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'{{short description|Private space station designed by Bigelow Aerospace}} {{Use American English|date=January 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}} {{redirect|Space Complex Alpha|the NASA space station design that evolved into the [[ISS]]|Space Station Alpha}} The '''Bigelow Next-Generation Commercial Space Station''' is a [[Private spaceflight|private]] [[low Earth orbit|orbital]] [[space station]] under development by [[Bigelow Aerospace]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=NASA Works with Private Sector to Explore the Final Frontier|url=https://www.gigabitmagazine.com/ai/nasa-works-private-sector-explore-final-frontier|first=Ollie|last=Mulkerrins|magazine=Gigabit|access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref> Previous concepts of the space station had included multiple modules such as two [[B330]] expandable spacecraft modules as well as a central [[Docking Compartment|docking node]], [[Spacecraft propulsion|propulsion]], [[Solar panels on spacecraft|solar arrays]], and attached [[Space capsule|crew capsules]]. However it now appears that each B330 can operate as an independent space station. Attaching a B330 to the [[International Space Station]] or flying a B330 alone have been suggested by Robert Bigelow. On 8 April 2016, NASA launched a [[Bigelow Expandable Activity Module|Bigelow inflatable module]]<nowiki> and attached it to the ISS, where it has been tested for over four years. Two B330s are expected to be ready by 2020 and a launch contract for one in 2021 followed by move to low lunar orbit in 2022 has been signed.{{</nowiki>[[Template:Citation needed|Citation needed]]<nowiki>}}</nowiki> ==History== Early work at Bigelow Aerospace on expandable space habitats, with plans to eventually assemble them into on-orbit space stations, began in the early years after the company was formed in 1999. By 2004, plans made public included assembly of multiple modules "into a manned space facility in [[low Earth orbit]] for both {{Sic|hide=y|privately|-}} and {{Sic|hide=y|publicly|-}}funded research and for [[space tourism]]."<ref name="sr20040719">[http://www.thespacereview.com/article/187/1 Inflatable privately owned orbital facilities], ''[[The Space Review]]'', 19 July 2004, accessed 16 July 2010.</ref> Two more formal concepts have since been made public. By 2005, Bigelow space station plans had been further conceptualized into ''Commercial Space Station Skywalker'', or CSS Skywalker.<ref name="ps20050301" /> In mid-2010, Bigelow announced their ''Next-Generation Commercial Space Station''—later named "Space Complex Alpha".<ref name="tsr20101101" /><ref name="baocc20100715" /> The initial dates for the Alpha complex were not achieved. In January 2013, the Alpha complex was specified to be an in-space assemblage of only two [[B330]] modules, with the first module to be launched no earlier than 2016.<ref name="nsw20130117">{{cite news |last=Lindsey |first=Clark |title=More on the Bigelow module for the ISS and on the Bigelow station |url=http://www.newspacewatch.com/articles/more-on-the-bigelow-module-for-the-iss-and-on-the-bigelow-station.html |access-date=18 January 2013 |newspaper=NewSpace Watch |date=17 January 2013}}</ref> ===CSS Skywalker=== {{Infobox space station | station = CSS Skywalker | crew = 5–7 | mass = {{convert|100000|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="ea20100706" /> | height = {{convert|30.0|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="ea20100706" /> | diameter = {{convert|6.7|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="ea20100706" /> | volume = {{convert|1500|m3|abbr=on}}<ref name="ea20100706" /> }} The '''CSS Skywalker''' ('''Commercial Space Station Skywalker''') was a 2005 concept for the first "space hotel" by Bigelow Aerospace.<ref name="ps20050301">[http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2005-03/five-billion-star-hotel The Five-Billion-Star Hotel, 1 March 2005]</ref> The Skywalker was designed to be composed of multiple Nautilus (B330) habitat modules, which would be inflated and connected upon reaching orbit. An MDPM (Multi-Directional Propulsion Module) would allow the Skywalker to be moved into interplanetary or lunar trajectories.<ref name="ea20100706">"[http://www.astronautix.com/craft/cssalker.htm CSS Skywalker] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505082817/http://www.astronautix.com/craft/cssalker.htm |date=5 May 2009 }}". Encyclopedia Astronautica, accessed 16 July 2010.