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International Space Station (ISS) => ISS Section => Topic started by: MattMason on 05/23/2016 02:23 pm

Title: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/23/2016 02:23 pm
Placeholder thread for the scheduled expansion of the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, delivered by CRS-8 in April 2016. Scheduled coverage begins at 5:30 AM EDT (9:30 UTC)

BEAM ARTICLES:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/?s=%28BEAM%29

And Pete Harding's feature for this event:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/05/iss-inflatable-module-beam-expansion/

May 20, 2016
MEDIA ADVISORY M16-056

NASA Televises, Hosts Events for Deployment of First Expandable Habitat on International Space Station
Concept image of the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM)

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) will be deployed to its full size Thursday, May 26, and begin its two-year technology demonstration attached to the International Space Station. NASA Television will provide coverage of the expansion beginning at 5:30 a.m. EDT.

Events begin Tuesday, May 24 when engineers and team members from NASA and Bigelow Aerospace answer questions about the module’s expansion during a 4 p.m. Facebook Live event and at 5 p.m. on Reddit.com. Anyone may submit questions during these events at:

https://www.facebook.com/NASA/

and

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/

After the May 26 module expansion, NASA will host a 10 a.m. media teleconference to discuss expansion operations and look ahead to next steps. The briefing will include Jason Crusan, NASA’s director of Advanced Exploration Systems, and Robert Bigelow, president of Bigelow Aerospace.

To participate in the teleconference, media must contact Tabatha Thompson at 202-358-1100 or [email protected] by 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, for dial-in information.

NASA astronaut Jeff Williams will lead Thursday’s operations to expand the module. Designers need daylight and video communication to closely monitor the process starting at 6:10 a.m. Thursday.

Space station astronauts will first enter the habitat Thursday, June 2, through the station’s Tranquility module, and re-enter the module several times a year throughout the two-year test period to retrieve sensor data and assess conditions inside the module.

Expandable habitats are designed to take up less room on a spacecraft, but provide greater volume for living and working in space once expanded. This first test of an expandable module will allow investigators to gauge how well the habitat performs and specifically, how well it protects against solar radiation, space debris and the temperature extremes of space.

BEAM launched April 8 aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, and is an example of NASA’s increased commitment to partnering with industry to enable the growth of the commercial use of space. The BEAM project is co-sponsored by NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems Division and Bigelow Aerospace.

The International Space Station serves as the world's leading laboratory for conducting cutting-edge microgravity research and is the primary platform for technology development and testing in space to enable human and robotic exploration of destinations beyond low-Earth orbit, including asteroids and Mars.

For NASA TV streaming video, schedule and downlink information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv

Get more information about the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module at:

http://www.nasa.gov/beam

Learn more about the International Space Station at:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

Related threads:

BEAM installation on the ISS on April 15, 2016:
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=40060.0


Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/24/2016 02:25 pm
The May 23 NASA ISS blog entry (https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/05/23/station-gets-ready-for-beam-expansion/) notes that, while the expansion will be televised on Thursday, there are no current plans to televise the crew's entry into the module, scheduled for the following week.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: catdlr on 05/24/2016 11:55 pm
NASA and Bigelow BEAM Live Video Chat, May 24, 2016

SpaceKSCBlog

Published on May 24, 2016
On May 24, 2016, members of NASA and Bigelow Aerospace conducted a live video chat from Johnson Space Center about the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM). The BEAM is scheduled for expansion on May 26, 2016. The chat included a tour inside a BEAM mockup.

Video chat participants included:

Rajib Dasgupta
NASA BEAM Project Manager

Gary Jordan (Host)
External Relations Specialist, NASA

Lisa Kauke
BEAM Deputy Program Manager, Bigelow Aerospace

The video chat was webcast live on Facebook.

Visit our web site at www.spaceksc.com. We're on Twitter at @SpaceKSCBlog.

https://youtu.be/EtDJhfvarMo?t=001

https://youtu.be/EtDJhfvarMo
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: catdlr on 05/25/2016 12:14 am
Just for fun.....  ;)

How To Make an Origami BEAM – Fold your own space station module!

NASA Johnson

Published on May 24, 2016
To coincide with the expansion of the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM), a technology demonstration for the International Space Station, here is a simple and fun activity called ‘origaBEAMi’ to enable you to build your own miniature BEAM module that you will be able to expand on your own -- all simply by a series of folds of the paper model provided.

Download the printable BEAM module paper and crew procedures with full instructions: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sta... to view or download the ‘crew procedures,’ which contain step by step instructions on how to print and fold your BEAM module. This video will walk you through folding a paper module in real-time.

Follow http://www.twitter.com/ISS_Research, http://www.twitter.com/BigelowSpace, and www.nasa.gov/beam for updates on the BEAM expansion and technology demonstration.”
________________________________________

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqHkBfT498o?t=001

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqHkBfT498o
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jacqmans on 05/25/2016 02:51 pm
ISS Daily Summary Report – 05/24/16


Bigelow Expandable Aerospace Module (BEAM) Preparations: The crew removed the Node 3 (N3) Aft Hatch Positive Pressure Relief Valve (PPRV) Sample Port Cap and pressurized N3 to BEAM vestibule to 5psi. An 8-hour leak check is currently in work. The crew also reviewed updates to emergency procedures and key points that were emphasized during BEAM training. In preparation for BEAM viewing, Robotics Ground Controllers walked off the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to the Lab Power Data Grapple Fixture (PDGF).


Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Space Pete on 05/25/2016 03:36 pm
The May 23 NASA ISS blog entry (https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/05/23/station-gets-ready-for-beam-expansion/) notes that, while the expansion will be televised on Thursday, there are no current plans to televise the crew's entry into the module, scheduled for the following week.

What? Well that's just silly. >:(

For me, the crew's entry into BEAM is the main event - the first time humans will enter an inflatable module in space. The expansion itself will probably be quite boring to watch - from one minute to the next there probably won't be any visible change. But the crew entry will be quite exciting, especially since we haven't seen the crew enter a new ISS module since the PMM in March 2011.

It really is becoming increasingly difficult to follow ISS activities these days, due to the dire lack of imagery that is being released compared to just a few years ago. :(
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/25/2016 04:39 pm
The May 23 NASA ISS blog entry (https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/05/23/station-gets-ready-for-beam-expansion/) notes that, while the expansion will be televised on Thursday, there are no current plans to televise the crew's entry into the module, scheduled for the following week.

What? Well that's just silly. >:(

For me, the crew's entry into BEAM is the main event - the first time humans will enter an inflatable module in space. The expansion itself will probably be quite boring to watch - from one minute to the next there probably won't be any visible change. But the crew entry will be quite exciting, especially since we haven't seen the crew enter a new ISS module since the PMM in March 2011.

It really is becoming increasingly difficult to follow ISS activities these days, due to the dire lack of imagery that is being released compared to just a few years ago. :(

True.

But I might take away from this that the entry won't be televised live. There are safety concerns with anything new, and I'm sure first-entries into Dragon and Cygnus might have had similar precautions. Further, it allows the crew to concentrate on the work to be done, not jiggling with the camera. #wallyschirrawouldbehappy
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 05/25/2016 09:56 pm
The May 23 NASA ISS blog entry (https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/05/23/station-gets-ready-for-beam-expansion/) notes that, while the expansion will be televised on Thursday, there are no current plans to televise the crew's entry into the module, scheduled for the following week.

What? Well that's just silly. >:(

For me, the crew's entry into BEAM is the main event - the first time humans will enter an inflatable module in space. The expansion itself will probably be quite boring to watch - from one minute to the next there probably won't be any visible change. But the crew entry will be quite exciting, especially since we haven't seen the crew enter a new ISS module since the PMM in March 2011.

It really is becoming increasingly difficult to follow ISS activities these days, due to the dire lack of imagery that is being released compared to just a few years ago. :(

True.

But I might take away from this that the entry won't be televised live. There are safety concerns with anything new, and I'm sure first-entries into Dragon and Cygnus might have had similar precautions. Further, it allows the crew to concentrate on the work to be done, not jiggling with the camera. #wallyschirrawouldbehappy

Well, some individuals on the early Apollo crews were resistant to TV cameras, either for internal coverage or to show the first steps on the Moon.  They later saw, and admitted to seeing, the error of those opinions.

Sometimes, documenting the historical moments (live) should not be trumped.

What about the Russian cosmonauts now aboard?  I know that they're generally NOT supposed to be helping with operations on the USOS side of ISS.  But maybe a special request to serve as the camera crew for a historical event?

Maybe the cosmonauts' services could be billed to Bigelow?  :)

IM(H)O.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: ChrisC on 05/25/2016 11:26 pm
Download the printable BEAM module paper and crew procedures with full instructions: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sta... to view or download the ‘crew procedures,’ which contain step by step instructions on how to print and fold your BEAM module.

catdlr, I think the URL didn't survive the copy/paste.  You meant to link to this: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/origaBEAMi 

Edit into your post above?

FYI, here are direct links to the two PDFs:
origaBEAMi paper model (pdf, 421k) (http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/origabeami_with_border.pdf)
‘Crew Procedures’ (folding instructions) (pdf, 404k) (http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/origabeami_instrux_for_web_0.pdf)

Cool!  I'll make mine tonight!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/26/2016 12:21 am
The May 23 NASA ISS blog entry (https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/05/23/station-gets-ready-for-beam-expansion/) notes that, while the expansion will be televised on Thursday, there are no current plans to televise the crew's entry into the module, scheduled for the following week.

What? Well that's just silly. >:(

For me, the crew's entry into BEAM is the main event - the first time humans will enter an inflatable module in space. The expansion itself will probably be quite boring to watch - from one minute to the next there probably won't be any visible change. But the crew entry will be quite exciting, especially since we haven't seen the crew enter a new ISS module since the PMM in March 2011.

It really is becoming increasingly difficult to follow ISS activities these days, due to the dire lack of imagery that is being released compared to just a few years ago. :(

True.

But I might take away from this that the entry won't be televised live. There are safety concerns with anything new, and I'm sure first-entries into Dragon and Cygnus might have had similar precautions. Further, it allows the crew to concentrate on the work to be done, not jiggling with the camera. #wallyschirrawouldbehappy

Well, some individuals on the early Apollo crews were resistant to TV cameras, either for internal coverage or to show the first steps on the Moon.  They later saw, and admitted to seeing, the error of those opinions.

Sometimes, documenting the historical moments (live) should not be trumped.

What about the Russian cosmonauts now aboard?  I know that they're generally NOT supposed to be helping with operations on the USOS side of ISS.  But maybe a special request to serve as the camera crew for a historical event?

Maybe the cosmonauts' services could be billed to Bigelow?  :)

IM(H)O.

I didn't say Wally was right.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 05/26/2016 12:36 am
I didn't say Wally was right.
True, and noted.  :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Lar on 05/26/2016 02:37 am
Well, it's not a LEGO model but it's pretty nifty.

It would have come out a bit better if I had a paper cutter but all I had was hotel scissors.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Space Pete on 05/26/2016 06:36 am
Vestibule is pressurised, and the Node 3 Aft hatch is open, showing a good view of the BEAM hatch.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:12 am
And here's Pete's article for this event!
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/05/iss-inflatable-module-beam-expansion/
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:29 am
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:30 am
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:31 am
Control panel.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: docmordrid on 05/26/2016 09:32 am
Webcast started - prepping for expansion.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:33 am
Fault light.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: docmordrid on 05/26/2016 09:34 am
Deployment controller started for first 3 steps. 1 down.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:35 am
Fault is related to confirmation the straps have released via pyros.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:37 am
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:41 am
Well this could all come to a grinding halt. Still all in fault mode on the straps.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:42 am
I assume it's these straps we can see surrounding the circumference of the module?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:43 am
Jeff going old school.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: docmordrid on 05/26/2016 09:45 am
Checking restraint strap pyro firing with a multimeter.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:47 am
The expansion bingo card.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DaveS on 05/26/2016 09:48 am
Jeff going old school.
The last major use of a multimeter on ISS was during the STS-117/13A mission to measure the noise level of the power from the then newly installed S3/S4 truss due to the failure of the RS GNC system in the SM. As it turned out the S3/S4 truss had nothing to do with it. IIRC it was due to corrosion and moisture on the connectors in the SM.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:49 am
Into the contingency period. Still 15 mins until planned expansion, so no problem with the troubleshooting timeline.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Beittil on 05/26/2016 09:50 am
I have no audio here unfortunately, what is the issue they are having atm?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:51 am
Three Pyros - NSI (NASA Standard Initiator) - had to fire to cut the straps around BEAM. Jeff trying to confirm.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: faramund on 05/26/2016 09:53 am
What is he putting the probes into?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Beittil on 05/26/2016 09:54 am
I have no audio here unfortunately, what is the issue about they are currently working on? My bet guess is something about the pyros that are to sever the 3 wraps around the package not firing as planned?

What is he putting the probes into?
It appears to be one of the cables that are connected on the top end of the pyro control box. You can see two more like it still connected to the box above, the middle one is disconnected and I guess thats the one he is probing.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DaveS on 05/26/2016 09:57 am
I have no audio here unfortunately, what is the issue about they are currently working on? My bet guess is something about the pyros that are to sever the 3 wraps around the package not firing as planned?

What is he putting the probes into?
It appears to be one of the cables that are connected on the top end of the pyro control box.
Yes, more specifically the connector. Jeff is measuring the resistance between each NSI pin in the connector.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:57 am
Woo hoo! Good values. Pyros fired!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 10:01 am
Fault light off
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: faramund on 05/26/2016 10:01 am
I have no audio here unfortunately, what is the issue about they are currently working on? My bet guess is something about the pyros that are to sever the 3 wraps around the package not firing as planned?

What is he putting the probes into?
It appears to be one of the cables that are connected on the top end of the pyro control box.
Yes, more specifically the connector. Jeff is measuring the resistance between each NSI pin in the connector.
Thanks to both of you, I've got that now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: docmordrid on 05/26/2016 10:02 am
Confirming strap cutting pyros are fired and 3  straps cut. Confirmed. Now removing 4 restraint bolts, then comes inflation. Up to 45 min for that.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: docmordrid on 05/26/2016 10:07 am
Powering down deployment controller. Power up at inflation.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DaveS on 05/26/2016 10:08 am
Into orbital night. Will pick up the manual expansion at 1010 UTC when into daylight again.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 10:09 am
ISS High Beta Angle means the next few orbits will be continuous sunlight.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: docmordrid on 05/26/2016 10:14 am
Starting to look a little chunky at the hatch end.

GO for inflation.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 10:16 am
Here we go...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 10:17 am
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: docmordrid on 05/26/2016 10:17 am
Opening the valve 5 sec at a time. Starting to lengthen.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 10:20 am
We have an inch. A full inch.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 10:23 am
Certainly looking a little more chubby.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 10:26 am
Whoops. Jeff reports hearing a noise on the other side of the hatch "something is loose".
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Hankelow8 on 05/26/2016 10:32 am
Seem to be taking it a little slower after the reported noise!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 10:37 am
Not really too obvious yet.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: docmordrid on 05/26/2016 10:37 am
Slightly high on pressure curve. Waiting for it to settle.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Glom on 05/26/2016 10:44 am
When you say slightly high, as in too much air went in? Would it settle or just stay at that higher pressure?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: faramund on 05/26/2016 10:47 am
When you say slightly high, as in too much air went in? Would it settle or just stay at that higher pressure?
It could expand, and thus lower the pressure.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Hankelow8 on 05/26/2016 10:49 am
We are talking about very low pressure at the moment, they are wanting to avoid a build up of pressure as that could result in a sudden large increase in expansion.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 10:50 am
One more "generous" second of valve opening. No noises this time. 19.5 psi.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Glom on 05/26/2016 10:51 am
Pressure at 19.5. What units are those? kPa?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Glom on 05/26/2016 10:52 am
One more "generous" second of valve opening. No noises this time. 19.5 psi.
Psi!? That's more than atmospheric.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Malderi on 05/26/2016 10:52 am
Pressure at 19.5. What units are those? kPa?

From the multimeter, it looks like mA. Conversion from a pressure sensor current reading to actual pressure is left up to a conversion table and calibration curve, which is specific to sensor model and potentially serial number.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Hankelow8 on 05/26/2016 10:58 am
looks like very serious discussions on the pressure curve.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 10:59 am
"We're above the safe inflation curve" - which is why they are going slowly. All a learning curve.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 11:04 am
Getting close to the first strap breaking free, but they are still interested in the "banging" noise Jeff heard.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: docmordrid on 05/26/2016 11:08 am
They just said it was a shear pin & expected by ground.

17 min video drop coming up.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: chalz on 05/26/2016 11:14 am
They just went on break. This is 45mins after starting so it would have been the earliest finish point in the procedure.
Barely 5mins, back for discussions now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: docmordrid on 05/26/2016 11:26 am
Back to the multimeter.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 11:31 am
Close up on the straps.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Jet Black on 05/26/2016 11:32 am
are those the shear pins on the straps that they were talking about?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 11:32 am
Jeff told to go do other tasks while they work on next steps.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Riley1066 on 05/26/2016 11:35 am
These strap cuttings would probably have been better done on a spacewalk.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Targeteer on 05/26/2016 11:36 am
paralysis by analysis  :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Life_Support_32 on 05/26/2016 11:38 am
Pressure at 19.5. What units are those? kPa?
The multimeter reads it in mA and is equivalent to mmHg.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Aussie_Space_Nut on 05/26/2016 11:39 am
Does the Canadaarm have a scissor attachment? :-)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: redliox on 05/26/2016 11:41 am
It's like watching a marshmallow in the microwave  ???

Not entirely encouraging, but they keep saying it's slowly inflating.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: docmordrid on 05/26/2016 11:47 am
are those the shear pins on the straps that they were talking about?

Earlier they loosened 4 restraint bolts which sound like they connect to the external bulkhead. I'm assuming the shear pins were limiting them to minimum length. Pic below shows the BEAM internal supports.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 11:50 am
Ready to resume with BEAM. Crew told to delay exercise tasks.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: saliva_sweet on 05/26/2016 11:50 am
The multimeter reads it in mA and is equivalent to mmHg.

Multmimeter is set to measure millivolts.

Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Riley1066 on 05/26/2016 11:52 am
Does the Canadaarm have a scissor attachment? :-)
The Remote Refuelling Mission Experiment has a Wire Cutter for DEXTRE.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Prober on 05/26/2016 11:52 am
air into beam shortly
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Life_Support_32 on 05/26/2016 12:01 pm
The multimeter reads it in mA and is equivalent to mmHg.

Multmimeter is set to measure millivolts.
You are right, apologies. Regardless, the pressure is mmHg. Divide by 51.7 to get psi.

