"Derek Lyons" wrote in message
...
(Peter Altschuler) wrote:
Looks like Boeing is designing this as part of the new lunar
initiative. It could easily be added on to the space station as a hab
module. I now predict the following...

sigh If the new lunar initiative becomes everyones justification
for funding their own particular sandbox, we are in real trouble.

While I agree with the general sentiment, I feel that using inflatable
technology may be perfectly justified technology. This technology has been
tested fairly extensively on the ground. The only thing you'd really need
is a long duration test flight. Stick one in orbit with a camera and a few
other sensors (pressure, temperature, strain gauges, and etc), and leave it
there for several years to see how it holds up in space.

As has been pointed out in other threads, the expensive part of ISS modules
isn't the aluminum can, but the stuff inside. My guess is that the same
would hold true for an inflatable structure.

Jeff
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