a double-strength variant of Kevlar" -- and developing a family of uncrewed and crewed expandable spacecraft in a variety of sizes.[6] Bigelow invested US$75 million in proprietary extensions to the NASA technology by mid-2006 ,[1] and $180 million into the technology by 2010.[4] In early 2010, NASA came full circle to once again investigate "making inflatable space-station modules to make roomier, lighter, cheaper-to-launch spacecraft" by announcing plans in its budget proposal released 22 February 2010. NASA is "considering connecting a Bigelow expandable craft to the ISS to verify their safety by testing life support, radiation shielding, thermal control and communications capabilities."[6]
Since early on, Bigelow has been intent on "pursuing markets for a variety of users including biotech and pharmaceutical company and university research, entertainment applications and government military and civil users." The business model includes "'leasing out' small space stations or habitats made of one or more Nautilus inflatable modules to different research communities or corporations.".[3] Despite these broad plans for space commercialization, the space tourism destination and "space hotel" monikers were frequently used by many media outlets following the 2006/2007 launches of Genesis I and Genesis II. Robert Bigelow has been explicit that he is aiming to do business in space in a new way, with "low cost and rapid turnaround, contrary to traditional NASA ISS and space shuttle operations and bureaucracy."[3]
Pioneering a new market
Bigelow is pioneering a new market in a flexible and configurable set of space habitats.[7] Moreover, industry observers have noted that Bigelow is demonstrating audacity to pioneer such a market "in a capital-intensive, highly-regulated industry like spaceflight."[7]
In October 2010, Bigelow announced that it has agreements with six sovereign nations to utilize on-orbit facilities of the commercial space station: United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia, Singapore, Japan and Sweden.[8] A seventh country signed on in February 2011: the United Arab Emirate of Dubai.[9]
Module design and business plans
An expandable module is a space structure that has a flexible outer shell, allowing conservation of diameter for launch and weight overall. Once in orbit, the module is inflated to allow for greater work, play and living area for astronauts. Expandable modules were initially proposed and designed by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under the TransHab program. After cancellation of the Transhab program, Bigelow Aerospace entered into three Space Act agreements whereby Bigelow Aerospace is the sole commercializer of several of NASA's key expandable module technologies.
The company is developing a family of prototype and production space station modules, including:
- Genesis I, a one-third scale prototype module launched on July 12, 2006 weighing approximately 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg), with approximate dimensions of 14.5 feet (4.4 meters) in length and 5.25 feet (1.6 meters) in diameter, expanding to nearly twice the diameter once in orbit;[10]
- Genesis II, with the same dimensions as Genesis I but with additional systems to be tested and items being sent up by paying members of the public. It was launched on June 28, 2007 .[11]
- Sundancer, the first human habitable module
- BA-330, a full-scale production module weighing approximately 50,000 pounds (23,000 kg) when fully loaded, with dimensions of approximately 45 feet (13.7 meters) in length and 22 feet (6.7 meters) in diameter when expanded.[12] The BA 330 was formerly referred to as the Nautilus.
In addition to the expandable-technology space modules developed or under development, Bigelow has also proposed using the technology to make space habitats of other sizes. For example, Bigelow recently showed a BA-2100 concept module that would require a heavy-lift launcher and would place in orbit the complete infrastructure of a 2100 cubic meter habitat, over six times as large as the BA-330. As of October 2010[update], initial estimates put the vehicle mass between 70-90 tonnes, with a diameter of approximately 25 ft. The concept model showed docking ports at both ends.[13]
Bigelow Aerospace anticipates that its inflatable modules will be more durable than rigid modules.[14] This is partially due to the company's use of several layers of vectran, a material twice as strong as kevlar, and also because, in theory, flexible walls should be able to sustain micrometeorite impacts better than rigid walls. In ground-based testing, micrometeoroids capable of puncturing standard ISS module materials penetrated only about half-way through the Bigelow skin. Operations director Mike Gold commented that Bigelow modules also wouldn't suffer from the same local shattering problems likely with metallic modules. This could provide as much as 24 hours to remedy punctures in comparison to the more serious results of standard ISS skin micrometeoroid damage.[6]
Expected uses for Bigelow Aerospace's expandable modules include microgravity research and development and space manufacturing. Other potential uses include variable-gravity research—for gravity gradients above microgravity including moon (0.16 g) and Mars (0.38 g) gravity research;[15] space tourism—such as modules for orbital hotels; and space transportation—such as components in spaceships for Moon or Mars manned missions.