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Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 12:06 pm
Three seconds of valve opening.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 12:12 pm
And a generous one second.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Glom on 05/26/2016 12:21 pm
This is clear a Ridley Scott piece.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 12:23 pm
There's a risk they will postpone further work. They need daylight and ROBO isn't noticing any real expansion.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Hankelow8 on 05/26/2016 12:24 pm
It seems it is not expanding  on the pressure curve that they expected, and the concern is a large expansion instead of a steady expansion.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: docmordrid on 05/26/2016 12:31 pm
Standing down for today. Capping sample port.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rds100 on 05/26/2016 12:32 pm
So why is a large expansion a concern? What ill effects could it cause?
Also can they budge the far end of the module with the canadarm a little, to free it if something is stuck?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: tdrb6115 on 05/26/2016 12:33 pm
Todays' progress in 1s
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mtakala24 on 05/26/2016 12:36 pm
So why is a large expansion a concern? What ill effects could it cause?

Sudden jerk could exceed loads, ripping it to pieces or cause other damage.

Quote
Also can they budge the far end of the module with the canadarm a little, to free it if something is stuck?

Touching it could make it suddenly expand, it could exceed loads, rip it to pieces, and possibly damage the SSRMS (CanadaArm 2).
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: SkipMorrow on 05/26/2016 12:36 pm
Not an expert, but if you are putting air into a closed (but expandable) container, you should see small increases in pressure along with expansion. If the pressure is increasing, but it isn't expanding, you have a situation where you have a lot of potential energy that could release suddenly and with unexpected results. Better to do it slowly and carefully.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Jeff Lerner on 05/26/2016 12:38 pm
Could this be some sort of stiction problem ??...the package had been packed tightly for a while and now needs to overcome friction fo expand ??
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Jet Black on 05/26/2016 12:41 pm
It could be. I'm sure they're working on it now.

Is it possible to withdraw air from the BEAM? or is it one way?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rds100 on 05/26/2016 12:42 pm
But they are never going to apply a pressure larger than 100kPa (or whatever the normal air pressure on the ISS is), right?
What forces could a mere 100kPa cause, to break a structure, that is designed to withstand hits by micrometeorites?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Glom on 05/26/2016 12:46 pm
Todays' progress in 1s
No axial movement. Maybe the struts didn't disengage?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: JimO on 05/26/2016 12:50 pm
Under what conditions could they now open the hatch and examine the visible structure, and would that really tell them anything? If I were asked to do that I'd want to be suited up, but is there cooling available that far outside the airlock?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/26/2016 12:51 pm
Straps, shades of Skylab!! :o
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: woods170 on 05/26/2016 12:52 pm
Todays' progress in 1s
No axial movement. Maybe the struts didn't disengage?
Look closely at the grapple fixture. It has moved roughly 5 inches outward along the long axis of the module. And given that the grapple fixture is mounted on the end-plate of BEAM... I hazard a guess and state that the struts have in fact disengaged.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 01:00 pm
Pete's article updated:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/05/iss-inflatable-module-beam-expansion/
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/26/2016 01:00 pm
"When the moment is right...there's BEAM-O."

Statistically, it's true: 1 out of 3 expandable modules do suffer this problem of expansion dysfunction.



In seriousness, they're being extraordinarily cautious, and that's good. I've had irrational visions of BEAM expanding and then venting, sputtering across the sky like a balloon, complete with sound effects.

I'm not able to listen in. Are they officially calling it for the day? When's the next time we can get their BEAM on? ninja'ed by the quick-updated article--thank you!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: ricmsmith on 05/26/2016 01:06 pm
I wonder if they'll use the arm to extent or help extend it axially and pressurise it afterwards to expand it radially.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/26/2016 01:08 pm
Straps, shades of Skylab!! :o

And where is Pete Conrad when we really need him?

Bigelow has had to know exactly how the strap releases work through tons of testing. I suspect the issue isn't the mechanical side but the procedural side. NASA needs assurance, and they want to crunch the numbers before proceeding.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/26/2016 01:09 pm
I wonder if they'll use the arm to extent or help extend it axially and pressurise it afterwards to expand it radially.

That would invalidate the whole technology demonstration of a self-expanding module.

And it would put the arm at risk. It's not designed to take stresses of a sudden high speed movement.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: ricmsmith on 05/26/2016 01:12 pm
I wonder if they'll use the arm to extent or help extend it axially and pressurise it afterwards to expand it radially.

That would invalidate the whole technology demonstration of a self-expanding module.

And it would put the arm at risk. It's not designed to take stresses of a sudden high speed movement.

OK, maybe not then.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/26/2016 01:13 pm
Under what conditions could they now open the hatch and examine the visible structure, and would that really tell them anything? If I were asked to do that I'd want to be suited up, but is there cooling available that far outside the airlock?

None, I suspect. BEAM is much like our current smartphones and flat-screen TVs: No user-serviceable parts inside.

Besides, opening the hatch to take a gander might do exactly what NASA is concerned about: rapid, uncontrolled expansion that causes stress to the vestibule or worse.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/26/2016 01:16 pm
Straps, shades of Skylab!! :o

And where is Pete Conrad when we really need him?

Bigelow has had to know exactly how the strap releases work through tons of testing. I suspect the issue isn't the mechanical side but the procedural side. NASA needs assurance, and they want to crunch the numbers before proceeding.

For the younger folks: :)

"Conrad inched his way, hand-over-hand, along the length of the beam to see what was amiss, and precisely as he reached the cutter “end,” the jaws snapped shut, freeing some of the metal strap at 2:01 p.m. and hurling him “ass over teakettles” into space."

http://www.americaspace.com/?p=20346
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Hobbes-22 on 05/26/2016 01:26 pm
But they are never going to apply a pressure larger than 100kPa (or whatever the normal air pressure on the ISS is), right?
What forces could a mere 100kPa cause, to break a structure, that is designed to withstand hits by micrometeorites?

The risk is of the module suddenly inflating, accelerating a large weight to a high speed and that same weight suddenly stopping as the module hits its expansion limit. Not to mention pieces like the straps flying off.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: ChrisC on 05/26/2016 01:35 pm
FYI, according to the press release prior to today, there is a media teleconference at 10am.  We should be able to listen in here:  https://www.nasa.gov/news/media/newsaudio/index.html

EDIT:  Aaaaand right after I posted that, they posted the update there (below) that the teleconference had been delayed.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: abaddon on 05/26/2016 01:44 pm
FYI, according to the press release prior to today, there is a media teleconference at 10am.  We should be able to listen in here:  https://www.nasa.gov/news/media/newsaudio/index.html
From that link:
Quote
With the team focused on analyzing BEAM’s status, a previously scheduled teleconference for Thursday, May 26 at 10 a.m. EDT has been postponed until we have more information available to share. NASA will send an updated media advisory when the next step for BEAM operations is decided upon.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Space Pete on 05/26/2016 02:34 pm
Disappointed to see that this didn't go well, but better be safe than sorry. There's plenty of to get BEAM fully inflated, so there's no rush.

The issue with a stuck restraint strap is that, if the strap were to suddenly release under the force of the inflation, then it could cause a rapid change in shape of BEAM, which would place a lot of off-axis loads on the ISS, which is bad.

Regarding the prospect of opening up the hatch to have a look inside, that is not possible since BEAM's interior is still at vacuum, since air hasn't been pumped into the interior volume during the inflation, rather it has been pumped into bladders between the module's layers of skin. Those bladders need to be fully inflated before air can be pumped into the interior volume itself.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Johnnyhinbos on 05/26/2016 02:52 pm
Disappointed to see that this didn't go well, but better be safe than sorry. There's plenty of [...] to get BEAM fully inflated, so there's no rush.

The issue with a stuck restraint strap is that, if the strap were to suddenly release under the force of the inflation, then it could cause a rapid change in shape of BEAM, which would place a lot of off-axis loads on the ISS, which is bad.

Regarding the prospect of opening up the hatch to have a look inside, that is not possible since BEAM's interior is still at vacuum, since air hasn't been pumped into the interior volume during the inflation, rather it has been pumped into bladders between the module's layers of skin. Those bladders need to be fully inflated before air can be pumped into the interior volume itself.

Plenty of what!? (My bold and brackets added for emphasis) Oh for the missing word! Kingdoms have been lost over missing words!

Plenty of multimeters? Plenty of bicycle pumps? Plenty of administrators who can supply hot air? Gah! My kingdom for a word...!

Oh, plenty of time...

 ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: fthomassy on 05/26/2016 03:13 pm
Besides, opening the hatch to take a gander might do exactly what NASA is concerned about: rapid, uncontrolled expansion that causes stress to the vestibule or worse.
Worse is such an understatement!  A possible option could be to remove BEAM with one arm and send a camera in with another.  Maybe DETXRE has some appropriate tools and sufficient reach.  But I suspect they'd dispose of BEAM before risking even hardware.
as most have been saying ... lots of time to get it figured out
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Nomadd on 05/26/2016 03:18 pm
 If the problem is an external strap, can they evacuate the bladders to remove pressure so they could manually release the strap?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: fthomassy on 05/26/2016 03:38 pm
If the problem is an external strap, can they evacuate the bladders to remove pressure so they could manually release the strap?
Pete Harding's fine article indicated the bladders are not in play. 
Quote
Originally, the plan was to use air from tanks located inside BEAM to inflate these bladders, however analysis showed that this could cause expansion to occur too fast and potentially place damagingly high loads on the ISS in the process, so instead the air will be supplied from the station in a more controlled manner.
So it may be as simple as opening ...
Quote
the ascent vent valve, which has been ensuring that BEAM has been kept at vacuum since its launch into space last month
See: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/05/iss-inflatable-module-beam-expansion/ (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/05/iss-inflatable-module-beam-expansion/)

Edit: Fixed reference to article's author.  Apologies to Pete.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: JBF on 05/26/2016 04:16 pm
Am I understanding this correctly, the interior of BEAM is currently sealed and they are attempting to inflate bladders in the wall that are not connected to  interior?  If that's the case of course you are not going to get very far.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: JimO on 05/26/2016 04:32 pm
 I hope I didn't hex the attempt by posting this on my Facebook page Tuesday:
Apropos of blowing up the BEAM module.....

"It blew UP!!"

Even working with balloons in space, you never want to hear THAT

I was deeply involved with the first-ever space shuttle mission to carry an inflatable payload, STS-11 in 1984, where a 2-meter balloon would be ejected and inflated to test the rendezvous radar and star tracker for a practice orbital rendezvous [my professional specialty in Mission Control] before the critical Solar Max rescue mission. It was a last-minute insert into the launch schedule so the payload was assembled pretty quickly.

It popped out fine -- we had no live TV because the Ku-band was in radar mode, not comm mode, and the only TDRS satellite was still adjusting its orbit. The crew reported the canister-enclosed balloon was moving away from the payload bay as planned.

"It blew up" was their next call. This was ambiguous, surely they were reporting successful inflation, when the balloon blows up to the full diameter. Our hopes lingered briefly in the ambiguity of the verb. But alas no, the crew repeated sadly, "It just blew up."

Fragments of mylar and the package's metal casing tumbled off in different directions, we later learned. It had literally blown up.

It turned out that a last minute design change, to make it simpler and more reliable, had doomed the attempt. Two lanyards were attached to pins on two pyro devices inside the canister, one to guillotine the ring holding the cylinder's two staves together, and the other to open the pressure bottle to inflate the balloon. They each were bolted to a fastener on the base of the deployment barrel -- but to reduce complexity the two lines and two bolts were then replaced by one double-length line, each end on one pyro lanyard in the deployable segment and the middle held down in the deployer barrel by a bent-over metal flange. Fewer moving parts, more reliable, somebody figured.

When the empty storage barrel returned to Earth with the shuttle the ground crew saw what had happened. The flange [now a single-point failure] had been jerked up by the line's full-taut tug, releasing the looped line. And although the pressurant tank pyro was initiated, the stave belt guillotine pyro never got fully pulled out. So when the balloon started inflating it was still -- briefly -- trapped inside the still-constrained staves. But the pressure quickly got high enough to break the restraining belt, and all fragments headed off in their own directions.

So my advice to crew and controllers -- describe the BEAM inflation any way you want, but please PLEASE don't say it's blowing up!

More details:

http://klabs.org/…/lessons_lear…/shuttle/cr-2007-2136974.pdf

http://www.jamesoberg.com/sts-rndz-experience-summary.PDF
 pp 10-13
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 05/26/2016 04:42 pm
Is this the first time they try to elongate a module. Did the Genesis modules only increase in diameter?
All the hardware in BEAM is on the extending (bulkhead) side. So the heavy part is going to move. Is this the problem?
I get that the length of the dragon trunk was the reason to shorten the BEAM module. But I don't see the practicality of it.

The current launch vehicles are restrained in payload diameter, much less in payload length.
When a module is shortened like BEAM there is hardly any volume for hardware during launch. If the diameter is increased in orbit, the increased volume can be used as habitable volume of the hardware can be moved outwards to make room for habitable volume (empty space). I'm not convinced of the practicality of the B330. There is much to little hardware in the modules, like with skylab. Its only a large empty space with no facilities to use the space.
If you look at the video of Kibo ingress, you can see that a large empty volume leads to problems.
They placed an astronaut stationary in the middle of the module, he couldn't move only rotate. I fear a large empty module will lead to the same situation. That running against the outside wall of Skylab looked beautiful but it induces a lot of !unwanted! vibrations in the spacecraft. I think the habitability study currently running at the ISS will give very good information to module designers. The layout must be completely differently as for a layout in a gravity environment. I think a module with the US lab launch dimension, that is filled nearly solidly at launch (10mT module + 30mT payload). That get inflated in orbit so the 2x2m center volume can be emptied by moving all the stuff outwards. Is where inflateble modules will be usefull for. (also an inflatable airlock is useful).
That's my oppinion. Sorry for posting this here, might be beter placed in the BA discussion topic.           
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: meberbs on 05/26/2016 04:47 pm
Am I understanding this correctly, the interior of BEAM is currently sealed and they are attempting to inflate bladders in the wall that are not connected to  interior?  If that's the case of course you are not going to get very far.
You seem to be forgetting that they are in space. Unlike on earth where you can't expand a beach ball to ball shape without adding air, there is no atmospheric pressure pushing on the outside of BEAM, so it doesn't need to be filled with anything to expand. The bladders in the walls should be sufficient.

Do they have a way to vent the bladders to make other recover options safer? (i.e. an EVA to cut the straps if the straps weren't cut fully?)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Orbital Debris on 05/26/2016 05:13 pm
rather it has been pumped into bladders between the module's layers of skin. Those bladders need to be fully inflated before air can be pumped into the interior volume itself.

I don't know about BEAM, but Genesis (I & II) were not done that way. 

Also, your article contains an incorrect item.  "It was not actually known precisely how the inflation dynamics would occur, as it has only ever been done twice before (Genesis I and II), neither of which were viewable from external cameras such as those found on the ISS."

While the cameras on G1 and G2 were not as expensive as those on those found on the ISS, we did have cameras deployed on the solar arrays that captured imagery of the deployment. 
Is anyone still familiar with Jiffy Pop?  That is what it looked like.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mikes on 05/26/2016 06:04 pm

Is anyone still familiar with Jiffy Pop?  That is what it looked like.

Not too much I hope!

http://www.troyhistoricvillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/2-24-15-Jiffy-Pop.png
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Sam Ho on 05/26/2016 06:20 pm
More details:

http://klabs.org/…/lessons_lear…/shuttle/cr-2007-2136974.pdf

http://www.jamesoberg.com/sts-rndz-experience-summary.PDF
 pp 10-13
The first link didn't copy correctly.  It's here:
http://klabs.org/DEI/lessons_learned/shuttle/cr-2007-2136974.pdf
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Space Pete on 05/26/2016 07:13 pm
I don't know about BEAM, but Genesis (I & II) were not done that way.

It's hard to get precise confirmation on exactly how BEAM inflates (probably ITAR), but the key piece of evidence in favour of BEAM using the bladder system is the fact that BEAM needs to be pressurised using it's internal tanks once it has been fully expanded. If the air were being pumped into BEAM directly, then surely there would be no need for that?

While the cameras on G1 and G2 were not as expensive as those on those found on the ISS, we did have cameras deployed on the solar arrays that captured imagery of the deployment. 
Is anyone still familiar with Jiffy Pop?  That is what it looked like.

Thanks, I'm aware that G1 & G2 had external cameras, but what I meant is that the deployment wasn't viewable from an external source - i.e. cameras that could view the whole module in it's entirety. But I'll re-word it. :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Riley1066 on 05/26/2016 07:35 pm
I do wonder if you could use the Wire Cutter Tool from the Remote Refueling Mission experiment to cut the straps on BEAM with DEXTRE.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 07:46 pm
I do wonder if you could use the Wire Cutter Tool from the Remote Refueling Mission experiment to cut the straps on BEAM with DEXTRE.

Oh wow. That's a great shout! SSRMS looks like it was close with the camera views, so it could get Dextre out there.

No idea if it's viable, but I love the idea.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Targeteer on 05/26/2016 07:47 pm
From the evening DPC.  Ongoing analysis will not support further efforts tomorrow.  A planned task for Jeff to DE-pressurize BEAM may be deleted tomorrow...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Sesquipedalian on 05/26/2016 07:54 pm

Is anyone still familiar with Jiffy Pop?  That is what it looked like.

Not too much I hope!

http://www.troyhistoricvillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/2-24-15-Jiffy-Pop.png

As anyone who is familiar with Jiffy Pop knows, those cuts are made manually after the Jiffy Pop bag has reached its fully expanded state.  That's the way to get the popcorn out.  There is no popcorn inside BEAM (one assumes) and therefore no reason to slice into it.

That does motivate the concept of an alternate way of expanding BEAM, though... the Space Popcorn Deployment Mechanism.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Johnnyhinbos on 05/26/2016 07:55 pm
I don't know about BEAM, but Genesis (I & II) were not done that way.

It's hard to get precise confirmation on exactly how BEAM inflates (probably ITAR), but the key piece of evidence in favour of BEAM using the bladder system is the fact that BEAM needs to be pressurised using it's internal tanks once it has been fully expanded. If the air were being pumped into BEAM directly, then surely there would be no need for that?

While the cameras on G1 and G2 were not as expensive as those on those found on the ISS, we did have cameras deployed on the solar arrays that captured imagery of the deployment. 
Is anyone still familiar with Jiffy Pop?  That is what it looked like.

Thanks, I'm aware that G1 & G2 had external cameras, but what I meant is that the deployment wasn't viewable from an external source - i.e. cameras that could view the whole module in it's entirety. But I'll re-word it. :)
I think it's fairly apparent that the BEAM is being expanded via venting ambient ISS air into the BEAM itself, followed upon full expansion a pressurizing of the surrounding bladder system via HP tanks mounted within the module itself and controlled via the BEAM controller that's mounted to the hatch.

