Sierra Space Successfully Tests Inflatable Space Habitat with Controlled Explosion
TL;DR
Sierra Space successfully conducted a "ultimate burst pressure" test on its inflatable space habitat, exceeding NASA's safety level by 27%. The test focused on the pressure shell made of expandable "softgoods," including Vectran straps, which are stronger than steel when inflated on-orbit. Sierra plans to deploy these modules as part of Orbital Reef, a private space station project with Blue Origin, and is conducting aggressive testing on other layers of the habitat this year.
Topics:sciencespace-technology#burst-test#inflatable-habitat#private-space-industry#sierra-space#space-station#space-technology
- Successful failure: Sierra Space's inflatable habitat blows up as planned Yahoo News
- Sierra Space is blowing up stuff to prove inflatable habitats are safe Ars Technica
- Sierra Space Built an Inflatable Space Module the Size of a House, Then Blew It Up Gizmodo
- Watch balloon-like space station module explode (on purpose) during 1st full-scale burst test Space.com
- Full-Scale Prototype Space Habitat Explodes Under Pressure Futurism
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