On April 10, 2007, Bigelow Aerospace announced business plans to offer (by 2012) a four-week orbital stay for US$15 million, with another four weeks for an additional US$3 million. An entire orbital facility could also be leased for US$88 million a year, or half a facility for US$54 million a year.[16] Speaking during a teleconference organised by the Commercial Spaceflight Federation in February 2010 Bigelow announced a new price of $23 million for a 30 day stay on a Bigelow habitat. That price covers everything including transport, training, and consumables.[17]
In 2010, Bigelow proposed conceptual designs for expandable habitats that would be substantially larger than the BA-330, previously its largest at 330 m3 habitat volume. Contingent on NASA going forward with a super heavy lifter, the proposed concept would include "expandable habitats offering 2,100 cubic meters of volume — nearly twice the capacity available on the International Space Station" and another providing 3,240 cubic meters.[18]
In 2010, Bigelow Aerospace began building a large production facility in North Las Vegas, Nevada to produce the space modules. The 181,000 square feet (16,800 m2) facility will include three production lines for three distinct spacecraft, doubling the amount of floor space at Bigelow and transitioning the focus from a research and development, with an existing workforce of 115, to production. Bigelow expects to hire approximately 1200 new employees to staff the plant, with production commencing in early 2012.[2][19]
Bigelow Expandable Activity Module for the ISS
As of January 2011[update], Bigelow is in discussions with NASA to provide a Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, or BEAM, for the International Space Station (ISS). If NASA gives the go-ahead, this sub-scale demonstration of Bigelow technology would be able to be on-orbit 24 months later. [20]
Bigelow Commercial Space Station
The Bigelow Next-Generation Commercial Space Station is a private orbital space complex currently under development by Bigelow. The space station will be constructed of both Sundancer and BA 330 expandable spacecraft modules as well as a central docking node, propulsion, solar arrays, and attached crew capsules. Initial launch of space station components is planned for 2014, with portions of the station available for leased use as early as 2015.[21] Bigelow has publicly shown space station design configurations with up to nine BA-300 modules containing 100,000 cu ft (2,800 m3) of habitable space[8] Bigelow began to publicly refer to the initial configuration—two Sundancer modules and one BA-330 module— of the first Bigelow station as "Space Complex Alpha" in October 2010.[7] A second orbital station—Space Complex Bravo—is scheduled to begin launches in 2016.[22]
Bigelow announced in October 2010 that it has agreements with six sovereign nations to utilize on-orbit facilities of the commercial space station: United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia, Singapore, Japan and Sweden.[8] By February 2011, this number had risen to seven.[2]
As earlier space station, CSS Skywalker (Commercial Space Station Skywalker), was a 2005 concept for the first space hotel by Bigelow Aerospace.[23] The Skywalker was designed to be composed of multiple Nautilus habitat modules, which would be expanded and connected upon reaching orbit. An MDPM (Multi-Directional Propulsion Module) would allow the Skywalker to be moved into interplanetary or lunar trajectories.[24]
In late-2010, Bigelow indicated that the company would like to construct ten or more space stations and that there is a substantial commercial market to support such growth.[25]
Module construction and deployment timeline
On July 12, 2006 and June 28, 2007, Bigelow launched the Genesis I and II modules, respectively. In mid-2008, Bigelow Aerospace completed the Galaxy module but did not launch it due to rising launch costs[26] and, the ability to substantially validate the new Galaxy technologies terrestrially, particularly after the successful two Genesis launches in 2006 and 2007.[27] It was tested on the ground at its North Las Vegas facility instead.