- The interior of BEAM is a vacuum, there is no "pumping" required. 14.7 psi (or whatever the station is kept at) is quite sufficient when compared to a vacuum.
- If you observe the video of this morning's activity you can see the manifold with the pressure sensor, valve, and air inlet which is uncapped (the cap is floating and attached via a small chain).
- The sequence of current pressure reading, open valve for x seconds duration, close valve, take new pressure reading showed a very obvious issue - as gas (air) was introduced into module the pressure should raise and then drop to a lower value as the volume increased. Therefore there should be some form of stairstep behavior of the module's pressure normalizing to station ambient. This was not the case.
- If, instead, you tried to fill the wall's bladders without first introducing pressure into the interior, there would be no expansion - more of an extrusion - because you would be trying to pull a shape with a vacuum in the interior. Not going to happen. Imaging sucking every last drop of air out of a balloon and sealing it, now try to pull that balloon into a spherical shape...
- So interior pressure first - manually controlled with station ambient
- Bladder pressurization second - system controlled by the Bigelow controller and filled with contents of pressurized cylinders transported in the module itself.
- There's really no other way to do it. No mystery really.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/26/2016 07:56 pm
I do wonder if you could use the Wire Cutter Tool from the Remote Refueling Mission experiment to cut the straps on BEAM with DEXTRE.
Then have that Robonaut guy on the inside to "give it a jiggle"... ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Riley1066 on 05/26/2016 07:59 pm
The Wire Cutter:
(http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/RRM8.jpg)

Might be hard getting clearance to the strap with those light fixtures on the tool. 

And looks like you'd have to hook the strap with the end of the tool which might also be kinda tricky.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rocx on 05/26/2016 08:37 pm
- If, instead, you tried to fill the wall's bladders without first introducing pressure into the interior, there would be no expansion - more of an extrusion - because you would be trying to pull a shape with a vacuum in the interior. Not going to happen. Imaging sucking every last drop of air out of a balloon and sealing it, now try to pull that balloon into a spherical shape...

The difference between a balloon on Earth and a BEAM in space is that there is air here, and vacuum there, so nothing will stop it from forming the shape the walls want to form.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: nadreck on 05/26/2016 08:46 pm
- If, instead, you tried to fill the wall's bladders without first introducing pressure into the interior, there would be no expansion - more of an extrusion - because you would be trying to pull a shape with a vacuum in the interior. Not going to happen. Imaging sucking every last drop of air out of a balloon and sealing it, now try to pull that balloon into a spherical shape...

The difference between a balloon on Earth and a BEAM in space is that there is air here, and vacuum there, so nothing will stop it from forming the shape the walls want to form.

Yes but with vacuum inside the BEAM and outside as well, something could conceivably be wrong with the bladders in the wall and that they deform the walls into the hollow space inside (I understand that there still was open space on the inside before expansion.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Space Pete on 05/26/2016 09:08 pm
All I can say is that the NASA briefing video stated that BEAM's interior will be pressurised via it's internal tanks AFTER expansion has occurred. So that means bladder inflation must occur first.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/26/2016 09:13 pm
May 26, 2016
MEDIA ADVISORY M16-059
NASA to Brief Media on Status of Bigelow Expandable Activity Module
 

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) was installed on the International Space Station April 16, 2016.

Credits: NASA TV

NASA will host a media teleconference at noon EDT Friday, May 27 to provide an update on the expansion operations for the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) installed on the International Space Station. The teleconference will stream live on the agency’s website.

NASA and Bigelow Aerospace engineers are evaluating why, during its first two-hour attempt Thursday, the BEAM did not fully expand as internal pressure was gradually increased. They will monitor the module for structural changes that could result in either larger volume or lower internal pressure, as they assess next steps for expansion.

The BEAM is a technology demonstration to study expandable habitats in space. It was launched April 8 to the orbiting laboratory aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, and was installed April 16.

Expandable habitats are designed to take up less room on a spacecraft, but provide greater volume for living and working in space, once expanded. This first test of an expandable module will allow investigators to gauge how well the habitat performs and, specifically, how well it protects against solar radiation, space debris and the temperature extremes of space. The module is an example of NASA’s increased commitment to partnering with industry to enable the growth of the commercial use of space.

The International Space Station serves as the world's leading laboratory for conducting cutting-edge microgravity research, and is the primary platform for technology development and testing in space to enable human and robotic exploration of destinations beyond low-Earth orbit, including asteroids and Mars.

Listen to the media teleconference online at:

http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio

Get more information about the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module at:

http://www.nasa.gov/beam

Learn more about the International Space Station at:

http://www.nasa.gov/station
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Orbital Debris on 05/26/2016 09:32 pm
Close up on the straps.


There is good information in this picture.  The 'buckles' that appear to be hanging free on the lower part of the BEAM contain the cords which would have been cut to release the external straps.   You can see the cut ends if you look closely. Therefore it appears that the pyros did indeed sever the cords properly.  In addition, there seems to be slack in the straps and in the outer MMOD beta cloth.  Therefore, I would think that the external straps are not restricting inflation.

If you examine the photo of BEAM at the link below (linked to avoid issues). The buckles and cords, as well as the pyro cutters are visible on the right hand side of the stowed BEAM.

http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2015_11/929201/150312-beam1_e38a25871228253b00997004b7e29745.nbcnews-ux-600-480.jpg
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Orbital Debris on 05/26/2016 09:48 pm
To expand upon the replies regarding opening the hatch.  If you look at the pictures in this thread of the hatch, it is constructed such that pressure will tend to force it against the sealing surface.  Therefore, even if you removed the fasteners, you still have several thousand pounds of pressure holding the hatch in place.

Even if it were reversed, as soon as the fasteners were loosened, the hatch would 'burp' prior to loosening all the way.  There is no practical way to open it without equalizing pressure.

Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mtakala24 on 05/26/2016 10:29 pm
I wouldn't bet on NASA doing an invesgative IVA here. But is it even possible?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: shaula1247 on 05/27/2016 03:46 am
As I understand it the module has been left with pressure in the bladders so further expansion is possible, are there any updated images available to check?  NASA TV is no help.

In the gifs of possible expansion modes eg:
http://techcrunch.com/2016/04/13/bigelow-aerospace-partners-with-ula-to-launch-private-space-habitats/ (http://techcrunch.com/2016/04/13/bigelow-aerospace-partners-with-ula-to-launch-private-space-habitats/)
one of the modes shows significant radial expansion before length expansion which is what is happening here.  The issue then is that the amount of expansion vs pressure is too low and what is worse the limitation of expansion is greatest in the length so that the potential for rapid elongation is maximised.  Radial expansion will largely balance itself but stopping rapid length expansion will create a lot of energy to be absorbed by the CBM and its supports. 

Does anyone have an estimate of the mass of the outer bulkhead, grapple fixtures etc.?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: ChrisC on 05/27/2016 04:11 am
Straps, shades of Skylab!! :o

And where is Pete Conrad when we really need him?

For the younger folks: :)

"Conrad inched his way, hand-over-hand, along the length of the beam to see what was amiss, and precisely as he reached the cutter “end,” the jaws snapped shut, freeing some of the metal strap at 2:01 p.m. and hurling him “ass over teakettles” into space."

http://www.americaspace.com/?p=20346

While we're all waiting around to hear what NASA has to say about this at noon on Friday, I'd like to encourage everyone to read that link.  It's fantastic!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Targeteer on 05/27/2016 11:06 am
From the evening DPC.  Ongoing analysis will not support further efforts tomorrow.  A planned task for Jeff to DE-pressurize BEAM may be deleted tomorrow...

During this morning's DPC, CAPCOM repeated that depressurization of BEAM is on the planned schedule today pending ongoing analysis
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/27/2016 11:45 am
Looking at that photo above, I wonder if it's a "stiction" issue not sliding along the cloth through the loops... ???
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Cherokee43v6 on 05/27/2016 12:35 pm
When I read that the material was a Vinyl product, all I could think of is that (and no this is not intended as humor or a put down) beach ball that I have deflated and folded up in the garage, packed at the bottom of a box.  Any time it gets pulled out, the material seems to be stuck to itself.

It might be that since they are doing a very conservative inflation pressure, that it is not yet enough to overcome that 'stickiness' of the material itself.  Particularly if it has been packed under compression for an extended period of time.

edit:  Perhaps a better example would be the 'inflatable camping mattress'.  Particularly if you've every blown one up and watched the air bubble slowly move its way through each of the chambers while listening to the almost ripping sound of the material separating (while recovering from the massive dizzy spell from exhaling into that little inflation tube).
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jeff.findley on 05/27/2016 12:38 pm
The material sticking to itself, especially in vacuum, seems quite likely.  I talked with a former Harris employee who used to work on space structures, and he said this is common in "cloth like" materials and needs to be accounted for during deployments (in this case expansion).
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/27/2016 12:48 pm
When I read that the material was a Vinyl product, all I could think of is that (and no this is not intended as humor or a put down) beach ball that I have deflated and folded up in the garage, packed at the bottom of a box.  Any time it gets pulled out, the material seems to be stuck to itself.

It might be that since they are doing a very conservative inflation pressure, that it is not yet enough to overcome that 'stickiness' of the material itself.  Particularly if it has been packed under compression for an extended period of time.

edit:  Perhaps a better example would be the 'inflatable camping mattress'.  Particularly if you've every blown one up and watched the air bubble slowly move its way through each of the chambers while listening to the almost ripping sound of the material separating (while recovering from the massive dizzy spell from exhaling into that little inflation tube).
I don't recall if the Mars Pathfinder Airbags Vectran fabric was dusted with a powder to prevent stiction or if this was ... Jim, anybody? :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/27/2016 12:55 pm
Not to criticize, but I can't help wondering if the should have inflated it upon initial install rather than after being exposed to the space environment and temperature extremes. A lesson here perhaps?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Star One on 05/27/2016 01:53 pm
Not to criticize, but I can't help wondering if the should have inflated it upon initial install rather than after being exposed to the space environment and temperature extremes. A lesson here perhaps?

I would think they would have allowed for this at the planning stage keeping in mind they do already have two structures in orbit from which to collect data on the space environment impact.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: abaddon on 05/27/2016 01:54 pm
Not to criticize, but I can't help wondering if the should have inflated it upon initial install rather than after being exposed to the space environment and temperature extremes. A lesson here perhaps?
The Dragon Trunk is open to space, so it was already exposed for the entire trip to the ISS and then however long it took to attach it to the station.  It seems unlikely to me that the additional time since the installation was consequential here.

I tend to agree with the "stiction of the straps" idea.  Important to keep in mind this is a technology demonstrator and there are likely to be some bumps along the way.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/27/2016 02:08 pm
Not to criticize, but I can't help wondering if the should have inflated it upon initial install rather than after being exposed to the space environment and temperature extremes. A lesson here perhaps?

I would think they would have allowed for this at the planning stage keeping in mind they do already have two structures in orbit from which to collect data on the space environment impact.
I can't recall if this was the original plan off the top of my head... anyone?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Orbital Debris on 05/27/2016 02:21 pm
When I read that the material was a Vinyl product, all I could think of is that (and no this is not intended as humor or a put down) beach ball that I have deflated and folded up in the garage, packed at the bottom of a box.  Any time it gets pulled out, the material seems to be stuck to itself.

It might be that since they are doing a very conservative inflation pressure, that it is not yet enough to overcome that 'stickiness' of the material itself.  Particularly if it has been packed under compression for an extended period of time.

edit:  Perhaps a better example would be the 'inflatable camping mattress'.  Particularly if you've every blown one up and watched the air bubble slowly move its way through each of the chambers while listening to the almost ripping sound of the material separating (while recovering from the massive dizzy spell from exhaling into that little inflation tube).
I don't recall if the Mars Pathfinder Airbags Vectran fabric was dusted with a powder to prevent stiction or if this was ... Jim, anybody? :)

I don't know where you saw a comparison to vinyl, but the comparison to the landing airbags is more appropriate.  I don't think there should be adhesion of the layers between the folds.  The air barrier material (the shiny stuff on the interior) is a low-offgassing material that is very stable.  The reason the vinyl sticks together in storage, is because it is evolving plasticizers.  Beyond the air barrier is a layer of vectran (think kevlar), the interstitial layers are similar.

The final outer layer is likely to be Betacloth.  Since betacloth fibers are coated with teflon, I think its is unlikely that the external restraint straps are not releasing due to adhesion.

The Genesis modules also sat for a few months in the stowed condition between shipping and launch delays.  Like the landing airbags, the folding is designed to be overcome by air pressure.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: JimO on 05/27/2016 02:27 pm
I've just been advised by JSC PAO that the noon EDT phone-in presser has been delayed indefinitely while further analysis is under way. Stay tuned.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Wolfram66 on 05/27/2016 02:39 pm
or more likely, pyro-bolt release is hung up or didn't completely sever. this happens too frequently to Soyuz capsules re-entering and having the service module still attached. just ask Astro Peggy Whitson. They may need to inspect exterior w/ RMS and maybe nudge it a little. Beam DID sit around for quite a while in stored config...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DaveS on 05/27/2016 03:25 pm
I've just been advised by JSC PAO that the noon EDT phone-in presser has been delayed indefinitely while further analysis is under way. Stay tuned.
Latest tweet from @NASA:

Telecon on @BigelowSpace’s Expandable Activity Module is now set for 2pm ET. Details: http://go.nasa.gov/25mwGo8
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Orbital Debris on 05/27/2016 03:28 pm
or more likely, pyro-bolt release is hung up or didn't completely sever. this happens too frequently to Soyuz capsules re-entering and having the service module still attached. just ask Astro Peggy Whitson. They may need to inspect exterior w/ RMS and maybe nudge it a little. Beam DID sit around for quite a while in stored config...

There are no pyro-bolts.  There are 3 pyro-cutters.  The restraint straps are cinched down with a cord.  The cord is passed through a guillotine pyro-cutter.  The pyro's fire and cut the cords, releasing tension on the straps.  If you look closely at my post on page 7, you can see the severed ends of the cords hanging away from the rest of the straps. 

Storage is red herring based on RTB's comment.  BEAM was delivered to NASA and shipped to KSC last June, and was in a clean facility since.  Payloads more complex that BEAM sit around for years prior to launch.  Even Bigelow's storage is fairly benign, zero humidity.  You are more likely to find dust bunnies and scorpions in the folds than have them stuck together.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: duh on 05/27/2016 03:36 pm
Checking restraint strap pyro firing with a multimeter.

Can someone elaborate as to exactly what this check consists of? At the moment I am speculating ( I know: I have been told not to speculate but .... ).  Would be interesting to see the schematic for the entire circuit, but presume that is not likely to happen. Is the check to simply measure the resistance of the bridge wire or, more correctly, the multiple bridge wires in the NSI? An open circuit would be consistent with, but not proof of, the NSI actually operating. The NSI functioning is also not proof that the explosive bolt (presumably that is what it is) actually functioned although such a failure presumably would have a rather low probability.

There is at least one more scenario.

I guess my question can be rephrased as to how a multimeter check can definitely state if the explosive bolt operated.

Rephrasing yet again, there is insufficient information to fully appreciate the value, quantity, and quality of the insight gained by doing the check. I am simply trying to gain more insight into what is and what is not gained information wise by doing this check. Would be interested in what is expected apriori and what interpetation(s) can be made following the measurement.

Bottom line:I'm simply curious.

BTW: There are posts farther along in this thread that seem to support my thought that the measurement is of the bridgewire
resistance.However, my comments above relating to an open bridge wire do not guarantee that the NSI operated.

Rephrasing, if the bridgewire showed the correct prefire resistance, that would be a pretty darn good indication (still not
certain if you want a certainty level of say .999 999 999 999 999 999 999 999 999 999 999 999) that the NSI did not fire.

Rephrasing yet again: The NSI probably operated (high probability) but I do not consider it a certainty.

Enuff rambling from me.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/27/2016 03:46 pm
When I read that the material was a Vinyl product, all I could think of is that (and no this is not intended as humor or a put down) beach ball that I have deflated and folded up in the garage, packed at the bottom of a box.  Any time it gets pulled out, the material seems to be stuck to itself.

It might be that since they are doing a very conservative inflation pressure, that it is not yet enough to overcome that 'stickiness' of the material itself.  Particularly if it has been packed under compression for an extended period of time.

edit:  Perhaps a better example would be the 'inflatable camping mattress'.  Particularly if you've every blown one up and watched the air bubble slowly move its way through each of the chambers while listening to the almost ripping sound of the material separating (while recovering from the massive dizzy spell from exhaling into that little inflation tube).
I don't recall if the Mars Pathfinder Airbags Vectran fabric was dusted with a powder to prevent stiction or if this was ... Jim, anybody? :)

I don't know where you saw a comparison to vinyl, but the comparison to the landing airbags is more appropriate.  I don't think there should be adhesion of the layers between the folds.  The air barrier material (the shiny stuff on the interior) is a low-offgassing material that is very stable.  The reason the vinyl sticks together in storage, is because it is evolving plasticizers.  Beyond the air barrier is a layer of vectran (think kevlar), the interstitial layers are similar.

The final outer layer is likely to be Betacloth.  Since betacloth fibers are coated with teflon, I think its is unlikely that the external restraint straps are not releasing due to adhesion.

The Genesis modules also sat for a few months in the stowed condition between shipping and launch delays.  Like the landing airbags, the folding is designed to be overcome by air pressure.
I never mentioned vinyl, just sayin'... ???
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Orbital Debris on 05/27/2016 04:06 pm
To address the comment from 'duh' above.  If you don't trust the multimeter, then look at the photo evidence.  See the photo below.  The objects circled are the restraint clips, and the cut ends of the cords.  Pretty sure the pyros fired.

Rocket Science, apologies.  The vinyl comment was addressed to Cherokee.  YOU were on the right track with the landing bags.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/27/2016 04:09 pm
No worries! :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Targeteer on 05/27/2016 04:18 pm
After a long LOS, Jeff asked for an update on BEAM.  The response was that meetings are ongoing and that he should expect an answer shortly before the event, presumably his scheduled task to depressurize.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: francesco nicoli on 05/27/2016 04:19 pm
a hole would explain the missing inflation :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: the_other_Doug on 05/27/2016 04:21 pm
Straps, shades of Skylab!! :o

And where is Pete Conrad when we really need him?

Bigelow has had to know exactly how the strap releases work through tons of testing. I suspect the issue isn't the mechanical side but the procedural side. NASA needs assurance, and they want to crunch the numbers before proceeding.

