Posted on 07/20/2013 4:01:03 PM PDT by jmcenanly
RKK Energia, the manufacturer of the Soyuz spacecraft and the prime contractor on the Russian part of the International Space Station, quietly published in its annual report last week details on an innovative inflatable space habitat.
Wrapped into multilayered synthetic skin instead of metal, the expandable module could be attached to the Russian part of the International Space Station and inflated like a beach ball, providing greater comfort for the crew and extra room for yet-to-be-disclosed experiments, RKK Energia's report said. Thanks to its compact size during the launch (the most expensive phase of any space mission), inflatable structures promise to deliver much more habitable volume per unit of mass than the one available inside the traditional spacecraft. According to Russian researchers, inflatable modules will provide three times more volume and 1.5 more surface area per unit of mass than traditional metal structures. Also, inflatable modules promise lighter and better micrometeoroid and radiation shielding than would metal spacecraft
(Excerpt) Read more at popularmechanics.com ...
Inflatables are a good versatile idea.
Now that's counterintuitive.
/johnny
“Inflated like a beach ball”
Surf’s up!
The inflatables use foam filled walls that absorb impact rather than trying a hard stop. The foam can be infused with radiation blocking substances.
It does seem kind of counter intuitive but makes real sense.
Just askin' ... it's a scientific question
It looks familiar........
You’d think so, but in reality, having a multi-mesh, honeycombed skin would actually do much better.
Sadly I can’t find the Farside titled “The Short Lived Fiasco Of the Inflatable Fort”
I believe it. I just don't understand it. Materials science seems to be where it's at.
It’ll come with an extra-large roll of duct tape.
Thanks jmcenanly.
Yup. Lightweight ceramics, plastics, and carbons are the future of space travel.
He’s flown Genesis 1 & II, which are currently still in orbit and working well
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