</ref> In short, CSS Skywalker was "an effort to build the planet's first orbiting space hotel, [with a projected] room rate of USD$1 million per night", and a hoped-for launch date for the first Nautilus module of 2010.<ref name="ps20050301" /> ===Company challenges=== Early assessments of the probability of success of the technology development and challenges of a commercial space station pointed to the importance of factors largely beyond Bigelow's control. For example, in 2005, John M. Logsdon, director of [[George Washington University]]'s Space Policy Institute said "I have little doubt that the basic technology is likely to work ... The issue is whether there's a [[space transport|transportation]] system that can get people or things, or both, up there."<ref name="ps20050301" /> In practice, orbital launch plans were significantly delayed. First, after the [[Space Shuttle Columbia disaster|Space Shuttle ''Columbia'' disaster]] in 2003, Bigelow had to compete with [[NASA]] for rides on the [[Russia]]n [[Soyuz (spacecraft)|Soyuz]] three-person rocket — "a distinctly untenable position."<ref name="ps20050301" /><ref name="sdc200041108">{{cite news |url=http://www.space.com/spacenews/businessmonday_bigelow_041108.html |title=Exclusive: Rules Set for $50 Million 'America's Space Prize' |author=Leonard David |publisher=Space News |date=8 November 2004 |access-date=6 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629193043/http://www.space.com/spacenews/businessmonday_bigelow_041108.html |archive-date=29 June 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> In mid-2009, Bigelow announced they were continuing to develop a variety of space habitat architectures.<ref name="ps20090814">[http://www.popsci.com/military-aviation-amp-space/article/2009-08/space-hotel-visionary-proposes-modified-spaceship-nasa Space Hotel Visionary Proposes Modified "Orion Lite" Spaceship for NASA, 14 August 2009]</ref> ===Space transport=== In 2008, Bigelow initially began talks with [[Lockheed Martin]] to potentially contract launch services on its [[Atlas V]]-401 vehicle for both crew and cargo launches.<ref name="ba20080205">{{cite press release |title=Bigelow Aerospace and Lockheed Martin Converging on Terms for Launch Services |publisher=Bigelow Aerospace |date=5 February 2008 |url=http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/news |access-date=9 March 2008 }}</ref><ref name="ns20080207">[https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13290-no-major-hurdles-to-upgrade-atlas-v-rockets-for-people.html No major hurdles to upgrade Atlas V rockets for people], David Shiga, ''[https://www.newscientist.com NewScientist.com]'', 7 February 2008, accessed 20 July 2010</ref> By mid-2010, Bigelow was actively pursuing launch options for its space station modules and crew capsules from two launch systems: the [[Boeing]] [[CST-100]] capsule on a [[United Launch Alliance|ULA]] [[Atlas V]] launcher and also the [[SpaceX Dragon]] / [[Falcon 9]] capsule/launcher combination.<ref name="aw20100506" /> "Bigelow offers Boeing, SpaceX, and other vehicle developers ... the promise of a sustained, large market for space transportation services."<ref name="tsr20101101">[http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1719/1 Bigelow still thinks big], ''[[The Space Review]]'', 1 November 2010, accessed 2 November 2010.</ref> With the initial Space Complex Alpha, 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."<ref name="tsr20101101" /> After 2010, no further concrete plans have been announced for transport with Atlas V launch vehicles. In May 2012, almost simultaneously with the successful mission of SpaceX's Dragon capsule, launched by SpaceX's Falcon 9 vehicle, to the International Space Station, Bigelow and SpaceX jointly announced that they were teaming to offer private crewed missions to space, promoting the Bigelow space station and SpaceX transport systems.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Spacex and Bigelow Aerospace Join Forces to Offer Crewed Missions to Private Space |publisher=Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Bigelow Aerospace (BA) |date=10 May 2012 |url=http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=20120510 |access-date=8 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513010851/http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=20120510 |archive-date=13 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Klingler |first=Dave |title=SpaceX, Bigelow announce private space station alliance |newspaper=ARS Technica |date=10 May 2012 |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2012/05/spacex-announces-deal-to-shuttle-tourists-to-private-space-stations/ |access-date=8 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Thomson |first=Iain |title=SpaceX and Bigelow sign deal for inflatable space stations in orbit |newspaper=The Register |date=11 May 2012 |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/05/11/spacex_bigelow_space_station/}}</ref> In 2014, plans called for transport of humans and resupply cargo to the station to be via a SpaceX [[Dragon V2]], with a round-trip seat priced at {{USD|26.5 million}}. Lease of the on-orbit stations was priced at {{USD|25 million}} to rent one-third of a B330 module for 60 days. The B330 modules and any of several [[space tug|tugs]] were planned for launch aboard a [[Falcon Heavy]] launch vehicle.<ref name="nsf20140207">{{cite news |last1=Grondin |first1=Yves-A. |title=Affordable habitats means more Buck Rogers for less money says Bigelow |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/02/affordable-habitats-more-buck-rogers-less-money-bigelow/ |access-date=10 June 2014 |website=NASAspaceflight.com |date=7 February 2014}}</ref> ==Space Complex Alpha== {{Infobox space station | station_image = Bigelow Commercial Space Station.jpg | station = Space Complex Alpha | crew = Up to 12 <!-- | mass = {{convert|100000|kg|abbr=on}} (stations mass not yet publicly specified by Bigelow --> <!-- | height = {{convert|30.0|m|abbr=on}} (not clear how height is a relevant measure in a multi-"floor" habitat rotating in space) --> | volume = {{convert|690|m3|abbr=on}}<!-- based on initial station with 2 Sundancer modules and 1 B330 module --> | year = 2015 }} [[File:Bigelow Aerospace facilities.jpg|thumb|A full-scale mockup of Bigelow Aerospace's Space Station Alpha inside their [[Nevada]] facility]] The Bigelow Next-Generation Commercial Space Station<!-- the "Bigelow Next-Generation Commercial Space Station" was singular in July 2010; BA has since changed it to plural ("Stations") so not quite sure we should even continue to use the term with reference to only one station, even if it was the station initially described in July 2010. --> was announced in mid-2010.<ref name="baocc20100715" /> The initial configuration for the 2014/2015 space assembly was two [[Sundancer]] modules and one B330 module,<ref name="aw20100506">[http://aviationweek.com/awin/bigelow-starts-marketing-inflatable-space-stations Bigelow Marketing Inflatable Space Stations], ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 6 May 2010, accessed 30 October 2010.</ref> named ''Space Complex Alpha'' after October 2010.<ref name="tsr20101101" /> Bigelow began to publicly refer to the initial configuration—two Sundancer modules and one B330 module— of the first Bigelow station as '''Space Complex Alpha''' in October 2010.<ref name="tsr20101101" /> If the entire station is leased out, it could mean up to 25 launches per year for crew and cargo.<ref>[http://www.space.com/10785-nasa-commercial-space-innovators.html Space.com - Private Spaceflight Innovators Attract NASA's Attention (7 February 2011)]</ref> In early 2013, Bigelow Aerospace started referring to Alpha as consisting of two B330 modules instead of two Sundancer and one B330.<ref name="nsw20130117" /> In October 2010, Bigelow announced that it has memorandum of understanding with six [[Sovereign state|sovereign nation]]s to utilize the on-orbit facilities of the commercial space station: [[UK Astronomy Technology Centre|United Kingdom]], [[Netherlands Space Office|Netherlands]], [[Government of South Australia|Australia]]<!-- Defence South Australia, a state-level agency -->, [[Government of Singapore|Singapore]]<!-- Singapore Government Technology Development Agency -->, [[Ministry of International Trade and Industry|Japan]]<!-- Japan manned space systems corporation, chairman is a previous director of [[JAXA]] --> and [[Swedish National Space Board|Sweden]].<ref name="pm20101028">[http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/space/news/bigelow-aerospace-ba2100-hotel Bigelow Aerospace Shows Off Bigger, Badder Space Real Estate], ''[[Popular Mechanics]]'', 28 October 2010, accessed 22 November 2015.</ref> A seventh country signed on in February 2011: the [[United Arab Emirates]]<ref name="aw20110204">{{cite news |last=Klotz |first=Irene |title=Bigelow Floats Plan For Florida Space Coast |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/asd/2011/02/04/02.xml&channel=space |access-date=11 February 2011 |newspaper=Aviation Week |date=4 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924085435/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news%2Fasd%2F2011%2F02%2F04%2F02.xml&channel=space |archive-date=24 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In August 2015, Michael Gold stated that the timetable for the first B330 deployment is uncertain at the moment, since it is tied to the development of private astronaut taxis that can get people to orbit. With this projected to be 2017 or later Bigelow expects to be "ready when they are".