For the younger folks: :)

"Conrad inched his way, hand-over-hand, along the length of the beam to see what was amiss, and precisely as he reached the cutter “end,” the jaws snapped shut, freeing some of the metal strap at 2:01 p.m. and hurling him “ass over teakettles” into space."

http://www.americaspace.com/?p=20346

Not exactly correct, honestly.  The strap cut just fine before Conrad went down to the end of the solar panel arm.  The arm itself stuck after opening only a few degrees; the hinge joint had been predicted to freeze up at that point.  It wasn't designed to sit on orbit undeployed for a long period, its lubrication had all dried up over the long period in a stowed position.  The arm needed help deploying past the "freeze point."

Pete grabbed the rope that had been used to operate the cutter and looped it over the end of the arm.  Joe Kerwin cinched up the line around an antenna up near the airlock.  Pete then went back up to the arm hinge, put the rope over his shoulder, crouched down, put his feet against the outer wall of the workshop -- and stood up.  That pulled the rope taught and pulled on the end of the arm, which overcame the friction in the frozen hinge.  The arm deployed out to 90 degrees from the workshop wall rapidly, the rope came flying out and off the end of the arm with it, and Pete went flying ass-over-teakettle (his own phrasing) and fetched up against the limit of his umbilical.  He used the umbilical to damp his motions and pull himself back to the airlock.

It was Pete Conrad's favorite memory of flying in space, beating out landing on the Moon by a long shot.  And a darned good reason not to send EVA astronauts out to the BEAM module to see if they can't pull those straps away.

Sorry for the mostly OT note, but it's distressing to see that some purportedly respected space history sites can get these details so wrong...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jacqmans on 05/27/2016 04:22 pm
May 27, 2016
MEDIA ADVISORY M16-061

NASA Updates Time for Today’s Media Briefing on Status of Bigelow Expandable Activity Module

NASA has rescheduled today’s media teleconference, originally scheduled for noon EDT, to 2 p.m. for a discussion on the status of the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) installed on the International Space Station. The teleconference will stream live on the agency’s website.

All other call-in details remain the same for media who are already registered to participate in the call. Media who have not already registered but would like to participate in the teleconference must contact Cheryl Warner at [email protected] or Tabatha Thompson at [email protected], or call 202-358-1100 for call details by 1 p.m.

NASA and Bigelow Aerospace engineering teams monitored the module overnight for structural changes after unsuccessful attempts to fully expand the module Thursday. They have been meeting this morning to discuss the next steps.

The BEAM is a technology demonstration to study expandable habitats in space. It was launched April 8 to the orbiting laboratory aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, and was installed April 16.

Expandable habitats are designed to take up less room on a spacecraft, but provide greater volume for living and working in space, once expanded. This first test of an expandable module will allow investigators to gauge how well the habitat performs and, specifically, how well it protects against solar radiation, space debris and the temperature extremes of space. The module is an example of NASA’s increased commitment to partnering with industry to enable the growth of the commercial use of space.

The International Space Station serves as the world's leading laboratory for conducting cutting-edge microgravity research, and is the primary platform for technology development and testing in space to enable human and robotic exploration of destinations beyond low-Earth orbit, including asteroids and Mars.

Listen to the media teleconference online at:

http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio

Get more information about the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module at:

http://www.nasa.gov/beam

Learn more about the International Space Station at:

http://www.nasa.gov/station
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/27/2016 04:28 pm
Straps, shades of Skylab!! :o

And where is Pete Conrad when we really need him?

Bigelow has had to know exactly how the strap releases work through tons of testing. I suspect the issue isn't the mechanical side but the procedural side. NASA needs assurance, and they want to crunch the numbers before proceeding.

For the younger folks: :)

"Conrad inched his way, hand-over-hand, along the length of the beam to see what was amiss, and precisely as he reached the cutter “end,” the jaws snapped shut, freeing some of the metal strap at 2:01 p.m. and hurling him “ass over teakettles” into space."

http://www.americaspace.com/?p=20346

Not exactly correct, honestly.  The strap cut just fine before Conrad went down to the end of the solar panel arm.  The arm itself stuck after opening only a few degrees; the hinge joint had been predicted to freeze up at that point.  It wasn't designed to sit on orbit undeployed for a long period, its lubrication had all dried up over the long period in a stowed position.  The arm needed help deploying past the "freeze point."

Pete grabbed the rope that had been used to operate the cutter and looped it over the end of the arm.  Joe Kerwin cinched up the line around an antenna up near the airlock.  Pete then went back up to the arm hinge, put the rope over his shoulder, crouched down, put his feet against the outer wall of the workshop -- and stood up.  That pulled the rope taught and pulled on the end of the arm, which overcame the friction in the frozen hinge.  The arm deployed out to 90 degrees from the workshop wall rapidly, the rope came flying out and off the end of the arm with it, and Pete went flying ass-over-teakettle (his own phrasing) and fetched up against the limit of his umbilical.  He used the umbilical to damp his motions and pull himself back to the airlock.

It was Pete Conrad's favorite memory of flying in space, beating out landing on the Moon by a long shot.  And a darned good reason not to send EVA astronauts out to the BEAM module to see if they can't pull those straps away.

Sorry for the mostly OT note, but it's distressing to see that some purportedly respected space history sites can get these details so wrong...
That was my point Doug with the Skylab tale and a risky EVA... Still miss the old "space cowboy" days a bit though... ;D

~Rob
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 05/27/2016 04:29 pm
The BEAM appears to have got fatter but not longer. So it has expanded along the y axis and z axis but not the x axis. The 3 straps go around the circumference so they held the BEAM in the y and z axis.

What stops the BEAM from expanding in the x axis during transport and when attached to the robotic arm?

The two Genesis modules were self inflating. This suggests gas from high pressure tanks was used to inflate them. At the ISS the BEAM is getting small quantities of air at relatively low pressure.

Was the gas flow similar?
Were the Genesis inflations continuous or just a little at a time?
Has their been sufficient gas to cause inflation in 3 dimensions rather than 2?

Has anyone tested inflation using low pressure gas in a vacuum chamber?
(Possibly using a baseball sized object instead of a full BEAM.)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: the_other_Doug on 05/27/2016 04:34 pm
or more likely, pyro-bolt release is hung up or didn't completely sever. this happens too frequently to Soyuz capsules re-entering and having the service module still attached. just ask Astro Peggy Whitson. They may need to inspect exterior w/ RMS and maybe nudge it a little. Beam DID sit around for quite a while in stored config...

There are no pyro-bolts.  There are 3 pyro-cutters.  The restraint straps are cinched down with a cord.  The cord is passed through a guillotine pyro-cutter.  The pyro's fire and cut the cords, releasing tension on the straps.  If you look closely at my post on page 7, you can see the severed ends of the cords hanging away from the rest of the straps. 

Storage is red herring based on RTB's comment.  BEAM was delivered to NASA and shipped to KSC last June, and was in a clean facility since.  Payloads more complex that BEAM sit around for years prior to launch.  Even Bigelow's storage is fairly benign, zero humidity.  You are more likely to find dust bunnies and scorpions in the folds than have them stuck together.

However... didn't the president of Bigelow state, just before the CRS-8 launch, that he wasn't too optimistic about this deployment, due to the amount of time the BEAM module had been compressed/stowed?

ISTR Jeff Faust tweeting that comment either the day before or the day of the CRS-8 launch, and that it was received here on this forum with a lot of "Gee, that's not a very encouraging point of view, for the president of the company to have..."
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 04:37 pm
or more likely, pyro-bolt release is hung up or didn't completely sever. this happens too frequently to Soyuz capsules re-entering and having the service module still attached. just ask Astro Peggy Whitson. They may need to inspect exterior w/ RMS and maybe nudge it a little. Beam DID sit around for quite a while in stored config...

There are no pyro-bolts.  There are 3 pyro-cutters.  The restraint straps are cinched down with a cord.  The cord is passed through a guillotine pyro-cutter.  The pyro's fire and cut the cords, releasing tension on the straps.  If you look closely at my post on page 7, you can see the severed ends of the cords hanging away from the rest of the straps. 

Storage is red herring based on RTB's comment.  BEAM was delivered to NASA and shipped to KSC last June, and was in a clean facility since.  Payloads more complex that BEAM sit around for years prior to launch.  Even Bigelow's storage is fairly benign, zero humidity.  You are more likely to find dust bunnies and scorpions in the folds than have them stuck together.

However... didn't the president of Bigelow state, just before the CRS-8 launch, that he wasn't too optimistic about this deployment, due to the amount of time the BEAM module had been compressed/stowed?

ISTR Jeff Faust tweeting that comment either the day before or the day of the CRS-8 launch, and that it was received here on this forum with a lot of "Gee, that's not a very encouraging point of view, for the president of the company to have..."

Yep, he absolutely said that. Over a year compressed apparently!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/27/2016 04:39 pm
I found the answer about planned inflation and it was originally scheduled for May as per Chris's article...

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/04/beam-iss-installation-dragon-handover/
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rcoppola on 05/27/2016 04:48 pm
or more likely, pyro-bolt release is hung up or didn't completely sever. this happens too frequently to Soyuz capsules re-entering and having the service module still attached. just ask Astro Peggy Whitson. They may need to inspect exterior w/ RMS and maybe nudge it a little. Beam DID sit around for quite a while in stored config...

There are no pyro-bolts.  There are 3 pyro-cutters.  The restraint straps are cinched down with a cord.  The cord is passed through a guillotine pyro-cutter.  The pyro's fire and cut the cords, releasing tension on the straps.  If you look closely at my post on page 7, you can see the severed ends of the cords hanging away from the rest of the straps. 

Storage is red herring based on RTB's comment.  BEAM was delivered to NASA and shipped to KSC last June, and was in a clean facility since.  Payloads more complex that BEAM sit around for years prior to launch.  Even Bigelow's storage is fairly benign, zero humidity.  You are more likely to find dust bunnies and scorpions in the folds than have them stuck together.

However... didn't the president of Bigelow state, just before the CRS-8 launch, that he wasn't too optimistic about this deployment, due to the amount of time the BEAM module had been compressed/stowed?

ISTR Jeff Faust tweeting that comment either the day before or the day of the CRS-8 launch, and that it was received here on this forum with a lot of "Gee, that's not a very encouraging point of view, for the president of the company to have..."

Yep, he absolutely said that. Over a year compressed apparently!
If this was such a concern, then why didn't they uncompress it while in storage since they knew, post F9 failure, that it wasn't going anywhere for a while?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Targeteer on 05/27/2016 04:51 pm
CAPCOM just stated that the depress will proceed
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/27/2016 04:52 pm
Now I'm wondering if there isn't some "stiction" within the bladders themselves...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: tritesnikov on 05/27/2016 05:30 pm
May 27, 2016
MEDIA ADVISORY M16-061

NASA Updates Time for Today’s Media Briefing on Status of Bigelow Expandable Activity Module

NASA has rescheduled today’s media teleconference, originally scheduled for noon EDT, to 2 p.m. for a discussion on the status of the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) installed on the International Space Station. The teleconference will stream live on the agency’s website.

All other call-in details remain the same for media who are already registered to participate in the call. Media who have not already registered but would like to participate in the teleconference must contact Cheryl Warner at [email protected] or Tabatha Thompson at [email protected], or call 202-358-1100 for call details by 1 p.m.

NASA and Bigelow Aerospace engineering teams monitored the module overnight for structural changes after unsuccessful attempts to fully expand the module Thursday. They have been meeting this morning to discuss the next steps.

The BEAM is a technology demonstration to study expandable habitats in space. It was launched April 8 to the orbiting laboratory aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, and was installed April 16.

Expandable habitats are designed to take up less room on a spacecraft, but provide greater volume for living and working in space, once expanded. This first test of an expandable module will allow investigators to gauge how well the habitat performs and, specifically, how well it protects against solar radiation, space debris and the temperature extremes of space. The module is an example of NASA’s increased commitment to partnering with industry to enable the growth of the commercial use of space.

The International Space Station serves as the world's leading laboratory for conducting cutting-edge microgravity research, and is the primary platform for technology development and testing in space to enable human and robotic exploration of destinations beyond low-Earth orbit, including asteroids and Mars.

Listen to the media teleconference online at:

http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio

Get more information about the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module at:

http://www.nasa.gov/beam

Learn more about the International Space Station at:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

Can anyone listen in general to the teleconference or do you need to call in and register? I don't see a link to click to listen to it where a media player starts. Does one appear when a teleconference starts?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Orbital Debris on 05/27/2016 05:35 pm
or more likely, pyro-bolt release is hung up or didn't completely sever. this happens too frequently to Soyuz capsules re-entering and having the service module still attached. just ask Astro Peggy Whitson. They may need to inspect exterior w/ RMS and maybe nudge it a little. Beam DID sit around for quite a while in stored config...

There are no pyro-bolts.  There are 3 pyro-cutters.  The restraint straps are cinched down with a cord.  The cord is passed through a guillotine pyro-cutter.  The pyro's fire and cut the cords, releasing tension on the straps.  If you look closely at my post on page 7, you can see the severed ends of the cords hanging away from the rest of the straps. 

Storage is red herring based on RTB's comment.  BEAM was delivered to NASA and shipped to KSC last June, and was in a clean facility since.  Payloads more complex that BEAM sit around for years prior to launch.  Even Bigelow's storage is fairly benign, zero humidity.  You are more likely to find dust bunnies and scorpions in the folds than have them stuck together.

However... didn't the president of Bigelow state, just before the CRS-8 launch, that he wasn't too optimistic about this deployment, due to the amount of time the BEAM module had been compressed/stowed?

ISTR Jeff Faust tweeting that comment either the day before or the day of the CRS-8 launch, and that it was received here on this forum with a lot of "Gee, that's not a very encouraging point of view, for the president of the company to have..."
I didn't hear what RTB said, but the Foust tweet stated: "Robert Bigelow: BEAM has been bound up for more than a year awaiting launch. We’re not 100% sure of its behavior once in space."

Regardless of whether he was unsure, the specifications for BEAM materials were 2 year on-orbit lifetime, with a 5 year storage life.

Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 05:43 pm
or more likely, pyro-bolt release is hung up or didn't completely sever. this happens too frequently to Soyuz capsules re-entering and having the service module still attached. just ask Astro Peggy Whitson. They may need to inspect exterior w/ RMS and maybe nudge it a little. Beam DID sit around for quite a while in stored config...

There are no pyro-bolts.  There are 3 pyro-cutters.  The restraint straps are cinched down with a cord.  The cord is passed through a guillotine pyro-cutter.  The pyro's fire and cut the cords, releasing tension on the straps.  If you look closely at my post on page 7, you can see the severed ends of the cords hanging away from the rest of the straps. 

Storage is red herring based on RTB's comment.  BEAM was delivered to NASA and shipped to KSC last June, and was in a clean facility since.  Payloads more complex that BEAM sit around for years prior to launch.  Even Bigelow's storage is fairly benign, zero humidity.  You are more likely to find dust bunnies and scorpions in the folds than have them stuck together.

However... didn't the president of Bigelow state, just before the CRS-8 launch, that he wasn't too optimistic about this deployment, due to the amount of time the BEAM module had been compressed/stowed?

ISTR Jeff Faust tweeting that comment either the day before or the day of the CRS-8 launch, and that it was received here on this forum with a lot of "Gee, that's not a very encouraging point of view, for the president of the company to have..."
I didn't hear what RTB said, but the Foust tweet stated: "Robert Bigelow: BEAM has been bound up for more than a year awaiting launch. We’re not 100% sure of its behavior once in space."

Regardless of whether he was unsure, the specifications for BEAM materials were 2 year on-orbit lifetime, with a 5 year storage life.

Doesn't sound like Bigelow is hosing any sales prospects here in terms of the material's capacity. We're all just in new territory. I'm betting, however, that Bigelow Aerospace is going to have to look more carefully about expansion options for unexpanded habitats, especially if they have to stay collapsed on a long-term flight in space. Seems to me, too, that NASA's options to expand BEAM's bladder by ISS air is likely a partial cause of the problem, albeit justified.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/27/2016 05:54 pm
Stream is live for those interested.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Targeteer on 05/27/2016 05:59 pm
dig the funky music
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:00 pm
Stream is live for those interested.

Thanks. With only 30 seconds of it, however, the MUSAK wait music is making me want to fly to space just so I can airlock myself...

Will try to post some highlights as I listen in.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 06:00 pm
Stream is live for those interested.

Amazing elevator music playing ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:03 pm
Not trying to go all party thread on this, but the jazzy saxophones are playing right into BEAM's performance problems.

Presser's started.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 06:11 pm
Everything was going to plan. First steps (closing of valves). Second step was to cut the straps. Last step releasing bulkhead bolts.

All three nominal.

Tried to increase the pressure via the valve. Pressure rose. Was looking for pressure to volume ration. Volume did increase at first. Ran into higher forces than models predicted. Decided to standdown. BEAM did expand even further overnight. Will go ahead with depress process to relax fabric structure inside BEAM. May be able to go back to pressurization tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Graham on 05/27/2016 06:12 pm
If they can't get it expanded tomorrow they will let the air out to get rid of the possibility of it expanding unexpectedly and damaging station structure.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 06:13 pm
ISS im good state. Looking to get BEAM expanded over the weekend. After that Robotics are in the plan, would rather not do with BEAM in this status (could cause vibrations in the arm). Will decide after tomorrow.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 06:15 pm
Question time.

96 inches diameter. 5 inches deeper.

Now at 111 inches and 6 inches.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 06:17 pm
Evaluating how to add the pressure tomorrow. May be higher pressure or a longer amount of adding pressure.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/27/2016 06:17 pm
These non-metric units are triggering me  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:18 pm
AP: Why do you think BEAM has had its problems? Mechanical?

Lisa/Bigelow: Caution was by design. Determined by when the manual inflation valve is open and ensure ISS safety for vehicle loads.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 06:19 pm
Asking if there's a design flaw from being packed up all this time.

Bigelow person doesn't really answer it, saying it's a tech demo. ISS backs them up saying it's a unique learning curve.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:20 pm
Lisa/Bigelow: As a demonstrator, we're gathering data with this conservative approach and determining how reality matches with the modeled response.

NASA representative agrees with the conservative first-time deploy.

In short, "It's our first time. Be gentle."
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 06:22 pm
Will be going through BEAM pressurization tasks tomorrow...but with the back up option of time to depress if it doesn't work.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:23 pm
Jason/NASA: Conservative approach at start of day allows crew time to depressurize if required before end of crew day.

No expected change to the module's events today. Dan/PAO notes NASA will televise BEAM, media advisory to come.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 06:23 pm
Going to be live on NASA TV.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:25 pm
Miles O' Brien: Is there any time factor involved to expansion, including beta angles?