Bigelow has reserved a 2014 launch on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket,[28] but has not yet announced the payload. The Falcon 9 is capable of launching either a Sundancer or a BA 330 module. Bigelow is also in talks with Lockheed Martin to potentially contract launch services on its Atlas V - 401 vehicle.[29][30]
Note: Dates of upcoming launches are proposed and are subject to change.
Module Type | Module Name | Flight Date | Launch Vehicle | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Genesis Pathfinder | Genesis I | July 12, 2006 14:53 UTC | Dnepr | Launch successful, on orbit[31] |
Genesis Pathfinder | Genesis II | June 28, 2007 15:02 UTC | Dnepr | Launch successful, on orbit[32] |
Galaxy | Galaxy | Canceled | none | Launch canceled, tests on ground [27] |
Sundancer | unknown | 2014[21] | unknown | Under construction[6] |
BA 330 | unknown | 2014-2015[21] | unknown | In design; mockup built |
BA 2100 | unknown | pending funding[citation needed] | none exist[citation needed] | proposed |
Genesis I
On July 12, 2006, Genesis I launched on a Dnepr booster from Dombarovskiy Cosmodrome in Orenburg Oblast, Russia. The launch was conducted by Bigelow and ISC Kosmotras. Despite ground-side difficulties during launch, the spacecraft performed as expected upon reaching orbit, inflating, deploying solar arrays and starting internal systems.[33] The mission is planned to last for five years and include extensive observation of the craft's performance including testing packing/deployment procedures and resistance to radiation and space debris, among other space hazards and conditions. Mike Gold, corporate counsel for Bigelow Aerospace, stated in relation to this mission and the next, "Our motto at Bigelow Aerospace is 'fly early and often'. Regardless of the results of Genesis 1, we will launch a follow-up mission rapidly."[31]
Genesis II
On June 28, 2007, Genesis II launched on another Dnepr (a converted SS-18 ICBM) from Dombarovskiy Cosmodrome in Orenburg Oblast, Russia. Launched at 8:02 a.m. PDT Genesis II was inserted into orbit at 8:16 a.m. PDT at an inclination of 64 degrees.
Although Genesis I and Genesis II are identical in size and similar in appearance there are several notable differences. Firstly, Genesis I contains 13 video cameras whereas Genesis II contains 22. Secondly, Genesis II includes a suite of additional sensors and avionics that are not present in Genesis I.
Fly your stuff program
Bigelow Aerospace ran a Fly Your Stuff program for the Genesis II launch. The cost to launch pictures or small items was around US$300. Bigelow now photographs each item with internal cameras as the items float inside the craft, displaying them on the company website.
The first image of the interior of Genesis II appeared on the company's website on June 29, 2007. Some of the pictures and other items placed aboard Genesis II as part of the Fly Your Stuff program are clearly visible. Another interior image, apparently taken with more of the spacecraft's internal lights activated, was posted on July 2, 2007. Articles from the Fly Your Stuff program are also visible in this image.
Test items, supplied by Bigelow Aerospace employees, were sent into orbit on Genesis I. No new images of items floating inside Genesis I have been released since shortly after the launch and initial activation of the spacecraft due to problems with a computer which controls several of the internal cameras.[34]
Sundancer
The currently third planned Bigelow launch, Sundancer, will be equipped with full life support systems, attitude control, orbital maneuvering systems, and will be capable of reboost and deorbit burns.[35] Like the Genesis pathfinders, Sundancer will launch with its outer surface compacted around its central core, with air expanding it to its full size after entering orbit. After expansion, the module will measure 8.7 m (28.5 ft) in length and 6.3 m (20.6 ft) in diameter, with 180 cubic meters (greater than 6,000 cubic feet) of interior volume.[36] Unlike previous Bigelow craft, it will feature three observation windows.[35] As of September 2009, SpaceX had been contracted to provide a Falcon 9 vehicle for launch of a Bigelow payload in 2011.[37] However, as of February 2010[update] the only slot reserved for Bigelow on the SpaceX launch manifest is in 2014, and that manifest makes no claim about the nature of the Bigelow payload (Sundancer, or BA330, or otherwise).[28]
Crew and passenger transport
Bigelow's business model requires a means of transporting humans to and from low earth orbit. In 2004 Bigelow established and funded a $50 million prize, America's Space Prize, to stimulate development of manned vehicles. The prize expired without a winner in early 2010.
