BA 330
Rendering of the B330
|
|
| Station statistics | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 6 |
| Launch | 2020 |
| Carrier rocket | Atlas V |
| Mission status | Developmental |
| Mass | 20,000 kg (43,000 lb) |
| Length | 13.7 m (44.9 ft) |
| Diameter | 6.7 m (22.0 ft) |
| Pressurised volume | 330 m3 (11,654 cu ft) |
The B330 (previously known as the Nautilus space complex module and BA 330) is an inflatable space habitat being privately developed by Bigelow Aerospace. The design was evolved from NASA's TransHab habitat concept. B330 will have 330 cubic meters (12,000 cu ft) of internal space, hence its numeric designation.
The craft will support zero-gravity research including scientific missions and manufacturing processes. Beyond its industrial and scientific purposes, however, it has potential as a destination for space tourism and a craft for missions destined for the Moon and Mars.
Compared to their volume-mass ratio, expandable modules offer more living space than traditional rigid modules. For example, the pressurised volume of a 20-ton B330 module is 330 m3, compared to 106 m3 of the 15 ton ISS Destiny module. Thus B330 offers 210% more habitable space, with an increase in mass of only 33%.
Bigelow also claims that the module provides radiation protection equivalent to, and ballistic protection superior to, the International Space Station.
The exterior of the craft is intended to be 13.7 metres (45 ft) long by 6.7 metres (22 ft) in diameter and the module will weigh between 20,000 kilograms (45,000 lb) and 23,000 kilograms (50,000 lb).
The habitat is designed to have two solar arrays and two thermal radiator arrays for heat dissipation, as well as life support systems to sustain a crew of up to six astronauts. It will also have "a zero-g toilet with solid and liquid waste collection, semi-private berths for each crew member, exercise equipment, a food storage and preparation station, lighting, and a personal hygiene station."
The wall thickness will be approximately 0.46 metres (18 in) when the module is fully expanded. The walls are made up of 24 to 36 layers for ballistic protection, thermal protection, radiation protection and will be as hard as concrete once the craft is fully expanded. The exterior will also feature four large windows coated with a UV protection film.
...
Wikipedia