Sierra Space, a leading space technology company, recently conducted an explosive test on its first full-scale space station module prototype. The purpose of this test was to prepare for future space missions that could potentially take place as early as 2030. The company deliberately blew up the prototype, which was equivalent to using 164 sticks of dynamite, to assess its safety and durability.
Sierra Space has been conducting a series of explosive tests at NASA’s Marshall Space Center in Alabama. However, all previous tests were done on scale models. This recent test marked the first time the company tested a full-scale module. The inflatable module, which utilizes soft goods technology from ILC Dover, will be used in the Sierra Space- and Blue Origin-led Orbital Reef space station. This concept is one of several that NASA has funded to replace the aging International Space Station (ISS) when it retires in 2030.
According to Sierra Space, the dimensions of their modules are roughly equivalent to an average family home. In terms of square footage, it would be around 2,299 square feet or 213.5 square meters. However, Sierra Space officials work in cubic feet due to the microgravity environment, which allows for efficient use of all available space inside the module. The module stands at three stories tall, with a diameter of 27 feet.
Inflatable modules have been used in space before, but they are relatively new to the ISS. For example, Bigelow Aerospace has been testing their inflatable module on the ISS for years to evaluate its performance under harsh space conditions. Sierra Space’s Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) habitat prototype has been undergoing a series of “burst tests” to determine its strength and resilience. The recent test exceeded NASA’s safety requirements by 27 percent, withstanding a pressure of 77 pounds per square inch before bursting.
Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice expressed his excitement about the potential of inflatable modules, emphasizing their cost value and versatility. He highlighted their ability to be packed into a small space and launched into orbit, making them a more efficient option compared to traditional modules. In theory, Sierra Space’s modules could surpass the size of the ISS with just three launches. The company is also developing even larger modules that could exceed the ISS’s capacity in a single launch.
While Sierra Space continues to conduct burst tests and evaluate the module’s performance against micrometeorites, it remains uncertain how ready any concept will be to replace the ISS by 2030. NASA officials have been working to minimize any potential gap between stations, considering the challenges posed by technology and funding. The White House has also issued guidance on how NASA will attract research to commercial stations after the ISS program concludes.
In October 2023, NASA opened a solicitation for industry feedback on requirements for new commercial space stations. The agency aims to establish clear human safety requirements and create a comprehensive understanding of these standards. David West, a member of NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, expressed concerns about the tight timeline for commercial stations and emphasized the need for a robust business case.
In addition to Sierra Space and Blue Origin, NASA is also funding other companies like Voyager Space and Axiom Space to develop space station modules. Axiom Space plans to detach its modules from the ISS in the future to create its own free-flying space station.
Overall, Sierra Space’s explosive test on its space station module prototype marks an important step towards the future of space exploration. With advancements in inflatable module technology, the potential for more efficient and cost-effective space stations is becoming a reality. While challenges remain, companies like Sierra Space are driving the reinvention of space stations and shaping a new era of humanity’s exploration and discovery.