In August, 2009, Bigelow Aerospace announced the development of the Orion Lite spacecraft, intended to be a lower cost, and less capable version of the Orion spacecraft under development by NASA. The intention would be for Orion Lite to provide access to low earth orbit using either the Atlas 5 or Falcon 9 launch systems, and carrying a crew of up to 7.[38]
At the time Bigelow Aerospace's corporate counsel Mike Gold said: "...we would be foolish to depend completely on one capsule provider or any single launch system," ..."Therefore, it is vital from both a practical and business perspective to ensure that SpaceX and Dragon aren't the only options available to us, hence the need for another capsule."[39]
Bigelow entered NASA's Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program with one proposal of its own and another one in collaboration with Boeing. Since then NASA has awarded Boeing $18 million for initial development of a crew capsule as part of CCDev. Bigelow is working with Boeing to refine requirements.
As of 2010[update], Bigelow is actively pursuing both the Boeing CST-100/ULA Atlas V and the SpaceX Dragon/Falcon 9 capsule/launcher combinations for launch options.[40] "Bigelow offers Boeing, SpaceX, and other vehicle developers ... the promise of a sustained, large market for space transportation services."[7] With the initial Space Complex Alpha space station Bigelow "would need six flights a year; with the launch of a second, larger station, that number would grow to 24, or two a month."[7]
Aspirations beyond Earth-orbit
In February, 2010, following the announcement of NASA's post-Augustine Commission plans to reorient human-to-orbit plans more in the direction of commercial launch providers, Robert Bigelow said "We as a company have lunar ambitions. ... and we also have Mars ambitions as well."[41]
In April 2010, Mr Bigelow talked about having a space station at Lagrange point L1 and said his proposed private Moon Base would consist of three BA 330s.[18]
Honors
Bigelow Aerospace has received several honors for its spaceflight efforts. On October 3, 2006, Bigelow Aerospace received the Innovator Award from the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation.[42] The award recognizes "initiatives or new inventions that have had recent impact on or hold particular promise for satellite communications and society, and stand as distinguished examples of innovative thinking." Robert Bigelow was presented the award at the Arthur C. Clarke Awards in Washington D.C. alongside Walter Cronkite, who was honored on the same night with the Arthur C. Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award.
On January 26, 2007, the Space Foundation announced that Bigelow Aerospace would be the recipient of its 2007 Space Achievement Award.[43] Bigelow Aerospace joins a list of previous winners that include the Titan Launch Vehicle team; The Inertial Upper Stage team, the SpaceShipOne team; the Arianespace-CNES Ariane 4 launch team; the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) teams; the NASA/Industry Galileo space probe team; the Hubble Space Telescope team; Sea Launch; and the NASA/Boeing International Space Station team. The award was presented to Robert Bigelow on April 9, 2007 at the 23rd National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
See also
- Bigelow Commercial Space Station
- Commercial Spaceflight Federation
- Blue Origin
- List of private spaceflight companies
- Space Adventures
- Space tourism
- Space architecture
- Virgin Galactic
- Transhab
References
- ^ a b Sigurd De Keyser (2006-06-04). "Bigelow Aerospace; Russian Dnepr rocket to launch a 1/3-scale Genesis model". SpaceFellowship News. Retrieved 2010-03-04.
- ^ a b c
"I-Team: Bigelow Aerospace Begins Big Expansion". 8 News NOW. 2011-02-04. Retrieved 2-11-02-05.
Bigelow expects the plant to be open for business by this time next year. It means his lean workforce of 115 would expand by an additional 1,200 new positions -- engineers, technicians, and support staff. "The only purpose this addition has is for production. We have three spacecraft, three production lines and the assembly plant you would normally have," [Bigelow] said. ... "Seven countries have already signed on."