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.space.com/30277-bigelow-aerospace-private-space-station.html |title=Inflatable Habitats: From the Space Station to the Moon and Mars? |website=Space.com |date=18 August 2015 |access-date=22 November 2015}}</ref> In April 2016, the two B330s attached together was also questioned by suggesting that the first B330 might ideally be attached to the [[International Space Station]] or that each B330 could operate on its own.<ref name="2020 Wall" /> The first liftoff was targeted for 2020. ===Orbital complex construction=== In 2010, Bigelow Aerospace began building a large production facility in [[North Las Vegas, Nevada]] to produce the space modules. The {{convert|181,000|ft2|order=flip|abbr=on}} facility will include three [[production line]]s for three distinct spacecraft, doubling the amount of floor space at Bigelow and transitioning the focus from [[research and development]] to [[Manufacturing|production]]. Bigelow expects to hire approximately 1200 new employees to staff the plant, with production commencing in early 2012.<ref name="8nn20110204">{{cite news |title=I-Team: Bigelow Aerospace Begins Big Expansion |url=http://www.8newsnow.com/story/13967660/i-team-bigelow-aerospace-begins-big-expansion |access-date=5 February 2011 |newspaper=8 News NOW |date=4 February 2011 |quote=''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."''}}</ref><ref name="ba20110207">{{cite web |title=Bigelow Aerospace Expansions Underway |url=http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/prosper.php |publisher=Bigelow Aerospace |access-date=7 February 2011 |year=2011 |quote=''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.'' |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224073131/http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/prosper.php |archive-date=24 February 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Construction would require three medium lift launches and one heavy lift launch.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqsHK2vxyzo Bigelow Aerospace's Space Station]</ref> In October 2011 [[Reuters]] reported that Bigelow had, "pared its 115-member workforce to 51 [...] because of delays developing space taxis needed to fly people to the outposts."<ref name="reuters20111019">{{cite web |url=http://us.mobile.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE79I8AW20111019 |title=Space taxi delays spur Bigelow Aerospace layoffs |publisher=Reuters |date=19 October 2011 |access-date=28 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425120458/http://us.mobile.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE79I8AW20111019 |archive-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> {{asof|2010}}, on-orbit assembly of the ''Bigelow Next-Generation Commercial Space Station'' components was projected to begin in 2014. {{as of|2010|7}}, construction of the orbital complex was projected to occur in seven principal steps,<ref name="baocc20100715" /> based on an operations concept that included the on-orbit addition of two Sundancer modules and one B330 module.<ref name="baocc20100715">[http://bigelowaerospace.com/orbital-complex-construction.php Bigelow Aerospace — Next-Generation Commercial Space Stations: Orbital Complex Construction] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710092025/http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/orbital-complex-construction.php |date=10 July 2010}}, Bigelow Aerospace, accessed 15 July 2010.</ref> * Unit 1: [[Sundancer|Sundancer-one]] module, with a pressurized volume of 180 cubic meters (m³), (unoccupied) * Unit 2: Commercial crew capsule arrives with Bigelow Aerospace astronauts to set up Sundancer-one and carry additional supplies * Unit 3: Supplemental power bus and docking node * Unit 4: [[Sundancer|Sundancer-two]] * Unit 5: Second commercial crew capsule brings additional crew and supplies, and provides a redundant method for crew return to Earth. * Unit 6: [[B330]], larger-volume module (330 m³) * Unit 7: Third commercial crew capsule brings additional supplies and provides a double-redundant, robust solution for astronaut re-entry. ==Commercial leasing== In January 2013, Bigelow announced that they would sell [[naming rights]] to the dual-[[B330]]-module Alpha complex for US$25 million per year.