NASA: Hoping to work it before crew down time for weekend, including some robotics work planned. Could leave BEAM alone into middle of next week while other ISS work is done with no harm. No real constraints or environment matters of concern.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 06:25 pm
If tomorrow doesn't go well, it'll be NET Thursday before the next attempt due to robotic ops.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:28 pm
Forbes: What expectations were set on BEAM expansion? Did it meet NASA's expectation to complete that part?

NASA: Again, BEAM is a demonstrator and we did expect some minor issues per the ripstops designed to keep a controlled expansion. But as this test is in microgravity, we have different real data as opposed to the model. The primary problem in the problem yesterday were in friction forces as contributing factor.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:30 pm
NASA: Confident that full expansion will occur, we're just taking our time to measure and understand all the forces for future use and later modules.

Deployment and activation of sensors once inflated and pressurized. The current expansion data collected is invaluable.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mvpel on 05/27/2016 06:30 pm
However... didn't the president of Bigelow state, just before the CRS-8 launch, that he wasn't too optimistic about this deployment, due to the amount of time the BEAM module had been compressed/stowed?

I asked him about it directly following the launch, about his level of confidence, and he gamely replied "100%! As sure as this floor I'm standing on right here." But like they just said on the call, they're confident even today that they're going to get it expanded eventually and they're collecting hugely valuable data in the process of working through it in a stepwise manner.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:33 pm
NASA: Actual pressure levels are low, not much needed: about 10% of the level used in the ISS itself. When depressurized, BEAM looks as pressurized since no external forces will push it to a different shape. By release of pressure, the friction forces were relaxed to encourage further expansion.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:35 pm
Q: Would the long-term storage of BEAM on Earth contributed to deployment issues?

Lisa/Bigelow: Fabric has a memory, so the longer they're compacted, there is an expected delay as the fabric is relaxed with pressurization and depressurization.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:37 pm
NASA: Expansion process was changed (as noted in the thread) by using ISS air for bladder inflation. BEAM's interior air will pressurize interior of module.

That metered approach avoided any loads to the ISS, as opposed to using BEAM's air.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:38 pm
The robotics work is with the Japanese robotics arm, which will be deploying some cubesats.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mvpel on 05/27/2016 06:40 pm
Let Me Google That For You, New York Times.  ::)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:41 pm
Smithsonian Q: Does Bigelow has a version of BEAM that's been sitting as long as the operational vehicle over 18 months? Anything to compare it to?

Lisa/Bigelow: No replica, but we know how the material behaves over long-term compaction. Again, friction may be a little higher than when initially compacted.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:42 pm
Q: Does the passive expansion overnight give confidence to future expansion?

A: NASA concurs, that this "creeping" supports that little is causing any binding that will cause problems later.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:44 pm
Q: If further problems occur, how will BEAM be examined from the outside (EVA)?

A: No EVA in the cards. Confident that non-"creative" means to help BEAM is required.

Read: "That's not a safe or necessary idea."
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 06:44 pm
No plans for an EVA if they can't get it expanded.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 06:45 pm
Robert asking about ingress. Kenny doesn't want to commit to a date.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:46 pm
Leak checks (80 hours) after expansion needed, so we expect the general schedule of BEAM's work to lag ahead.

Q: Any concerns to damaging BEAM during expansion?

A: Lisa: No concerns except minimizing loads to ISS.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 05/27/2016 06:48 pm
Kenny?: A particular mention re: crew ingress.  There's an 80 hour leak check.  That and other tasks must be done before crew ingress.  If a way is found to simultaneously accomplish tasks, then the amount of time to crew ingress could be decreased.

Edit: Earlier in the Q&A, I found it interesting to hear the BEAM structural fabric referred to as "soft goods."
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:49 pm
Q: Why will BEAM be allowed to burn up after its 2 year run? Why the concern over loads?

A: The placement of BEAM could in the worst case, cause a side-load on node 3 that would be bad. That's not expected but that's why the caution is occurring.

BEAM was a 2-year project and is not designed to be recovered. It cannot be collapsed even if there was a vehicle to bring it back.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:51 pm
Final question: Any other uses of the module (if it is successfully expanded)?

A: No concerns, plenty of time to test and study over the years. Want some time to look at data while module is quiet. Decisions to operational use will be determined over time.


(Matt: I guess sending a payload of muiticolored balls later in the operational phase isn't totally off the table)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 06:52 pm
Thanks for the notes Matt.

Sidenote: Kenny Todd sounds like John Wayne to me.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 06:52 pm
Presser's done. :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 05/27/2016 07:06 pm
I missed the initial introductions.
What are Jason and Kenny's full names?  What are their job titles?
Ditto for Lisa from Bigelow.

EDIT: I see Chris' mention that he is Kenny Todd.

Curious,
Zubenelgenubi

EDIT 2: I've found these from several internet sources...

Jason Crusan: NASA, Director of the Advanced Exploration Systems Division

Kenny Todd: NASA, ISS Operations Integration Manager

Lisa Kauke: Bigelow Aerospace, BEAM Deputy Program Manager
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Targeteer on 05/27/2016 07:28 pm
From the evening DPC.  Re-pressurization will start during the crew's "mid-day" so not first thing in the morning...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 07:37 pm
I missed the initial introductions.
What are Jason and Kenny's full names?  What are their job titles?
Ditto for Lisa from Bigelow.

EDIT: I see Chris' mention that he is Kenny Todd.

Curious,
Zubenelgenubi

Working on that. While I type very fast, the leaders spoke and mumbled much faster. The audio should be up for later review to get that.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DaveS on 05/27/2016 07:38 pm
From NASA TV Schedule: (http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/MM_NTV_Breaking.html)

8:30 a.m., Saturday, May 28 - Coverage of the Expansion of the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) at the ISS (Expansion scheduled to begin at approximately 9 a.m. ET) (starts at 8:45 a.m.) (all channels)

Time is Eastern Daylight Savings Time (EDT).
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: catdlr on 05/27/2016 08:05 pm
full version video

NASA/Bigelow Aerospace BEAM Teleconference, May 27, 2016

SpaceKSCBlog

Published on May 27, 2016
On May 27, 2016 representatives of NASA and Bigelow Aerospace held a telephone conference to discuss progress on expanding the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM). The telecon was audio only.

https://youtu.be/0ORytaiBLu4?t=001

https://youtu.be/0ORytaiBLu4
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: John44 on 05/27/2016 08:54 pm
NASA News Audio - Space Station Habitat Expansion Media Teleconference
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9858
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: eeergo on 05/27/2016 09:00 pm
https://twitter.com/NASA/status/736255711395581952 (https://twitter.com/NASA/status/736255711395581952)


Quote from: @NASA
Teams monitored @BigelowSpace (https://twitter.com/BigelowSpace)’s Expandable Activity Module overnight; additional expansion & lower pressure seen.

Gif on the link.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2016 09:13 pm
May 27, 2016
MEDIA ADVISORY M16-062
NASA to Televise Expansion Operations for Bigelow Expandable Activity Module

NASA and Bigelow Aerospace will make a second attempt at 9 a.m. EDT Saturday, May 28, to expand the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM), currently attached to the International Space Station. NASA Television coverage will begin at 8:45 a.m.

During initial operations Thursday to expand BEAM, the module’s length and diameter did not increase with the increased internal pressure, as expected. Teams stood down from operations for the day and engineers depressurized the habitat Friday afternoon.

NASA astronaut Jeff Williams again will lead operations to expand the module while they are in position to work in the sunlight. Designers need daylight and video communication to closely monitor the process. After successful expansion, a series of leak checks, and other preparations, space station astronauts will enter the habitat through the station’s Tranquility module. They will re-enter the module several times a year, throughout the two-year technology demonstration, to retrieve sensor data and assess conditions inside the module.

Expandable habitats are designed to take up less room on a spacecraft, but provide greater volume for living and working in space once expanded. This first test of an expandable module will allow investigators to gauge how well the habitat performs and specifically, how well it protects against solar radiation, space debris and the temperature extremes of space.

BEAM launched April 8 aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, and is an example of NASA’s increased commitment to partnering with industry to enable the growth of the commercial use of space. The BEAM project is co-sponsored by NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems Division and Bigelow Aerospace.

The International Space Station serves as the world's leading laboratory for conducting cutting-edge microgravity research and is the primary platform for technology development and testing in space to enable human and robotic exploration of destinations beyond low-Earth orbit, including asteroids and Mars.

For NASA TV streaming video, schedule and downlink information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv

Get more information about the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module at:

http://www.nasa.gov/beam

Learn more about the International Space Station at:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

-end-
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 05/27/2016 10:06 pm
Sorry for being slightly off topic.
I think the BEAM is differently stowed then the Genesis modules.
Here is a picture of BA's twitter account of Genesis 1 (https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/690297591464988672) during encapsulation.
What you can see is that the module had its full length, only the modules diameter would increase. I think they inflated it by pressurising the module. (I could be wrong).
I don't know if Genesis 2 was like Genesis 1 or if it also was folded lengthwise.

So the BEAM inflation process could be the first time it is tried to inflate a module that expands both length wise and in diameter. It could be the first time they try to inflate a Z-shape folded fabric. And it could be the first time they inflate a module by inflating the walls not the inside of the module.
This skin inflation is necessary for an inflatable airlock. The inside could be pressurized or un-pressurized the module will keep its shape, and be kind of rigid. If the BEAM inflation process works that would give a lot of opportunity for new space stations and exploration modules. But the diameter increase that was used on at least the Genesis 1 module, is also already a very usefull technology. I thing Genesis is inflatable module level 1 and BEAM is level 2.
To be clear I don't know how Genesis 2 was configured during launch. I really hope BEAM will work.
But this might be even more experimental then a lot of assume. I'll keep my fingers crossed tomorrow.   

edit: I would like BEAM to be successful so an new airlock can be send to the ISS, (live expansion to 2034).
 
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/27/2016 10:25 pm
Sorry for being slightly off topic.
I think the BEAM is differently stowed then the Genesis modules.
Here is a picture of BA's twitter account of Genesis 1 (https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/690297591464988672) during encapsulation.
What you can see is that the module had its full length, only the modules diameter would increase. I think they inflated it by pressurising the module. (I could be wrong).
I don't know if Genesis 2 was like Genesis 1 or if it also was folded lengthwise.

So the BEAM inflation process could be the first time it is tried to inflate a module that expands both length wise and in diameter. It could be the first time they try to inflate a Z-shape folded fabric. And it could be the first time they inflate a module by inflating the walls not the inside of the module.
This skin inflation is necessary for an inflatable airlock. The inside could be pressurized or un-pressurized the module will keep its shape, and be kind of rigid. If the BEAM inflation process works that would give a lot of opportunity for new space stations and exploration modules. But the diameter increase that was used on at least the Genesis 1 module, is also already a very usefull technology. I thing Genesis is inflatable module level 1 and BEAM is level 2.
To be clear I don't know how Genesis 2 was configured during launch. I really hope BEAM will work.
But this might be even more experimental then a lot of assume. I'll keep my fingers crossed tomorrow.   

edit: I would like BEAM to be successful so an new airlock can be send to the ISS, (live expansion to 2034).
 

Hi. If you haven't already, you might want to re-read this thread and the Bigelow general thread. Today's press teleconference might also clarify.

Some clarifications:

BEAM has two modes of expansion. It has air tanks inside (as did the Genesis modules) to expand itself by filling the outer bladder-like skin. BEAM is similar. However, as a precaution, this module was being pressurized through the ISS berthing vestibule. This was a deliberately slow process which was not done before, thus the hang-ups on Wednesday.

BEAM was capable of self-expansion, but NASA chose the ISS side for a more controlled expansion that wouldn't put high structural loads on the node where it is attached.

Once BEAM's skin is inflated, the interior is not yet pressurized, as I think you understood. That will be done with the BEAM's interior tanks.

NASA and Bigelow are pretty confident that BEAM will become ready. They're both just enjoying the moment and learning what they can without rushing things or causing problems.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: russianhalo117 on 05/27/2016 11:08 pm
or more likely, pyro-bolt release is hung up or didn't completely sever. this happens too frequently to Soyuz capsules re-entering and having the service module still attached. just ask Astro Peggy Whitson. They may need to inspect exterior w/ RMS and maybe nudge it a little. Beam DID sit around for quite a while in stored config...

There are no pyro-bolts.  There are 3 pyro-cutters.  The restraint straps are cinched down with a cord.  The cord is passed through a guillotine pyro-cutter.  The pyro's fire and cut the cords, releasing tension on the straps.  If you look closely at my post on page 7, you can see the severed ends of the cords hanging away from the rest of the straps. 

Storage is red herring based on RTB's comment.  BEAM was delivered to NASA and shipped to KSC last June, and was in a clean facility since.  Payloads more complex that BEAM sit around for years prior to launch.  Even Bigelow's storage is fairly benign, zero humidity.  You are more likely to find dust bunnies and scorpions in the folds than have them stuck together.
he is referring to the four internal bolts on the inside of the module that acted as launch locks for the interior frame poles that hold the end plate with the grapple fixtures to the interior side of the PCBM the bolts have to be driven to the released position to allow the module to extend length ways. He is not referring to the three straps.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 11:46 am
One hour to NASA TV coverage.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 05/28/2016 12:07 pm
@MattMason
I wanted to point to diferences in the expanding proces of BEAM compared to the Genesis modules. Your point of lower pressure for ISS safety reasons is an additional difference. I've read this thread and know that to deploy BEAM, first a blader is pressurised with air from the ISS, this will cause the depployment of BEAM. Afterwards the nearly rigid, full volume BEAM will be pressurized using aire stored in presure vessels on the inside aft bulkhead of BEAM.
(About 900kg will move aftward uncontrolled during the blader inflation proces. If this moves outwards to fast the CBM inter module connections {node1-3} might be overloaded, with an ISS depresurisation as result. The truss structure might also disintegrate. It is very reasonable to be careful with this proces.)
How shure are you that the Genesis modules were also deployed with this two phase procedure. Or were they deployed by increasing the internal pressure (phase 2 only).
The Genesis modules were 4,4m long, had a launch diameter of 1,6m this was increased to 2,54m in orbit by inflating the module (proces unknown to me).
BEAM was 2,16m long and had a diameter of 2,36m during launch. After the (two phase) inflation proces it will be 4,01m long and 3,23m in diameter. {Source BA website}.
I only wanted to clarify that the BEAM inflation proces is more difficult then the Genesis inflation. The aditional safety precautions (justifiably) imposed  by the ISS safety board are slowing the proces down.
The BEAM deployment didn't go according to the assumed inflation model. I think they have multiple models/procedures that differ in the pressure that is feed into the blader.
Before they moved to a higher presure procedure, the ISS safety board wanted to analize /reaffirm the BEAM inflation proces can NOT jepardise the integrety of the ISS. BEAM will be conected for at least two years to the ISS. There is absolutely no harm in waiting a couple of days, analysing what happned so the deployment didn't happen according to the model of the first procedure. And taking a second look at the risks of using a slightly higher pressure.
I also think it is no desaster if the deployment isn't succesfull today. They could do another attempt with a higher pressure. As long as the ISS stays safe.

I have a question. If the inflation using the blader (I think this is comparable to an inflatable tent.) is unsucccesfull. Might it be possible to deflate the blader, and use the robotarm to increase the length of beam. After the BEAM has it's full length the blader can be pressurized to increase the diameter. If there are leaks in the blader, could they increase the diameter by presurising the module. (Plan E and F).
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 12:41 pm
Here we go boys and girls.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Targeteer on 05/28/2016 12:43 pm
CAPCOM passed a note to Jeff that BEAM was "up against a rip stop stitch" and not to be surprised if he heard something unusual during the initial pressurization steps this morning.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 12:46 pm
Same Orbit 2 team.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 12:48 pm
Hmm, must be a trick of the lighting. Doesn't look attached.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 12:57 pm
NASA PAO Dan Huot is in Navias mode. Really super overview of BEAM Status.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 12:59 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Life_Support_32 on 05/28/2016 01:01 pm
Hmm, must be a trick of the lighting. Doesn't look attached.
Old photo from Install. You see the arm attached in the upper right.


Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:02 pm
Jeff ready to go.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:03 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:05 pm
22 seconds of valve opening!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:06 pm
Hmmm, 22 seconds. Didn't seem to expand yet.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:07 pm
Was depressed before this second attempt, so likely about getting pressure back in first.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:09 pm
MCC-H want 10 minutes to evaluate.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:12 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:13 pm
8 seconds valve opening next.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Garrett on 05/28/2016 01:15 pm
8 second valve opening complete
Jeff Williams reporting popping sounds ("good news" according to capcom)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:15 pm
Eight seconds of valve opening added. Jeff hears popping noises.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:16 pm
Pop, pop, one more pop - Jeff. Good news.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:17 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Garrett on 05/28/2016 01:17 pm
Jeff reports pops, Capcom copies,
Jeff reports pops, Capcom copies,
....
exciting stuff   ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:18 pm
Certainly becoming a bit more "fat".
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: cebri on 05/28/2016 01:19 pm
Looks like it's working.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:21 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jacqmans on 05/28/2016 01:26 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:29 pm
Pop noises are decreasing in frequency - Jeff.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 01:29 pm
Popping continues...  Up to 10" axial...:)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:29 pm
Still moving (mainly in diameter) per MCC-H
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:33 pm
When they get to the next orange line, the straps should split off.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jacqmans on 05/28/2016 01:34 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:39 pm
Adding 3 seconds this time.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:40 pm
Increased popping (good news). MCC-H want a mic on to hear the popping.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jacqmans on 05/28/2016 01:40 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 01:40 pm
Houston request mike for popping sounds... Sounds like popping bubble wrap... ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: cebri on 05/28/2016 01:42 pm
Pop!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:43 pm
Pop pop. Pop POP pop pop POP. <---play by play ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jacqmans on 05/28/2016 01:44 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 01:50 pm
Houston requests mike off, happy with the pop sounds... :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jacqmans on 05/28/2016 01:50 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:52 pm
One more second and then out of KU for over 30 mins.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:54 pm
Jeff asked to get one second in before the KU break...and just as he starts, out of KU. MCC-H found it funny.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 01:55 pm
Current view.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rsnellenberger on 05/28/2016 01:56 pm
Is there any space activity that NASA can't make boring? 

And yet -- here I sit, watching... :-)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 02:27 pm
And we're back....
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 02:39 pm
KU's back.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: robertross on 05/28/2016 02:40 pm
noting a 16 inch increase in length since last
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 02:40 pm
16 inches expansion in length. Shooting for 68 inches
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: cebri on 05/28/2016 02:42 pm
A comparison from earlier today.

