An Inflatable Addition for the ISS?

When Bigelow Aerospace announced their plans for an affordable space hotel made from inflatable modules in 1999, the idea elicited anticipation from some and ridicule from others. In 2006 and 2007, the company launched prototypes dubbed Genesis I and Genesis II. Since then, the privately-held Bigelow continued to work towards their goal.

Their hard work may pay off soon, as NASA is currently in talks with Bigelow to acquire one of their Bigelow Expandable Activity Modules (BEAM) for use on the International Space Station (ISS). If NASA goes forward, a BEAM will be constructed to be a larger-size of the current Genesis model. The expandable environment would greatly expand the space aboard the ISS for a relatively low cost.

In addition to gaining extra space for those on the ISS, adding a BEAM would provide NASA with data on logistics, stowage, and experience of a non-rigid aluminum structure in orbit.

If the acquisition is approved, the project is estimated to take 24-months to get the BEAM in orbit. Launching the module would be done with a private rocket company under a Commercial Resupply Service contract.

Do you think Bigelow's BEAMs will be successful in conjunction with the ISS?

Source: Space