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
(help) - ^ a b c d Bigelow's Gamble Aviation Week & Space Technology, 2004-09-26, reprint (authorized), accessed 2010-02-17.
- ^ a b The Americans may still go to the moon before the Chinese, The Economist, 2010-02-18, accessed 2010-03-04.
- ^ Mr. B's Big Plan, Geoffrey Little, Air & Space Magazine, 2008-01-01, accessed 2010-02-18
- ^ a b c d e NASA turned on by blow-up space stations, Paul Marks, NewScientist, 2010-03-03, accessed 2010-03-03.
- ^ a b c d e Bigelow still thinks big, The Space Review, 2010-11-01, accessed 2010-11-02.
- ^ a b c Bigelow Aerospace Shows Off Bigger, Badder Space Real Estate, Popular Mechanics, 2010-10-28, accessed 2010-11-02. Cite error: The named reference "pm20101028" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ Klotz, Irene (2011-02-04). "Bigelow Floats Plan For Florida Space Coast". Aviation Week. Retrieved 2011-02-11.
- ^ "Out There - Genesis I". BigelowAerospace.com. Archived from the original on 2007-03-17. Retrieved 2007-03-31.
- ^ "Genesis II".
- ^ David, Leonard (2004-05-24). "Bigelow Aerospace to Tackle Inflatable Space Habitats". Space.com.
- ^ "BA-2100 module and other Bigelow Aerospace news". Retrieved 2010-11-20.
- ^ Fildes, Jonathan (2006-07-14). "Inflatable space module puffs up". BBC News.
- ^ A Tether-Based Variable-Gravity Research Facility Concept, Kirk Sorensen, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, JANNAF Journal], 2005, accessed 2010-12-30.
- ^ Lemos, Robert (2007-04-10). "Space Symposium: Bigelow Puts Price on Space -- $15 Million". Wired Science blog. Retrieved 2007-04-11.
- ^ http://www.hobbyspace.com/nucleus/index.php?itemid=18366.
{{cite news}}
: Missing or empty|title=
(help) - ^ a b Private Moon Bases a Hot Idea for Space Pioneer, Leonard David, Space.com, 14 April 2010, accessed 2010-04-15.
- ^
"Bigelow Aerospace Expansions Underway". Bigelow Aerospace. 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-07.
An expansion of the factory will double the amount of floor space as the Bigelow Aerospace company begins the transition from research and development to production. ... Width ~700 ft. Area = 180,572 sq. ft.
- ^ David, Leonard (2011-01-26). "International Space Station Could Get Private Inflatable Room". Space.com. Retrieved 2011-01-31.
NASA is apparently in discussions with Bigelow to acquire a Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, called BEAM for short, to enhance use of the International Space Station (ISS).
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|newspaper=
(help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c Bigelow Aerospace — Next-Generation Commercial Space Stations: Orbital Complex Construction, Bigelow Aerospace, accessed 2010-07-15.
- ^ Balloons in Space: A History, Space.com, 2010-11-12, accessed 2010-11-14.
- ^ The Five-Billion-Star Hotel, 1 Mar 2005
- ^ "CSS Skywalker". Encyclopedia Astronautica.
- ^ Space, Inc. moving closer to launch: Private companies put forth some lofty ideas for space travel . . . and they're closer to reality than you might think, Florida Today, 2010-11-14, accessed 2010-12-05. "We hope to build a number of commercial space stations, not just one or two. We'd like to have 10 or 15 or 20. We think the markets are substantial, so that's exactly what we're trying to accomplish"
- ^ Company sees future in space, Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2008-08-15, accessed 2010-05-03
- ^ a b
"Special Announcement From Robert T. Bigelow" (Press release). Bigelow Aerospace. 2007-08-13. Retrieved 2010-05-03.
This dramatic rise in launch costs has forced us to rethink our strategy with Galaxy. Due to the fact that a high percentage of the systems Galaxy was meant to test can be effectively validated on a terrestrial basis, the technical value of launching the spacecraft - particularly after the successful launch of both Genesis I and II - is somewhat marginal. Therefore, we have decided to expedite our schedule yet again, and are now planning to move ahead directly with Bigelow Aerospace's first human habitable spacecraft, the Sundancer.