(http://i.imgur.com/n6Ebivo.jpg)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 02:43 pm
15.7 psi.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 02:44 pm
One second....goes to 16.2
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: cscott on 05/28/2016 02:45 pm
For those following at home, they are looking at the *base* of the grapple pin (the forty-five degree thingy at bottom).  That is, where the pin intersects the flat round base of the grapple fixture.  That's the reference the on-screen grid is using.  When that point reaches the first orange line, at ~20", the internal stiffening posts will lock.  The goal for today is to reach the second orange line, at 68".
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 02:47 pm
One second did nothing.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Life_Support_32 on 05/28/2016 02:47 pm
15.7 psi.
The unit is in mmHg, not psi. Just to be clear :-)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: daveglo on 05/28/2016 02:50 pm
15.7 psi.
The unit is in mmHg, not psi. Just to be clear :-)
Which converts to 0.3 psi.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/28/2016 02:52 pm
760 mm Hg is about sea level atmospheric (14.7psi).
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 02:55 pm
15.7 psi.
The unit is in mmHg, not psi. Just to be clear :-)

Oops! ;D

This process is sloooooooooooooooow.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: AJA on 05/28/2016 02:56 pm
Is there any space activity that NASA can't make boring? 

And yet -- here I sit, watching... :-)

I know you were being somewhat jocular, and I myself, have been playing the YouTube stream at 2x; but I still had to post a rejoinder. :D

1. Don't grant the premise of your statement :P It's not a Sitcom, but the guys on the net are pretty funny sometimes.
2. "Boring" = nominal, and no problems.
3. Simple way to cut out boring = come back here and read up on whatever's happening, and you'll find yourself swimming in a deluge of information.

And even if you disagree with all that, there are some things that "even NASA" can't make boring: I give you launches and landings.


Anyway, they think they can get it done during this comm pass. Another 50 minutes-ish




Also, now that I think about it, I think there are ton of jokes that this particular activity lends itself to, but none of which would be cleared for airing. :P Especially if kids are watching.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/28/2016 02:56 pm
I'm wondering why they don't crack the valve open just slightly and let air slowly trickle in.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: JBF on 05/28/2016 02:58 pm
I'm wondering why they don't crack the valve open just slightly and let air slowly trickle in.

They are worried about a rapid expansion event would could do interesting things.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/28/2016 02:59 pm
I'm wondering why they don't crack the valve open just slightly and let air slowly trickle in.

They are worried about a rapid expansion event would could do interesting things.

But you would see that coming when the very slow motion stopped for a while, thus storing energy.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rockets4life97 on 05/28/2016 03:00 pm
I hope they let Jeff read a book while he waits for the next instructions. :-)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: robertross on 05/28/2016 03:02 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: AJA on 05/28/2016 03:03 pm
I'm wondering why they don't crack the valve open just slightly and let air slowly trickle in.

They are worried about a rapid expansion event would could do interesting things.

But you would see that coming when the very slow motion stopped for a while, thus storing energy.

They're essentially making the same measurement using pressure variations as a proxy for the expansion. That safe-pressurisation curve which was alluded to earlier.

Btw, not that it's necessary... (now)... but have there ever been any discussions of an EVA aided deployment? Or an IVA-but-with-suits, and connected module depressurised? In case of an anomaly? To have the astronauts yank it out?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 03:05 pm
They are "up against safe pressure curves". Uh oh. That's what scrubbed the first attempt.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 05/28/2016 03:07 pm
They are considering how long opening the valve. My advice: go for 2!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mvpel on 05/28/2016 03:07 pm
Btw, not that it's necessary... (now)... but have there ever been any discussions of an EVA aided deployment? Or an IVA-but-with-suits, and connected module depressurised? In case of an anomaly? To have the astronauts yank it out?

In the telecon yesterday, they essentially flatly ruled out that possibility.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 03:08 pm
They are considering how long opening the valve. My advice: go for 2!

Two seconds! Are you crazy!!! ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: arsenal on 05/28/2016 03:10 pm
5 seconds!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 03:10 pm
FIVE seconds!!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rocketguy101 on 05/28/2016 03:11 pm
They are considering how long opening the valve. My advice: go for 2!

Two seconds! Are you crazy!!! ;)
I see your two, I'll raise you five!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jimbowman on 05/28/2016 03:12 pm
You can do it BEAM!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 03:12 pm
Popping has returned.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 03:13 pm
FIVE seconds!!
A reckless maneuver such as this must have come from the president directly.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: arsenal on 05/28/2016 03:15 pm
"Lots of pops" :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rockets4life97 on 05/28/2016 03:16 pm
I'm guessing 8 seconds next.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: AJA on 05/28/2016 03:17 pm
FIVE seconds!!
A reckless maneuver such as this must have come from the president directly.

Make America inflate again?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: arsenal on 05/28/2016 03:18 pm
There has been a 1.5 inch increase since the last pulse!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 03:18 pm
19 inches...well 18.5, but we all exaggerate length ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Apollo-phill on 05/28/2016 03:19 pm
For future deployments of BEAM type
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 03:20 pm
Looks like a UFO... 8)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 03:21 pm
"Running the numbers" Don't we have computers for this?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Apollo-phill on 05/28/2016 03:21 pm
Could they grapple end of BEAM with RMS during this " manual extension" period to gently " pull" BEAM at same time as air allowed in ?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Davp99 on 05/28/2016 03:22 pm
Not too reassuring is it..
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 03:23 pm
Could they grapple end of BEAM with RMS during this " manual extension" period to gently " pull" BEAM at same time as air allowed in ?
Seems really risky, wouldn't want to damage our arm. I'm sure they really want to know how much air it takes to inflate this thing without pulling on it.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Oersted on 05/28/2016 03:23 pm
Slow and careful is the way to do it. Same as for the solar panels when they deployed them years ago.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mtakala24 on 05/28/2016 03:23 pm
Could they grapple end of BEAM with RMS during this " manual extension" period to gently " pull" BEAM at same time as air allowed in ?

Any sudden movements could damage SSRMS. So,  no.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 03:24 pm
Three seconds next....booo
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rcoppola on 05/28/2016 03:25 pm
Have they used any of the internal Beam Bladder tanks yet or is this still all coming from the ISS? I've lost the narrative thread here..
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/28/2016 03:25 pm
I'm starting to be able to see it inflating, even when it's not.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 03:26 pm
Can you imagine how satisfying it would be to just open that valve and watch the thing pop open? More satisfying than a whole roll of bubble wrap.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: robertross on 05/28/2016 03:26 pm
I'm starting to be able to see it inflating, even when it's not.

In other news, the paint on my walls has dried... (j/k)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: JBF on 05/28/2016 03:27 pm
Have they used any of the internal Beam Bladder tanks yet or is this still all coming from the ISS? I've lost the narrative thread here..

not until 68 inches in length.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: AJA on 05/28/2016 03:28 pm
What's the air temperature in Tranquility? Can they turn off the fans and let it rise a little? Maybe a degree or two? If they pump in slightly hotter air, it may iron out some cold-stiction issues?


(ISSLive - which is apparently no longer hosted, or supported by NASA! - is showing gibberish)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: tjchambers on 05/28/2016 03:30 pm
How does the amount of sunlight on BEAM play into the calculations?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jimbowman on 05/28/2016 03:31 pm
What just happened to Nasa TV?

edit: Nm.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 03:32 pm
I could  think of a couple of pharmaceutical sponsors with logos on the side of BEAM for this event... ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 03:32 pm
Another KU dropout coming, leaving them with only one more window in the day.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Apollo-phill on 05/28/2016 03:35 pm
Thinking how better to improve this process on future deliveries of inflatable modules   Could some form of manual ratchet system be added maybe along midline seam line ?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 03:36 pm
43 secs. total valve-open time so far...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Apollo-phill on 05/28/2016 03:39 pm
Maybe enters athru port in hatch (?)  with the " far end" attached at will become the 68 inch length. As ratchet operates ( by hand or small electric drive) pushes the module outward . Extra length ratchet rail attached as it extends from inside ISS while manual pressure still introduced.   Just a thinking ......☺
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 03:41 pm
43 secs. total valve-open time so far...
I hesitate to call those full seconds  ::) I was counting, Jeff Williams needs a new watch  :P
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 03:42 pm
One second! ONE!!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Apollo-phill on 05/28/2016 03:43 pm
Ratchet would be demounted at end manual deployment phase 68 inch   is withdrawn back piece by piece. Into ISS . Then port sealed and full pressurisation applied ?.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 03:43 pm
One second! ONE!!
Can anyone say "Go-fever"?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: topsphere on 05/28/2016 03:44 pm
Jeff's definition of a second is very different from mine.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 03:45 pm
Eight valve openings so far. 30 minute KU dropout.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: wxmeddler on 05/28/2016 03:45 pm
Jeff's definition of a second is very different from mine.

I heard he said it was actually was 1.8 somthing somthing seconds.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 03:46 pm
That was pulse number 8 before short break till 12:10 ET...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Apollo-phill on 05/28/2016 03:47 pm
Arcas: I was saying it all the time when I had Legionnaires Disease a few years ago 😱  Lucky for me they diagnosed early and went on huge tablet medication for 6 weeks and,obviously, survived !  Maybe BEAM may take 6 weeks recover 😁
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 03:48 pm
Next rip stitch (when they expect some resistance before it pops) is at 22 inches, currently at 16.7

Edit: sorry to be clear, I believe 16.7 is the pressure reading, not inches
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Orbiter on 05/28/2016 03:54 pm
This reminds me of watching the solar array deployment during STS-115. Painfully slow process!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/28/2016 03:56 pm
This reminds me of watching the solar array deployment during STS-115. Painfully slow process!

The same process during STS-120 is an example of the reason this one is going so slowly.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Glom on 05/28/2016 04:04 pm
At least they're actually getting somewhere this time. Is pressure curve okay? They can leave it where it is without having to depress?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DaveS on 05/28/2016 04:05 pm
This reminds me of watching the solar array deployment during STS-115. Painfully slow process!
The S4/P4 and S6 PV array deployments were straight shots to 49% then let the sun heat the blankets for 30 minutes and then resume the deploy to 100%. It wasn't done in tiny increments.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: robertross on 05/28/2016 04:11 pm
coverage has resumed
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jimbowman on 05/28/2016 04:15 pm
Wow
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 04:16 pm
Appears to have broken the 30 inch mark.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 04:16 pm
Pressure now 14.1
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jimbowman on 05/28/2016 04:18 pm
Jeff is just making popcorn.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/28/2016 04:19 pm
Literally sounds like popcorn popping.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 04:19 pm
Sounds like popcorn popping now... :) What Jim and Lee Jay said! LOL ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: K-P on 05/28/2016 04:20 pm
I might just have a glass of Jim Beam for this BEAM moment...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rocketguy101 on 05/28/2016 04:20 pm
Jeff is just making pop corn.
I was just thinking "why am I hungry for some Jiffy Pop popcorn?"  :D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 04:22 pm
This is making some progress now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 04:24 pm
It kind of looks like a head wearing a hat!


28 inches out of 68, come on, give it 5 seconds of air....  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jpfulton314 on 05/28/2016 04:25 pm
Jeff is just making pop corn.
I was just thinking "why am I hungry for some Jiffy Pop popcorn?"  :D

I was thinking the same about bubblewrap.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: sghill on 05/28/2016 04:27 pm
Perhaps a SpaceX techno beat will liven up the coverage...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 04:27 pm
10 second valve action.


Nope, changed it to four seconds.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 04:27 pm
Go for 2 second pulse... Now changed to 4 second instead...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/28/2016 04:28 pm
4 second pulse coming.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 04:28 pm
4 seconds instead of 2, woohoo!  :o
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Llian Rhydderch on 05/28/2016 04:33 pm
NASA in 2016:  4 seconds of air = popcorn sounds on audio.

Making all hungry.  Pavlov's Dog reflex.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 04:35 pm
30.5 inches extended...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 04:37 pm
One more second
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 04:38 pm
Pressure 15.8
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 04:41 pm
32 inches in length now, 118 in diameter.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 04:43 pm
2 more seconds of air.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 04:43 pm
Two more seconds.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 04:45 pm
Needs to relay, 1 one thousand, 2 one thousand... instead of 1, 2.  ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: ZeeNL on 05/28/2016 04:46 pm
Did a tiny piece come off of BEAM? There seems to be something floating to the right.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 04:47 pm
One more second.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 04:50 pm
34 inches in length, 118 diameter.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 04:50 pm
2 more seconds of air.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 04:51 pm
Two more seconds.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Hankelow8 on 05/28/2016 04:52 pm
My wife thinks I am daft watching the Beam extension process !.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: cebri on 05/28/2016 04:55 pm
34 inches in length, 118 diameter.

Translation for metric system fans.  :D

60.9 cm in length, 299,72 cm diameter.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 04:57 pm
Any idea how long till the next KU drop out?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: AJA on 05/28/2016 04:58 pm
Chris, can you swing the inside scoop on the process by which an ISS Flight Control Team/Expedition member was allocated to this task? I think they all lost at rock paper scissors.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 05/28/2016 04:59 pm
Any idea how long till the next KU drop out?

NASA PAO said that there should be none for the rest of the day.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rocketguy101 on 05/28/2016 05:01 pm
I found an article http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20160001632.pdf (http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20160001632.pdf) on testing of the BEAM wall material...it is no wonder they are taking their time inflating this...it isn't a simple "air bag"

pics from the pdf

edit: added the Bigelow cross section
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Ttt_Poland on 05/28/2016 05:02 pm
NASA control room :-)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 05:04 pm
Yeah, because we all speak Polish? ;)

Meanwhile:
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 05:08 pm
A few pops, Jeff doing some other work in between pulses...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: cebri on 05/28/2016 05:13 pm
"BIG" 1 second  ???
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 05/28/2016 05:23 pm
Yeah, because we all speak Polish? ;)

Meanwhile:

Neither do I. But the guy in white looks like he has a BEAM module as a hat.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 05:24 pm
A "Lavish" one second!  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jpfulton314 on 05/28/2016 05:25 pm
Lavish ONE second.

Glad that the CAPCOM has a sense of humor :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: daveglo on 05/28/2016 05:31 pm
Yeah, because we all speak Polish? ;)

Meanwhile:

Neither do I. But the guy in white looks like he has a BEAM module as a hat.
"Fire, Water, Mushroom"

"May the force be with us."

No accounting for Polish humor!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 05:32 pm
37 inches now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: IRobot on 05/28/2016 05:33 pm
Is there a pressure compensation on ISS side, for the increased overall volume?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rpapo on 05/28/2016 05:33 pm
When did this become a party thread?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 05:34 pm
When did this become a party thread?

When we all became rather bored with "Ok, let's have one more second and then discuss it for 15 minutes" ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rocketguy101 on 05/28/2016 05:40 pm
sorry...couldn't resist...this has been staring at me for a long time...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jcm on 05/28/2016 05:42 pm
When did this become a party thread?

When we all became rather bored with "Ok, let's have one more second and then discuss it for 15 minutes" ;)

What are you saying? I'm on the edge of my seat here!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: wxmeddler on 05/28/2016 05:47 pm
Another 1 sec burst (#16)
Edit: #16 not 15...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rcoppola on 05/28/2016 05:49 pm
Another 1 sec burst (#15)
Was it a Lavish one or a regular one?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: topsphere on 05/28/2016 05:51 pm
This thread is making the inflation process slightly more bearable to watch  :D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: wxmeddler on 05/28/2016 05:52 pm
Another 1 sec burst (#16)
Was it a Lavish one or a regular one?

Non-Lavish... 1 "popcorn" pop that went along with it.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 05:52 pm
PAO Dan is thanking people for sticking by them during the coverage.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 05:57 pm
PAO Dan is thanking people for sticking by them during the coverage.

I tried really hard, but I had to run out and grab some chicken as I was starving! Came back and it had move 1.5 inches. Woohoo!!!

This must be what snail racing enthusiasts feel.  8)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Antilope7724 on 05/28/2016 06:00 pm
So here we sit, looking at the fabric of space time and its seemed to have slowed down.  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: wxmeddler on 05/28/2016 06:00 pm
Sound is back (via Youtube stream) hearing some popcorn pops.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: martin_nv on 05/28/2016 06:02 pm
Is there a microphone inside the module?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MrHollifield on 05/28/2016 06:04 pm
The microphone is in Node 3. We are hearing with Jeff Williams is hearing.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rcoppola on 05/28/2016 06:05 pm
Wonder what the pops will sound like when the B330 is being expanded....
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Star One on 05/28/2016 06:07 pm
I came back to this thread expecting the process to be completed. But no it's still in progress. Talk about taking things slow & steady.:)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: wxmeddler on 05/28/2016 06:11 pm
+1 sec (#17)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Jeff Lerner on 05/28/2016 06:15 pm
Just curious....obviously Bigelow did extensive testing of the expansion process...is there any information on what their expectations were with regards to length of time to complete this phase ??...perhaps what might appear to be a slow and lengthy process is in line with what Bigelow expected ?.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 06:16 pm
39.5 inches length with a diameter of 120 inches now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: todd5ski on 05/28/2016 06:17 pm
Can BEAMs length lose an inch if the diameter grows enough?  LOL
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 06:19 pm
The good news is this 40 inch expansion mark is a milestone. After this the air can be added with more frequency. Aim is 68 inches.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 06:19 pm
Said process can get a bit quicker (can you believe that :) ) as once through 40 inches can take increased pressure
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 06:21 pm
Sounds like they are going to turbocharge this snail! Hang on to your seats folks.  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: taavi_p on 05/28/2016 06:22 pm
I'm watching two video streams at once, NASA stream and White tailed eagle nest stream (http://www.looduskalender.ee/n/node/67). There's more going on in the last one.

I think they should leave the ISS mic open all the time, popping sounds would add some dynamics to the otherwise static picture.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Borklund on 05/28/2016 06:24 pm
The good news is this 40 inch expansion mark is a milestone. After this the air can be added with more frequency. Aim is 68 inches.
Is that the full/maximum expansion BEAM is capable of?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Apollo-phill on 05/28/2016 06:24 pm
Once BEAM gets to the magic 68 inches, that's roughly average male height along the midline hatch to 68 inch end.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Davp99 on 05/28/2016 06:28 pm
Has anyone (NASA,Beam people).. figured out why this inflation problem ?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: francesco nicoli on 05/28/2016 06:30 pm
Has anyone (NASA,Beam people).. figured out why this inflation problem ?

what inflation problem? so far so good.... and remember, the mandate is to maintain inflation close, but below, 2 inches per hour.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 06:30 pm
Has anyone (NASA,Beam people).. figured out why this inflation problem ?