<ref name="nsw20130117" /> In 2014, Bigelow announced that prices for human access to the space station were expected to be US$26.25 million aboard a [[SpaceX]] [[SpaceX Dragon 2|Dragon]], or US$36.75 million aboard a Boeing [[CST-100]].<ref name="nsw20130117" /> The price for a two-month [[lease]] of one-third of a module (approximately {{convert|110|m3|ft3 l|abbr=off}}) was provisionally set at US$25 million.<ref name="nsw20130117" /><!--USD or US$, not both--> ==Technical== {{Expand section|date=July 2010}} ===Docking system=== {{As of|2007|post=,}} Bigelow was planning to equip its expandable space modules with both a [[Kurs (docking system)|Soyuz-style docking system]] on one end and a NASA-standard [[Low Impact Docking System]] on the other.<ref name="aw20070408">{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news/aw040907p2.xml |title=Bigelow Reveals Business Plan |work=Aviation Week |first=Craig |last=Covault |date=8 April 2007 |access-date=20 July 2010 |quote=equipped with a Soyuz type docking system at one end and a new NASA developed advanced lightweight Low Impact Docking System on the other end |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927012816/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news%2Faw040907p2.xml |archive-date=27 September 2007 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The available docking port options for the Next Generation Commercial Space Station have not yet been released. ===Test program=== {{main|Bigelow Expandable Activity Module}} The "[[Human-in-the-Loop|human-in-the-loop]] testing of the [[Environmental Control and Life Support System|environmental control and life support system (ECLSS)]]" for ''Sundancer'' began in October 2010.<ref name="av20101022">[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=space&id=news/asd/2010/10/21/10.xml&headline=Volunteers%20Test%20Bigelow%20Life-Support%20Gear Volunteers Test Bigelow Life-Support Gear], ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 22 October 2010, accessed 23 October 2010.</ref> By January 2013, the [[Bigelow Expandable Activity Module]] (BEAM) [[International Space Station#Pressurised modules|pressurised module]] was under development by Bigelow Aerospace, being purchased by [[NASA]] for [[Docking and berthing of spacecraft|attachment]] to the [[International Space Station]].<ref name="nsw20130117" /> The BEAM arrived at the ISS on April 10, 2016, was berthed to the station on April 16, and was expanded and pressurized on May 28, 2016. The initial plan was to test the expandable habitat technology for at least two years. During its flight mission, NASA has been testing and monitoring the module's structural integrity, leak rate, radiation dosage and temperature changes.<ref name="ns20130116">{{cite news |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23083-nasa-buys-blowup-habitat-for-space-station-astronauts.html |title=NASA buys blow-up habitat for space station astronauts |work=New Scientist |first=Paul |last=Marks |date=16 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118044210/https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23083-nasa-buys-blowup-habitat-for-space-station-astronauts.html |archive-date=18 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="nasa20130116">{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/news/beam_feature.html |title=NASA to Test Bigelow Expandable Module on Space Station |date=16 January 2013 |publisher=NASA |access-date=16 January 2013}}</ref> The module has been performing well, and in October 2017, it was announced that the module would stay attached to the ISS until 2020, with options for two further one-year extensions. The module is being used to store up to 130 cargo transfer bags in an effort to free up additional space aboard the station.<ref name="arstech20171003">{{cite news |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/10/nasa-tries-an-inflatable-room-on-the-space-station-likes-it/ |title=NASA tries an inflatable room on the space station, likes it |work=Ars Technica |first=Eric |last=Berger |date=October 3, 2017 |access-date=October 4, 2017}}</ref> ==Launch planning== Potential launch options are in the ''[[Comparison of mid-heavy lift launch systems|mid-heavy lift launch system]]'' class of launch vehicles, where Bigelow has now negotiated arrangements with two commercial launch providers. {{As of|2013|01|post=,}} both [[SpaceX]]—using the [[Falcon 9]]/[[SpaceX Dragon|Dragon]]— and [[United Launch Alliance]]/[[Boeing]]—using the [[Atlas V]]/[[CST-100 Starliner|CST-100]]—have signed to deliver launch services to Bigelow Space Station Alpha.