Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science

Genesis Update

Bigelow Aerospace inflatable spacecraft test article, Genesis I, has been on orbit for over 3 years now. (Launched 07/12/06)
According to the Bigelow web site http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/genesis_I/?Performance
it is in perfect condition.

I can't wait to see the full sized (330 cubic meters/11,654 cubic feet) BA-330 craft in space.
(file no. 57 from the old board's gallery, not restored)
(file no. 58 from the old board's gallery, not restored)
(file no. 59 from the old board's gallery, not restored)
(file no. 60 from the old board's gallery, not restored)

Although the Genesis test articles are small by comparison, they're not too shabby compared with other manned spacecraft.
13' long and 8'-4” in diameter. (4.4m x 2.4m)

(file no. 61 from the old board's gallery, not restored)(file no. 62 from the old board's gallery, not restored)(file no. 63 from the old board's gallery, not restored)

The passive thermal conditions were better than I would have guessed too. ~40 F - ~90 F. (4.4 C – 32.2 C)

From Bigelow Aerospace:
“ We have seen no measurable degradation of the power-generating capability of all eight solar arrays.

Our battery has not shown any signs of a loss of capacity, but from our use and recharge cycles we are currently calculating a life span of seven-plus years.

Our pressure levels internal to the vehicle have maintained exceptionally well, achieving lower leak rates than those that we have tested on the ground.

Structurally, Genesis I is in tip-top shape. From pressure data, we can determine that the expandable envelope and pressurized structure remains perfectly intact; and from the numerous exterior photographs we download daily, we cannot detect any degradation of the orbital debris shield or discoloration due to the elevated UV exposure we see in space.

This vehicle is passively thermal controlled, so the interior air temperature varies with the quantity of electronics we have operational at any point and the amount of sun exposure the vehicle sees. The internal air temperature has varied from ~40 degrees F with very minimal electronics in operation when we are in a maximum eclipse cycle, to ~90degrees F with lots of electronics on when we are in the full sunlight portion of our orbit.

Sister spacecraft Genesis II has been on orbit over two years now, (Launch 06/28/07) and is also doing very well.

From Bigelow Aerospace:
“The attitude control system (ACS) is operational and has oriented Genesis II with its forward end facing earth. The spacecraft separated from its ISC Kosmotras Dnepr launch vehicle with less tumble than expected. Our ACS system was able to dampen this out within 48 hours and orient our antennae to face our ground stations.

All eight solar arrays are fully deployed and producing power. Our solar array capacity is such that it tops off the battery after each eclipse.

Initial pressure following the expansion of the outer shell was approximately six psia. After initial evaluation, inflation valves were commanded open from the ground, and pressure in the vehicle was increased. The internal pressure of Genesis II is holding steady in a range of 10.1 to 10.5 psia. The pressure inside the spacecraft varies due to thermal effects as the vehicle passes in and out of sunlight.”

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