Not clear there is a problem today. Yesterday probably due to being in storage for a year prior to launch. They are being very cautious about following pressure curves today. I do wonder if, once this us complete, they'll revise them for the future.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Davp99 on 05/28/2016 06:34 pm
I read that it would only take 1 hour to inflate...going on 3 days now...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Apollo-phill on 05/28/2016 06:34 pm
Looking at ROBO trap overlay, looks like its right on 40 inch mark now
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Apollo-phill on 05/28/2016 06:35 pm
Trap should read graph -
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 06:39 pm
One more sec, 59th total...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 06:42 pm
Is this the point that Mr Bigelow realises that they've put the company logo on the wrong side of BEAM?!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Joffan on 05/28/2016 06:43 pm
Once BEAM gets to the magic 68 inches, that's roughly average male height along the midline hatch to 68 inch end.

Not forgetting though that 68 inches is the expansion quantity - the unexpanded module was 50 inches or so; the "critical" 68" expansion gives a total length of 118".

And if we want some terminology for the two ends of the module we could borrow from medical books: the hatch end is proximal and the grapple end is distal.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 05/28/2016 06:44 pm
Has anyone (NASA,Beam people).. figured out why this inflation problem ?

The BEAM got wider but not longer. NASA heard noises and panicked. Now getting longer so inflation is continuing.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: seawolfe on 05/28/2016 06:45 pm
Is this the point that Mr Bigelow realises that they've put the company logo on the wrong side of BEAM?!

Maybe it's a teabag just expanding in hot water. :D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 06:49 pm
Currently holding at 40 inches in length and 120 inches in diameter. Possible workday constraints approaching as the teams work on the plan forward.

Waiting on pressure to settle before next step.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Dante80 on 05/28/2016 06:53 pm
2s more.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 06:53 pm
2 second burst, not lavish ones.

 :)

19th time open, just over a minute total now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: robertross on 05/28/2016 06:54 pm
now 2 seconds of air
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 06:55 pm
Won't depress, but may not be able to finish the job today.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: taavi_p on 05/28/2016 06:56 pm
BEAM looks so small compared to the Tranquility module next to it. And yet it is larger than Dragon V2.

BEAM's internal volume: 16 m3.
Dragon V2's pressurized volume: 10 m3.

Makes you think how can Dragon V2 accommodate seven persons and still be comparatively roomy.

EDIT: spelling
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 06:57 pm
No need to depress if they stop, no constraints, if not finished today they will finish tomorrow and then pressurize, while giving the crew off on Monday. 

Jeff states he is happy to go as long as they want today.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: e of pi on 05/28/2016 06:57 pm
Jeff saying he's down for staying up to continue work as long as Houston wants to. Sounds like we on the ground aren't the only ones who want this sucker deployed. :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 06:57 pm
BEAM looks so small compared to the Tranquility module next to it. And yet it is larger than Dragon V2.

BEAM's internal volume: 16 m3.
Dragon V2's pressurized volume: 10 m3.

Makes you think how can Dragon V2 accommodate seven persons and still be comparitively spacey.
The Dragon V2 pictures we've seen have all been bare metal. I guarantee it'll look like Soyuz when they actually launch it.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:02 pm
40.5 inches in length now, 120 inches in diameter.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 07:02 pm
I think the most important lesson we learned from this is to inflate BEFORE you dock  ;) This is so tedious.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: seawolfe on 05/28/2016 07:02 pm
BEAM looks so small compared to the Tranquility module next to it. And yet it is larger than Dragon V2.

BEAM's internal volume: 16 m3.
Dragon V2's pressurized volume: 10 m3.

Makes you think how can Dragon V2 accommodate seven persons and still be comparitively spacey.
The Dragon V2 pictures we've seen have all been bare metal. I guarantee it'll look like Soyuz when they actually launch it.

You mean it will even LESS roomier than the Apollo capsule?

Edit: staying on topic.........that BEAM looks like a beach ball right now.   ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 07:03 pm
BEAM looks so small compared to the Tranquility module next to it. And yet it is larger than Dragon V2.

BEAM's internal volume: 16 m3.
Dragon V2's pressurized volume: 10 m3.

Makes you think how can Dragon V2 accommodate seven persons and still be comparitively spacey.
The Dragon V2 pictures we've seen have all been bare metal. I guarantee it'll look like Soyuz when they actually launch it.

You mean it will even LESS roomier than the Apollo capsule?
Probably. The reason they are only launching 4 people is because they want to use the rest of the volume for supplies.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: redliox on 05/28/2016 07:04 pm
Now it looks like a fat mushroom.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Apollo-phill on 05/28/2016 07:05 pm
For most of us " Beamers" watching BEAM expand, I'd guess that most of " Beamers" are have probably expanded slowly through lack of exercise today ☺
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 07:12 pm
I reckon they are close to calling it for the day.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Davp99 on 05/28/2016 07:13 pm
Back to the drawing boards...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:14 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Apollo-phill on 05/28/2016 07:15 pm
How quickly did the Genesis modules expand ?

Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:17 pm
1 minute 1 second of air has been released into the module today. Likely to resume tomorrow morning if not complete today.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:18 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 07:19 pm
Now at 42 inches length

Edit: the announcer seemed quite excited to be able to say there had been as much as 1.5 inches growth!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Ttt_Poland on 05/28/2016 07:20 pm
Somebody have some knowledge re this ?   thanks a lot from Poland
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: nadreck on 05/28/2016 07:24 pm
How likely is it that by the time they wake up tomorrow morning the beamer faerie has fully expanded it? It seems to have been 2 inches on the robo view since the last valve opening. So if we were 2/3rds done the pressure should only have to drop by 50% go from here to full? It seems to me that might accomplish the task.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Davp99 on 05/28/2016 07:27 pm
There's an Old Union saying...Don't kill the job..
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 07:30 pm
Overtime...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:30 pm
Going to press on a bit longer as the crew is good with it.
Still getting "infrequent popping" noises.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 07:31 pm
MCC want to keep going.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 07:31 pm
Pressure now 13.4 so lower than a while back. Surely some scope then for a long 2 second burst?!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:31 pm
Brace yourself, 8 seconds this time!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: robertross on 05/28/2016 07:31 pm
Well, Fluke certainly couldn't buy better advertising (not that they ever needed it)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 07:31 pm
EIGHT seconds people!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 07:32 pm
Brace yourself 8 seconds! :o
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Retired Downrange on 05/28/2016 07:32 pm
OMG.. 8 seconds!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:32 pm
8 second valve turn.

Sounds like Jiffy Pop, if you know that.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 07:32 pm
popping corn again... :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:33 pm
Lots of pops, sounds like rapid popcorn now.

Most pops I have heard in awhile!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 07:33 pm
You can SEE it expanding now!!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:33 pm
1 minute 9 seconds of air in it now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: AJA on 05/28/2016 07:34 pm
That's a lot of popping this time. Sounds metallic
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Cherokee43v6 on 05/28/2016 07:34 pm
How quickly did the Genesis modules expand ?

Not sure if the information would be relevant.

My understanding is that the primary reason for the conservative inflation effort is that they do not know what effects rapid inflation would have on the rest of the ISS complex. 

Think about that air mattress you have in your closet for when guests come over.  Lets say you only partially unroll it before you hook up the pump.  Now you're putting air in it and it suddenly unrolls the rest of the way, knocking over an end-table and breaking the lamp on it. 

BEAM is that partially rolled up mattress.  No it won't hit anything else, but the act of suddenly expanding to full length will put unexpected stresses on the point where it is berthed to the station and on the surrounding structure.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:35 pm
I am actually seeing it move! Like holy crap!

What a change.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:35 pm
Williams - "That sounds like what we've been waiting for all day."
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mainmind on 05/28/2016 07:36 pm
Somebody have some knowledge re this ?   thanks a lot from Poland

@Ttt_Poland - As far as I know the BEAM isn't hooked in to any cooling loops and definitely isn't getting plumbed for atmospherics. Any heating or cooling will probably be passive. According to its wikipedia article, it has neither windows nor internal wiring. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bigelow_Expandable_Activity_Module#Characteristics

At 15:32 EDT, the narrator said that the popping is rip-stitching coming apart which indicates expansion. Anyone know what the rip-stitches were holding together?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 07:36 pm
Look at it go!!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 07:36 pm
Looks FIFA approved now... ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MKremer on 05/28/2016 07:37 pm
How quickly did the Genesis modules expand ?

A bit of a different animal. Genesis mostly only needed to expand its diameter, it was already almost at full length. BEAM needs to expand in both directions (and has internal 'constraints' keep from doing so quickly, thus the "popping" noises).
Also, Genesis was a free-flyer and didn't have to worry about sudden jerks or vibrations when expanding.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:37 pm
looks to be about 54 inches now on the scale.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: e of pi on 05/28/2016 07:37 pm
I read that it would only take 1 hour to inflate...going on 3 days now...
The short story is that they're putting air in a lot slower than planned.

The reason why appears to have to do with the packing and the duration spend in storage between completion and deployment to ISS on Dragon. During the initial inflation attempt Thursday, they saw some binding up ("stiction") between the layers of the module's soft goods.

There's two ways to deal with that:
1) Inflate very slowly, with lots of time for the pressure to gently ease the layers over one another.
2) Crank open a lot of pressure and let big pressure transients overwhelm the stiction forces and inflate the entire module at once.

The latter is, AIUI, how the Bigelow modules Genesis I and II were inflated, but inflating like that has a risk of transient forces and loads on ISS--think of the force of air blowing through one of the tube guys at a car dealership, and how it whips around. Thus, NASA's instead going with the first option: slow and steady inflation.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:37 pm
Looking for 68" before internal pressurization.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:40 pm
Now at 56" long, 123" diameter.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 07:40 pm
16 inches of expansion in five minutes! ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:40 pm
Now at 56 inches in length, 123 inches in diameter.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 07:41 pm
56 inches people, 56! :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:41 pm
10 second burst!!!  :o
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 07:42 pm
Going for it! 10 seconds of valve opening!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:42 pm
10 seconds
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:42 pm
1 minute 19 seconds total air into BEAM. She's moving!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Borklund on 05/28/2016 07:43 pm
This is better than watching paint dry.

But only by a little bit.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 07:43 pm
popping action...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Graham on 05/28/2016 07:43 pm
I couldn't resist  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Cherokee43v6 on 05/28/2016 07:43 pm
10 second burst!!!  :o

Lets not use the 'B' word... hmmmm?  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:44 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rocketguy101 on 05/28/2016 07:44 pm
i didn't catch exact numbers, but it looked like pressure went from 11 something to about 13.6 after the 10 sec?  lot more volume now to fill with each pressure cycle, like they want it
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 07:44 pm
Wow, they really want to get this finished today after all!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:45 pm
59 inches now. 125 in diameter
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:45 pm
59"
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 07:45 pm
Wow, they really want to get this finished today after all!
Maybe, as the pressure of BEAM gets closer to the ISS pressure, each second of air has less of a relative effect.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:45 pm
Hold on to your seats 14 seconds now!!!!  :o
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 07:45 pm
14 seconds OMG!!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 07:46 pm
14 seconds!!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:46 pm
14 seconds
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jimbowman on 05/28/2016 07:46 pm
This is getting way too intense for me.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:47 pm
1 minute 33 seconds of air in BEAM now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rocketguy101 on 05/28/2016 07:47 pm
pressure 15.8 mmHg after that last epic cycle of the valve...it will start dropping as the volume expands

edit: corrected pressure unit
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Eric Hedman on 05/28/2016 07:47 pm
We are a bunch of geeks sitting in front of computers watching this on Memorial Day weekend.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:48 pm
currently is 125 inches in diameter.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: SWGlassPit on 05/28/2016 07:48 pm
Saw a few rather sudden lurches.

Looks like the ISS loads and dynamics folks will have some work to do on Tuesday to make sure there weren't any exceedances.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 07:49 pm
Saw a few rather sudden lurches.

Looks like the ISS loads and dynamics folks will have some work to do on Tuesday to make sure there weren't any exceedances.
I have a feeling there is more load on the ISS when someone is running on the treadmill than these little bumps.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:49 pm
63 inches in length, 127 diameter now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:50 pm
15 seconds!!!!!  :o
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 07:50 pm
15 seconds!! ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 07:50 pm
Lots of popping again
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 07:50 pm
We are a bunch of geeks sitting in front of computers watching this on Memorial Day weekend.
It's my birthday this weekend... Yesterday I got a candle lit and today a balloon! :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:50 pm
127" diameter (full) and 63" long (5" short)
15 seconds
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:51 pm
1 minute and 48 seconds air in it now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Eric Hedman on 05/28/2016 07:51 pm
We are a bunch of geeks sitting in front of computers watching this on Memorial Day weekend.
It's my birthday this weekend... Yesterday I got a candle lit and today a balloon! :)
Happy Birthday!! ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 07:52 pm
I'm predicting 20 seconds next  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:54 pm
66 inches in length now!!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 07:54 pm
66"!!!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:54 pm
30 seconds of air!!! omg!!!!  ;D :o
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:54 pm
66"
And as noted, 30 seconds
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Borklund on 05/28/2016 07:55 pm
Thirty seconds!

Be still my heart
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 07:55 pm
30 Seconds!!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: seawolfe on 05/28/2016 07:55 pm
I'm predicting 20 seconds next  ;D

You lose!  30 seconds!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mainmind on 05/28/2016 07:55 pm
I'm predicting 20 seconds next  ;D

30 seconds - you undershot it!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:55 pm
24 valve openings, 2 minutes and 18 seconds of air now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 07:55 pm
30 seconds!!.... falls off chair...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Davp99 on 05/28/2016 07:56 pm
Miles O'Brien is having Fun with this on Twitter..
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 07:56 pm
Do seconds have a different value in space?  ;) I counted only 25
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 07:57 pm
Popping has stopped, so that has to be it now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 07:58 pm
66.5"
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 07:58 pm
Diameter is 127 inches, length is now 66.5 inches.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 07:58 pm
Lost my internet feed, switched to cable back-up... :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 07:58 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: seawolfe on 05/28/2016 07:59 pm
I keep hearing about doing the pressurization next but is that happening today or at another time?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Svetoslav on 05/28/2016 08:00 pm
Much thanks for the great coverage, people! After a horrible day, you're making my eyes happy!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mtakala24 on 05/28/2016 08:02 pm
9s more
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:03 pm
Here's the 9 second flow
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 08:05 pm
Length is now 67 inches now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:05 pm
1 inch to go!!! :o
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 08:06 pm
67 inches.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: tjchambers on 05/28/2016 08:06 pm
Time for beast mode.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: SWGlassPit on 05/28/2016 08:06 pm
Saw a few rather sudden lurches.

Looks like the ISS loads and dynamics folks will have some work to do on Tuesday to make sure there weren't any exceedances.
I have a feeling there is more load on the ISS when someone is running on the treadmill than these little bumps.

This is quite a bit more mass than a crewmember.  It's also directly attached to a CBM, unlike the treadmill, which has a vibration isolation system to minimize the loads imparted to ISS structure.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:06 pm
Still getting random pops.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 08:07 pm
Imagine doing this with a BA330  :-[ They would have to pressurize it before docking.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: nicp on 05/28/2016 08:08 pm
I assume there are strain gauges and/or other instrumentation so static and dynamic loads are known?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 08:08 pm
Looking to call it good at 67 inches.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 08:09 pm
Profile is rounder than I expected - I assume internal pressurisation won't change it much?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 08:09 pm
"Meh, it's just one inch. Close enough"

              - NASA
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Apollo-phill on 05/28/2016 08:10 pm
Perhaps the layers need an a Teflonr anti- stick surface adding on the overlaying areas ?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 08:10 pm
https://twitter.com/milesobrien/status/736650368080285699


 ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 08:10 pm
Declaring manual inflation complete!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:11 pm
Profile is rounder than I expected - I assume internal pressurisation won't change it much?
There is a model on the desk to the left of CAPCOM (guy wearing white shirt)... ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:11 pm
CAPCOM Jessica Muir with the call to press on to pressurization.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:13 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 08:14 pm
Not sure what's happening, but sounds productive.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Retired Downrange on 05/28/2016 08:14 pm
😃😃😃

Miles O'Brien ‏@milesobrien
Good enuf for government work. #NASA gives itself a touchdown one inch shy of the #BEAM goal line. No one calling for review after long day.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:15 pm
Extension of BEAM complete! Thanks a lot guys I'm breathing again... :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 08:15 pm
At 10 minutes past the hour, manual inflation was COMPLETE! Now into Press to complete via eight internal air tanks.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: beentheredengthat on 05/28/2016 08:16 pm
pressure 15.8 mm after that last epic cycle of the valve...it will start dropping as the volume expands

excuse me, but what is that measure of pressure? not mm of Hg?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mtakala24 on 05/28/2016 08:16 pm
Are they pressing ahead with internal tanks today?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DaveS on 05/28/2016 08:17 pm
pressure 15.8 mm after that last epic cycle of the valve...it will start dropping as the volume expands

excuse me, but what is that measure of pressure? not mm of Hg?
It is mmHg.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:17 pm
Are they pressing ahead with internal tanks today?
Looks like...Here we go!! :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: seawolfe on 05/28/2016 08:18 pm
Dueling Flukes?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mainmind on 05/28/2016 08:18 pm
Nice free advertising for Fluke whenever they show an inside shot with the control panel. Two of the multimeters in clear view each time.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:19 pm
Opening the tanks.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: beentheredengthat on 05/28/2016 08:19 pm
pressure 15.8 mm after that last epic cycle of the valve...it will start dropping as the volume expands

excuse me, but what is that measure of pressure? not mm of Hg?
It is mmHg.
thanks, that's what I thought, but seems so low to be proceeding so carefully
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 08:20 pm
That controller looks so satisfying. Two switches and a big red button is all you get.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Eric Hedman on 05/28/2016 08:22 pm
That controller looks so satisfying. Two switches and a big red button is all you get.
I was thinking it looks like it was straight out of a 1950s Sci-Fi movie.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 08:23 pm
Go to power up, power light is green.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:23 pm
Go to proceed with power-up! STATUS-READY...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 08:23 pm
Here we go!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:24 pm
Deployment controller power up - yellow light is on.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 08:24 pm
Status is Ready!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:25 pm
A close up.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jimbowman on 05/28/2016 08:25 pm
Technology these days
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Craig_VG on 05/28/2016 08:25 pm
Creative camera work ensues. Who else is helping Jeff?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 08:25 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Borklund on 05/28/2016 08:25 pm
A close up.
Too close according to CAPCOM
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:26 pm
Trying to get a view of both
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 08:26 pm
Working with broadcast cameras daily, they need a cam with a better dynamic range. the backlight is too much for the cam.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: seawolfe on 05/28/2016 08:27 pm
The Capcom just wants Jeffy to move the furniture again.  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rocketguy101 on 05/28/2016 08:28 pm
That controller looks so satisfying. Two switches and a big red button is all you get.
guess they should have added a pressure readout to the panel :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Prober on 05/28/2016 08:28 pm
ready
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 08:28 pm
That controller looks so satisfying. Two switches and a big red button is all you get.
guess they should have added a pressure readout to the panel :)
Or a brightness setting  ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:29 pm
They're happy with this view.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:29 pm
Jumper config check... All's go...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MKremer on 05/28/2016 08:30 pm
Working with broadcast cameras daily, they need a cam with a better dynamic range. the backlight is too much for the cam.

