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Amid the commercial space race, Sierra Space is developing an inflatable solution for orbital space modules. The Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) is designed to welcome scientist-astronauts in a microgravity environment on Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Future module design may adapt to the demanding challenges of long-duration voyages, such as Lunar and Mars surface habitation. There are many advantages of conducting scientific research in space: it can help us understand how living organisms survive and thrive in microgravity while being exposed to elevated radiation levels. We can also understand how crystals grow, opening the door to manufacturing new materials (e.g., semiconductors) and new-generation pharmaceuticals. A higher level of attention given to the astronauts' physical and psychological health is paramount because of the unfamiliar and isolating nature of living in space. Flying scientists aren't necessarily highly-trained professional astronauts, so their tolerance for discomfort will be much lower than the standards we currently see aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Sierra Space has asked Nonfiction to outfit the three-story LIFE habitat to ensure four commercial astronauts can work and thrive in such a space for six months. LIFE will launch on a conventional rocket and inflate on orbit (from 5 meters fairing to 9 meters in expanded diameter). Besides living quarters, the LIFE will include laboratories for scientific research, exercise equipment, a medical bay, and the Astro Garden system, which can grow fresh produce for astronauts on long-duration space missions. At 9 meters in diameter by 10 meters long, the LIFE 500 module is larger than current hard-shelled structures. Even then, astronauts don't have the liberty to escape at will. The sensation of being stuck indoors, with the same people, for an extended amount of time will take a toll on them. To make the whole experience of space more pleasurable for everyone, we have integrated principles of empathetic design, superior ergonomics, sensory technology, smart materials, personalization, and modularity. Since a single ticket to live and work aboard the LIFE module will reach north of US$50 million, the space architecture and experience design must support the clients' needs for productivity and comfort.
Everything is more difficult in microgravity: moving around, sleeping, eating, working, exercising, going to the bathroom, privacy, and staying healthy. These are some of the reasons why intensive preflight training is so necessary. Good design and thoughtful space architecture play a significant role in optimizing the time and effort required during training, reducing the entry barrier for potential customers.
Since inflatable space architecture is a newly proven technology, it is essential to test the structure and its ability to sustain damage and hold the adequate pressure during its lifetime. For that reason, Sierra Space has conducted multiple burst tests, including a full-scale empty module at NASA Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama in January 2024.
Sierra Space was awarded a Space Act Agreement (SAA) by NASA under the second Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities (CCSC-2) initiative. This award by NASA provides support to a “pathfinder” space station, which serves as a technology demonstration for key elements of commercial space stations.
The expansion of space exploration and commercialization hinges on safe, adaptable missions with a good return on investment. This path requires explicit collaboration between various disciplines, including mission planning, engineering, material science, technology, design, human health and performance, resilient life support systems, and policymaking. By working together, these disciplines can ensure the success of future missions and the continued growth of this blossoming industry.
Amid the commercial space race, Sierra Space is developing an inflatable solution for orbital space modules. The Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) is designed to welcome scientist-astronauts in a microgravity environment on Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Future module design may adapt to the demanding challenges of long-duration voyages, such as Lunar and Mars surface habitation. There are many advantages of conducting scientific research in space: it can help us understand how living organisms survive and thrive in microgravity while being exposed to elevated radiation levels. We can also understand how crystals grow, opening the door to manufacturing new materials (e.g., semiconductors) and new-generation pharmaceuticals. A higher level of attention given to the astronauts' physical and psychological health is paramount because of the unfamiliar and isolating nature of living in space. Flying scientists aren't necessarily highly-trained professional astronauts, so their tolerance for discomfort will be much lower than the standards we currently see aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Sierra Space has asked Nonfiction to outfit the three-story LIFE habitat to ensure four commercial astronauts can work and thrive in such a space for six months. LIFE will launch on a conventional rocket and inflate on orbit (from 5 meters fairing to 9 meters in expanded diameter). Besides living quarters, the LIFE will include laboratories for scientific research, exercise equipment, a medical bay, and the Astro Garden system, which can grow fresh produce for astronauts on long-duration space missions. At 9 meters in diameter by 10 meters long, the LIFE 500 module is larger than current hard-shelled structures. Even then, astronauts don't have the liberty to escape at will. The sensation of being stuck indoors, with the same people, for an extended amount of time will take a toll on them. To make the whole experience of space more pleasurable for everyone, we have integrated principles of empathetic design, superior ergonomics, sensory technology, smart materials, personalization, and modularity. Since a single ticket to live and work aboard the LIFE module will reach north of US$50 million, the space architecture and experience design must support the clients' needs for productivity and comfort.
Everything is more difficult in microgravity: moving around, sleeping, eating, working, exercising, going to the bathroom, privacy, and staying healthy. These are some of the reasons why intensive preflight training is so necessary. Good design and thoughtful space architecture play a significant role in optimizing the time and effort required during training, reducing the entry barrier for potential customers.
Since inflatable space architecture is a newly proven technology, it is essential to test the structure and its ability to sustain damage and hold the adequate pressure during its lifetime. For that reason, Sierra Space has conducted multiple burst tests, including a full-scale empty module at NASA Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama in January 2024.
Sierra Space was awarded a Space Act Agreement (SAA) by NASA under the second Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities (CCSC-2) initiative. This award by NASA provides support to a “pathfinder” space station, which serves as a technology demonstration for key elements of commercial space stations.
The expansion of space exploration and commercialization hinges on safe, adaptable missions with a good return on investment. This path requires explicit collaboration between various disciplines, including mission planning, engineering, material science, technology, design, human health and performance, resilient life support systems, and policymaking. By working together, these disciplines can ensure the success of future missions and the continued growth of this blossoming industry.