<ref name="nsw20130117" /> In February 2011, Bigelow announced that it would begin launching its unmanned space station modules in 2014 from [[Cape Canaveral]] using Atlas V launch vehicles.<ref name="ssn20110203">{{cite news |last=Ward |first=Kenric |title=Nevada Aerospace Company Aims for Florida |url=http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/nevada-aerospace-company-aims-florida |access-date=8 February 2010 |newspaper=Sunshine State News |date=3 February 2011 |quote=''the North Las Vegas firm announced it intends to launch its first Orbital Space Complex from the Cape in 2014. The inflatable modules would be carried on United Launch Alliance Atlas V rockets. ... By 2017, Bigelow projectes a need for 20 to 25 launches per year to send crew and cargo to commercial space stations.''}}</ref> In addition to the Atlas launches for the expandable modules, Bigelow had reserved a single 2014 launch on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket,<ref name="sxlm20100720">{{cite web |url=http://www.spacex.com/launch_manifest.php |title=SpaceX Launch Manifest, copyright 2010, 'last update' date unknown |work=SpaceX.com |year=2010 |access-date=20 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414160626/http://spacex.com/launch_manifest.php |archive-date=14 April 2009}}</ref> but that launch had not taken place as of early 2019. {{asof|2011|08}}, press reports indicate that Bigelow will launch at least some of their crews to the station on the [[Atlas V#Atlas V CTS (Crew Transportation System)|human-rated Atlas V]] utilizing the [[Boeing CST-100]] seven-person [[space capsule]].<ref name="sdc20110804">{{cite news |last=Malik |first=Tariq |title=Boeing Needs Space Pilots for Spaceship & Rocket Test Flights |url=http://www.space.com/12544-boeing-space-test-pilot-rocket-launches-cst-100.html |access-date=7 August 2011 |newspaper=SPACE.com |date=4 August 2011 |quote=''The spacecraft is not only intended for trips to the International Space Station, but also to ferry crews to future private space stations like the inflatable habitats envisioned by the Las Vegas-based company Bigelow Aerospace.''}}</ref> In April 2016, Bigelow signed an agreement with United Launch Alliance to launch the first B330 module in 2020 using an [[Atlas V]] rocket.<ref name="2020 Wall">{{cite news |last=Wall |first=Mike |url=http://www.space.com/32541-private-space-habitat-launching-2020.html |title=Private Space Habitat to Launch in 2020 Under Commercial Spaceflight Deal |work=Space.com |date=11 April 2016 |access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref> In October 2017, Bigelow Aerospace and United Launch Alliance (ULA) announced they are working together to launch a B330 expandable module on ULA's [[Vulcan (rocket)|Vulcan]] launch vehicle. The launch would place a B330 module in Earth orbit, and after outfitting it would be boosted to low [[lunar orbit]] by two further Vulcan ACES launches by the end of 2022 to serve as a lunar depot.<ref>{{cite pr |url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/bigelow-aerospace-and-ula-lunar-depot.aspx |title=Bigelow Aerospace and United Launch Alliance Announce Agreement to Place a B330 Habitat in Low Lunar Orbit |publisher=United Launch Alliance |date=17 October 2017 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> As this announcement stated that only a [[Vulcan (rocket)|Vulcan]] had the performance and fairing capacity needed to launch a B330, it appears that any Atlas V launches would be for crew rather than B330 modules. The timeline may be 'aspirational' as ULA have indicated that the Vulcan will transition to using the [[Advanced Cryogenic Evolved Stage|ACES]] upper stage around 2024.<ref name="Seligman2016">{{cite news |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/space-symposium/2016/04/14/ulas-next-generation-rocket-takes-reusability-to-new-heights/ |title=ULA's Next-Generation Rocket Takes Reusability To New Heights |work=DefenseNews |first=Lara |last=Seligman |date=13 April 2013 |access-date=16 April 2016}}</ref> ==Long-term proposals== 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.<ref name="ft20101114a">[http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20101114/NEWS02/11140318/1006/NEWS01/Space%20%20Inc 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] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225134154/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20101114/NEWS02/11140318/1006/NEWS01/Space%20%20Inc |date=25 December 2010 }}, ''[[Florida Today]]'', 14 November 2010, accessed 5 December 2010. ''"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"''</ref> ===Future space station concepts=== {{Infobox space station | station_image = Complex Bravo Model.jpg | station = Space Complex Bravo | crew = Up to 24 <!