- ^ a b "SpaceX Launch Manifest, copyright 2010, 'last update' date unknown". SpaceX.com. 2010. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
- ^ "Bigelow Aerospace and Lockheed Martin Converging on Terms for Launch Services" (Press release). Bigelow Aerospace. 2008-02-05. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
- ^ No major hurdles to upgrade Atlas V rockets for people, David Shiga, NewScientist.com, 2008-02-07, accessed 2010-03-01
- ^ a b David, Leonard (2006-07-12). "Bigelow Orbital Module Launched into Space". Space.com. Retrieved 2007-03-11.
- ^ Malik, Tariq (2007-06-28). "Bigelow's Second Orbital Module Launches Into Space". Space.com. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
{{cite news}}
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ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Launch of Genesis I Pathfinder Ushers in a New Era of Commercial Space Development". SpaceFellowship.com. 2006-07-15. Retrieved 2007-03-12.
- ^ Ingham, Jay (2007-02-13). "Genesis I Vehicle Performance Update". BigelowAerospace.com. Archived from the original on 2007-12-08.
- ^ a b Ferster, Warren (2006-09-21). "Private Space Habitat Could Launch by 2010". Space.com. Retrieved 2007-07-28.
- ^ Covault, Craig (2007-04-08). "Bigelow Reveals Business Plan". Aviation Week. Retrieved 2007-07-28.
- ^ "SpaceX Launch Manifest". SpaceX.com. 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-07.
- ^ Klamper, Amy (2009-08-14). "Company pitches 'lite' spaceship to NASA : Stripped down version of NASA's future spaceship could be ready 2013". Msnbc.com. Retrieved 2009-09-07.
- ^ Clark Lindsey. "Bigelow Aerospace proposes "Orion Lite" concept to Augustine panel". Space Transportion News.
- ^ Bigelow Marketing Inflatable Space Stations, Aviation Week, 2010-05-06, accessed 2010-10-30.
- ^ Private Spaceflight Goes Public, Alan Boyle, MSNBC Cosmic Log, 2010-02-01.
- ^ "2006 Arthur C. Clarke Awards to honor Walter Cronkite and Robert Bigelow" (Press release). ClarkeFoundation.org. 2006-09-12. Retrieved 2007-03-11.
- ^ "Space Foundation honors Bigelow Aerospace with Space Achievement Award" (Press release). SpaceFoundation.org. 2007-01-25. Retrieved 2007-03-11.
External links
- Inflatable POOFs (privately owned orbital facility), Space Review article (July 19, 2004)
- Bigelow Aerospace SpaceFellowship Archive, Space Fellowship Bigelow Aerospace News archive
- U.S. Hotel Tycoon Reaches for the Stars, Reuters article (August 8, 2004)
- Holidays in space are on the horizon, New Scientist article (September 4, 2004)
- Bigelow's Gamble -- Inside the Bigelow Inflatable-Module Plant Aviation Week & Space Technology article (September 26, 2004)
- The Five-Billion-Star Hotel Popular Science article (March 2005)
- Low-Earth Orbit, and Beyond! Popular Science article (March 2005), showing plans for moon cruisers and space yachts
- Progress Made on Inflatable Private Space Module, space.com article (March 8, 2005)
- Russians Delay First Test Flight of Space Hotel, msnbc.com article (June 7, 2006)
- EXCLUSIVE: Bigelow Orbital Module Launched into Space, space.com article (July 12, 2006)
- Bigelow Aerospace Continues Relationship with NASA-JSC for Space Habitat Technology and Private Sector Space Development
- A History of the Genesis I Private Space Module (Space Pragmatism, July 27, 2006)
- Money Backing the Private Space Industry... Part 3--Robert Bigelow (The Space Monitor, February 11, 2007)
- Inflatable space stations take off, NewScientist.com, simulation and Bigelow-released photographs of Genesis I and Genesis II.