-- | mass = {{convert|100000|kg|abbr=on}} (stations mass not yet publicly specified by Bigelow --> <!-- | height = {{convert|30.0|m|abbr=on}} (not clear how height is a relevant measure in a multi-"floor" habitat rotating in space) --> | volume = {{convert|1320|m3|abbr=on}} | year = 2015 }} In 2010, Bigelow said that second orbital station—'''Space Complex Bravo'''—was scheduled to begin launches in 2016<ref name="sdc2010112b">[http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/inflatable-spacecraft-space-station-101112.html Balloons in Space: A History], ''[[Space.com]]'', 12 November 2010, accessed 14 November 2010.</ref> and go into commercial operation in 2017.<ref name="ft20101114b">{{cite news |last=Halvorson |first=Todd |title=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 |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20101114/NEWS02/11140318/1006/NEWS01/Space%20%20Inc |access-date=23 February 2011 |newspaper=Florida Today |date=14 November 2010 |quote=''A second, larger outpost would follow in 2016 and go into operation in 2017.'' |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225134154/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20101114/NEWS02/11140318/1006/NEWS01/Space%20%20Inc |archive-date=25 December 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This complex would consist of four B330 modules. Bigelow has publicly shown space station design configurations with up to nine B330 modules containing {{convert|100000|cuft|abbr=on|order=flip}} of habitable space.<ref name="pm20101028" /> The conceptual configurations are listed below.<ref name="SJ-BE">[https://www.flickr.com/photos/sjipp/with/5418350560/ Bigelow Event, Shawn Jipp Flickr pics]</ref>{{full citation needed|date=November 2012}} * '''Advanced Medical Facility''' ({{val|3000|u=m3}}) - Nine B330 modules, three propulsion buses with docking node, three crew capsules. * '''Biological Containment Station Low Earth Orbit''' ({{val|2800|u=m3}} habitable, {{val|660|u=m3}} remotely controlled) * '''Biological Research Station Low Earth Orbit''' ({{val|2000|u=m3}}) * '''Deep Space Complex''' ({{val|1320|u=m3}}) - Four B330 modules, nine propulsion buses with docking node and three docking ports. * '''Lunar Depot Ares''' ({{val|990|u=m3}}) - Three B330 modules, four propulsion buses with docking nodes. The entire station would land directly onto the moon. It is intended to hold 12 astronauts but is capable of holding 18. Near the lunar base there would be a solar array field.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.space.com/8217-private-moon-bases-hot-idea-space-pioneer.html |title=Private Moon Bases a Hot Idea for Space Pioneer |last=David |first=Leonard |date=14 April 2010 |website=Space.com |access-date=11 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403195156/http://www.space.com/8217-private-moon-bases-hot-idea-space-pioneer.html |archive-date=3 April 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> A model of this concept has been built. * '''Mars Exploration''' ({{val|1320|u=m3}}) - Four B330 modules, three propulsion buses with docking node. * '''Resupply Depot Hercules''' ({{val|8300|u=m3}}) - Announced Oct 2010<ref>[http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1719/1 ''Bigelow still thinks big'' J Foust. 1 Nov 2010]</ref> Six B330 modules, three BA 2100 modules, nine propulsion buses with docking node and three crew capsules.<ref>[https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2013/09/inflatable-space-stations-reusable.html ''Inflatable space stations, Reusable rockets and Spiderfab for the 2020s'' 1 Sept 2013]</ref> ==See also== * [[Bigelow Expandable Activity Module]], an experimental module currently berthed to the ISS * [[CST-100]] * [[International Space Station]] * [[Orbital Technologies Commercial Space Station]] * [[Skylab II]] * [[TransHab]], intended for ISS ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn_gXEK5XmQ Boeing promotional video of CST-100 capsule docking with the Bigelow Commercial Space Station] * [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12150812 UK Astronomy Technology Centre] space telescope MOU with Bigelow {{Space stations}} {{Crewed spacecraft}} [[Category:Bigelow Aerospace]] [[Category:Proposed space stations]] [[Category:2020s in spaceflight]]'