Or a different display for the controller. (light on dark, no backlight)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:33 pm
Looking for the Deployment Status to change to ISV Sequencing.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 08:33 pm
He pushed the big red button  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 08:33 pm
Will see ISV sequencing on display when pressurisation is in progress. Expect it to take 10 mins from then
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Prober on 05/28/2016 08:34 pm
go, now we wait
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:34 pm
Pressurization initiated...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 08:35 pm
Pressurization has begun, and the gauge is increasing. More popcorn noise now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mainmind on 05/28/2016 08:35 pm
Creative camera work ensues. Who else is helping Jeff?

I think it's the Brit - Tim Peake helping out. Heard his voice earlier.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 08:35 pm
Pressure meter is going up :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: seawolfe on 05/28/2016 08:35 pm
He pushed the big red button  ;D

You mean he launched those secret ISS missiles?  :o
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 08:36 pm
10 minutes of pressurization... holy cow man!  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 08:36 pm
10 minute press!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:36 pm
See the meter reading on the left increase.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: wxmeddler on 05/28/2016 08:36 pm
Hooobooy, look at that multimeter climb!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Prober on 05/28/2016 08:36 pm
pressing
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:38 pm
400mm...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Eric Hedman on 05/28/2016 08:38 pm
So will this pressurization give BEAM the extra inch it wants?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 08:38 pm
Looking for 762 on multimeter
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Prober on 05/28/2016 08:39 pm
3 min  plus
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:39 pm
600mm...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: wxmeddler on 05/28/2016 08:39 pm
760mm is 1 atmosphere.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:40 pm
700mm...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 08:41 pm
I guess a loud pop now would be bad ...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:41 pm
760mm...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Prober on 05/28/2016 08:42 pm
close to station press
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:42 pm
About the same pressure as the station now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 05/28/2016 08:43 pm
778 now.

And with that party peeps I am out. Behave BEAM, the wife calls!

:)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: AJA on 05/28/2016 08:43 pm
I guess a loud pop now would be bad ...

Why?

Also, why've they gone past 1 atm (discounting the possibility of measurement error margins)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:43 pm
791mm...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 08:43 pm
Multimeter change slowing
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Arcas on 05/28/2016 08:43 pm
I guess a loud pop now would be bad ...

Why?

Also, why've they gone past 1 atm (discounting the possibility of measurement error margins)
That would mean the module popped like a balloon  :P
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:45 pm
807mm... Complete!! 8)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:45 pm
11 & a half minutes
ISV Success
VC Complete
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 08:46 pm
DONE!!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:46 pm
That's pretty much it for today.
Ingress in about a week.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: AJA on 05/28/2016 08:46 pm
Oh sure. It concludes right at the same time as the end of regulation time for the UCL Final. No conspiracy there at all. :P
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: wxmeddler on 05/28/2016 08:46 pm
Didn't get that extra inch anyway...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2016 08:46 pm
Pete's article updated ;D

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/05/iss-inflatable-module-beam-expansion/
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 08:48 pm
807 mm final number, within expected range
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Prober on 05/28/2016 08:48 pm
complete  ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rockets4life97 on 05/28/2016 08:49 pm
Doesn't look quite as pretty and smooth on the outside as the mock up drawings...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: okan170 on 05/28/2016 08:50 pm
Doesn't look quite as pretty and smooth on the outside as the mock up drawings...

Certainly a challenge for 3D as well!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mainmind on 05/28/2016 08:50 pm
Didn't get that extra inch anyway...

If they're only measuring the final deployed length via the camera overlay perhaps there's an error in the placement of the camera? It looks like its one of the RMS cameras. Anyone know if that's correct? If so, it's a big arm, it would be a bit off from where they want it to be - just a few centimeters of range difference from desired could result in the apparent size of the BEAM not being the full length?

Can someone confirm what camera has that overlay on it?
Anyone know how they're measuring the deployed length?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:50 pm
Equalization pressure to 780mm...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:51 pm
A little higher than they wanted.  Gonna equalize to 780.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 08:51 pm
Opening valve for 10s
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mr. mark on 05/28/2016 08:54 pm
Hmm, the exterior looks nothing like the illustrations. I guess it does the job. I guess that how you say, winning ugly.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Borklund on 05/28/2016 08:54 pm
Quality live thread. See you all a week from now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:55 pm
Didn't get that extra inch anyway...

If they're only measuring the final deployed length via the camera overlay perhaps there's an error in the placement of the camera? It looks like its one of the RMS cameras. Anyone know if that's correct? If so, it's a big arm, it would be a bit off from where they want it to be - just a few centimeters of range difference from desired could result in the apparent size of the BEAM not being the full length?

Can someone confirm what camera has that overlay on it?
Anyone know how they're measuring the deployed length?
I would imagine they would have calibrated this on some station structure from the same distance.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:55 pm
Leak checks over the week... No date for ingress yet...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Prober on 05/28/2016 08:55 pm
complete
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DwightM on 05/28/2016 08:56 pm
End of coverage.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/28/2016 08:58 pm
Congrats to NASA, Bigelow and to the NSF team, well done! :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/28/2016 08:59 pm
Congratulations to Bigelow on finally getting NASA's 20 year old idea to this point.

Thanks to all for the great coverage. There's something to be said for a more sedate space activity, nicely complemented the cricket coverage :D

Edit: grrr, auto-correct ...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Eric Hedman on 05/28/2016 09:04 pm
Is it my imagination, or an optical illusion, but the right end of the module in this view doesn't seem quite parallel to the berthing hatch plane?

I am also curious if they are going to measure more precisely from inside or outside the final deployment dimensions.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rcoppola on 05/28/2016 09:05 pm
Hmm, the exterior looks nothing like the illustrations. I guess it does the job. I guess that how you say, winning ugly.
HA, yeh I can just hear Elon now, "No way are we docking with those unless they pretty them up a bit.

But I digress. Congratulations to Mr. Bigelow. It was a long time coming. I hope the data gleamed throughout its stay on ISS helps to further prove out the concept and allows key learnings to be directed towards the B330 in time for that 2020 launch slot he and Tory were so excited about announcing.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Targeteer on 05/28/2016 09:14 pm
The crew completed all tasks finishing with pressure equalization between BEAM and the station.  The crew staged a photo (okay video) op in front of the hatch at CAPCOM request once the Ku coverage resumed those on the ground to enjoy.  Jeff joked that he wished he had shaved this morning.  CAPCOM said the ground liked his rugged, weekend look...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jabe on 05/28/2016 09:18 pm
they mentioned internal supports at one time did they not?  are supports now locked in place to the BEAM is a solid structure so it can be removed if pressure fails?
jb
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Retired Downrange on 05/28/2016 09:24 pm
I found an article http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20160001632.pdf (http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20160001632.pdf) on testing of the BEAM wall material...it is no wonder they are taking their time inflating this...it isn't a simple "air bag"

pics from the pdf

edit: added the Bigelow cross section

When I see how "loose" the panels of material appear on the surface of BEAM, it makes me wonder if the two layers of "foam spacer" material (each listed as 2.5 inches thick) shown in the illustration in the above post, have not fully expanded. This foam would have been compacted for a long time prior to today's deployment, I wonder if it will still expand.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Bob Shaw on 05/28/2016 09:47 pm
Good article on BEAM at the top of the site, but with a couple of missed points. BEAM isn't the first inflatable manned structure in space - that was the Voskhod 2 airlock, 50-odd years ago. The tube backbone structure of that airlock was in many ways similar to that of BEAM, too!

And, Werner Von Braun's 1,000 mile high rotating Wheel space station proposal from the early 1950s was, so far as I am aware, the first major study of an inflatable orbital structure (though Lunar and planetary domes were almost de rigeur by that time - even the early BIS Moonship proposal used an inflatable base camp on the Moon, and an inflatable 'Skylon' radio tower (with a nod to the Festival of Britain 'Skylon' sculpture in 1951)). So inflatables have a longer history than expected, and predate the formation of NASA by at least a decade.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Mapperuo on 05/28/2016 10:22 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxzCCrj5ssE
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: pietro on 05/28/2016 10:28 pm
Hmm, the exterior looks nothing like the illustrations. I guess it does the job. I guess that how you say, winning ugly.
HA, yeh I can just hear Elon now, "No way are we docking with those unless they pretty them up a bit.
...

(devils_advocate_mode)
Yep, this might be a PR issue for Bigelow: it does not look sexy to say the least. And actually looks fragile. Should work on B330 to be smarter looking :).
(/devils_advocate_mode)

OTOH: congrats to the team! Looking forward to inflatables all around in the Solar system.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 05/28/2016 11:07 pm
Well done everybody.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DMeader on 05/28/2016 11:10 pm
Hmm, the exterior looks nothing like the illustrations. I guess it does the job. I guess that how you say, winning ugly.

"Who's shaggy looking!?!?"
Han Solo
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: todd5ski on 05/28/2016 11:26 pm
Hmm, the exterior looks nothing like the illustrations. I guess it does the job. I guess that how you say, winning ugly.

"Who's shaggy looking!?!?"
Han Solo

I believe it is "who's scruffy-looking". Got to quote Star Wars correctly. :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Flying Beaver on 05/28/2016 11:28 pm
Might want to check the title. Tis not 2015  :P
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: todd5ski on 05/28/2016 11:31 pm
Might want to check the title. Tis not 2015  :P

32 pages and the first to spot that.  LOL
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: david1971 on 05/28/2016 11:34 pm
Might want to check the title. Tis not 2015  :P

It only seemed like it took a year...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: taavi_p on 05/28/2016 11:43 pm
Hmm, the exterior looks nothing like the illustrations. I guess it does the job. I guess that how you say, winning ugly.

Yes, its kinda ugly but that shouldn't have come as a surprise. Genesis II also looked nothing like its illustration.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: tleski on 05/28/2016 11:59 pm
A shorter timelapse.

Space_Station: Short time-lapse video shows complete @BigelowSpace #BEAM expansion to full expanded, pressurized volume.
https://t.co/xsRoOinmBf

https://twitter.com/space_station/status/736704310474473472
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/29/2016 12:57 am
Silly me with the 2015. Changed the entire thread to the correct year.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 05/29/2016 01:04 am
Grrr, I mis-read at 4 pm GMT that they only have one last window left for inflation and went to sleep thinking another day would be needed. Then I overslept and missed the rest AND the Champions League Final!  >:(
Oh well, glad this went well.

As someone asked, what is with the grapple fixture being a bit, er, inclined with reference to the CBM? Is there any other way to close out the 1 last inch length difference?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Wolfram66 on 05/29/2016 01:37 am
Ok, so now the ISS has a bouncy castle installed... When do they install the water slide?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: redliox on 05/29/2016 01:46 am
Ok, so now the ISS has a bouncy castle installed... When do they install the water slide?

That actually makes me wonder how much 'bounce' such a module would have if you hit on it from inside.  I can only assume the air bladders that make up the walls might actually keep it fairly stiff.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: darkenfast on 05/29/2016 04:20 am
I have a 10 psi drop-stitch floor on my inflatable kayak and it's like a board.  No bounce.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/29/2016 04:56 am
Quote
@BigelowSpace: Congratulations to everyone involved in the BEAM program. A significant milestone has been accomplished

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/736675774288138240 (https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/736675774288138240)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/29/2016 05:14 am
NASA blog post below. It seems entry will be a bit later than I thought. (Still I hope Tim gets a look before he departs!)

Quote
BEAM Fully Expanded and Pressurized
Posted on May 28, 2016 at 5:04 pm by Mark Garcia.

Pressurization of the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) began at 4:34 p.m. EDT, and the eight tanks filled with air completed full pressurization of the module 10 minutes later at 4:44 p.m. BEAM’s pressure will be equalized with that of the International Space Station, where it will remain attached for a two-year test period.
The module measured just over 7 feet long and just under 7.75 feet in diameter in its packed configuration. BEAM now measures more than 13 feet long and about 10.5 feet in diameter to create 565 cubic feet of habitable volume. It weighs approximately 3,000 pounds.
During the next week, leak checks will be performed on BEAM to ensure its structural integrity. Hatch opening and NASA astronaut Jeff Williams’ first entrance into BEAM will take place about a week after leak checks are complete.
BEAM is an example of NASA’s increased commitment to partnering with industry to enable the growth of the commercial use of space. The project is co-sponsored by NASA’s Advanced Exploration Systems Division and Bigelow Aerospace.
Expandable habitats are designed to take up less room on a spacecraft but provide greater volume for living and working in space once expanded. This first test of an expandable module will allow investigators to gauge how well the habitat performs and specifically, how well it protects against solar radiation, space debris and the temperature extremes of space.
For more information about BEAM, visit: www.nasa.gov/beam. For more information about the International Space Station, visit: www.nasa.gov/station.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/05/28/beam-fully-expanded-and-pressurized/ (https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/05/28/beam-fully-expanded-and-pressurized/)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Sesquipedalian on 05/29/2016 05:47 am
Ok, so now the ISS has a bouncy castle installed... When do they install the water slide?

When Crew Dragon makes its first manned flight.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: PahTo on 05/29/2016 06:10 am
I think it bears noting Mr. Harding's obs of this event:

"And in the longer term, while future exploration architectures continue to be in a state of flux, it is highly likely that any future architecture, be it government or commercial, will feature inflatable modules. And, once again, ISS is serving as the pathfinder for that future, whatever form it may ultimately take."

Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: GWH on 05/29/2016 06:19 am
The mock up for beam looked utilitarian, deployed it looks like a... poorly made piñata. As much as looks aren't going to build a space station, I do think there needs to be a little aesthetic to sell potential clients on the idea .

 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/BEAM_mockup.jpg (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/BEAM_mockup.jpg)

The strapping (and possibly additional gussets) was a last minute addition made at the request of NASA?  I can't help but wonder on whether those additions were truly necessary, and whether it was a case of over engineering on nasa's end or under on Bigelow's. Regardless in my opinion the end result is a very patchwork looking demo that will have a tough time selling itself.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/29/2016 06:26 am
I think anyone interested in a space habitat will focus much more on the amount of usable volume, protection from radiation and micro-meteoroid impacts etc than looks (provided the appropriate organisation's logo can be displayed!)

I expect the results to speak for themselves. Much better than floating in a shiny tin can ...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: a_langwich on 05/29/2016 07:08 am
I think anyone interested in a space habitat will focus much more on the amount of usable volume, protection from radiation and micro-meteoroid impacts etc than looks (provided the appropriate organisation's logo can be displayed!)

I expect the results to speak for themselves. Much better than floating in a shiny tin can ...

No doubt they will be interested in the performance, but appearances are very important as well, as I'm sure Mr. Bigelow stresses to his hotel staff.  The "tennis ball covered in the beige post-it notes" doesn't project confidence and solidity, which are important impressions to give potential tourism visitors.  Fine for now, just a detail to iron out in the future.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: alang on 05/29/2016 11:11 am
I think anyone interested in a space habitat will focus much more on the amount of usable volume, protection from radiation and micro-meteoroid impacts etc than looks (provided the appropriate organisation's logo can be displayed!)

I expect the results to speak for themselves. Much better than floating in a shiny tin can ...

I agree. I also like the organic look - much more recent SF.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/29/2016 11:53 am
Silly me with the 2015. Changed the entire thread to the correct year.
;D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axTdv68wIvk
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/29/2016 12:53 pm
Quote
@BigelowSpace: Congratulations to everyone involved in the BEAM program. A significant milestone has been accomplished

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/736675774288138240 (https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/736675774288138240)

Just seen that. Great pic and very apt considering the amount of team work. Changed from the cool Nathan L2 render (smooth BEAM) to that as it's a great pic.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: JBF on 05/29/2016 01:36 pm
The mock up for beam looked utilitarian, deployed it looks like a... poorly made piñata. As much as looks aren't going to build a space station, I do think there needs to be a little aesthetic to sell potential clients on the idea .

 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/BEAM_mockup.jpg (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/BEAM_mockup.jpg)

The strapping (and possibly additional gussets) was a last minute addition made at the request of NASA?  I can't help but wonder on whether those additions were truly necessary, and whether it was a case of over engineering on nasa's end or under on Bigelow's. Regardless in my opinion the end result is a very patchwork looking demo that will have a tough time selling itself.

I'm willing to bet that if you pulled off that outer covering with the logo you would see the same strapping setup.  NASA probably wanted a clearer look at what the structure was actually doing.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 05/29/2016 06:54 pm
If a company wants a smoother shinier look a company could always cover the module in a sheet.

Check heat effects and fade due to sun light.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 05/29/2016 08:17 pm
Thursday's attempt:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvKQ_CrZxWg
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 05/29/2016 08:18 pm
Saturday's inflation activity:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLKuA9NhWJ8
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Apollo-phill on 05/29/2016 09:42 pm
Great view of tonights ISS transit across the UK clear evening  sky but no chance of naked eye view of BEAM😩

But, great see ISS pass below bright Jupiter then the distinctive red planet Mars !

Just great☺

Phill
UK

Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Req on 05/30/2016 12:21 am
Bigelow Aerospace ‏@BigelowSpace
Status update: just over 24 hours after the successful expansion & pressurization of BEAM, receiving  good data, pressure holding steady.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/31/2016 07:20 pm
Quote
BEAM is performing well, leak checks continue. Initial ingress by @Astro_Jeff scheduled for Monday, June 6th.

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/737719027905089537 (https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/737719027905089537)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/31/2016 08:42 pm
A question for the ultra-patient BEAMers here:

(And, by the way, if there's going to be a collection of "Best of NSF Event Threads," this one has to be in it)

Given how the renders of BEAM don't match up to the finished product, I wonder if the outer armadillo-accordion-like layers were added by NASA's request.

As we watched the expansion, these outer layers were shown as several connective bands, with the outer covering during flight (with the pyro bands) forming the outermost end's covering.

To me, it seems like an additional thermal blanket. Thoughts? This would be a good question to ask during a future presser or even tweeted to Bigelow's account.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/31/2016 08:47 pm
A question for the ultra-patient BEAMers here:

(And, by the way, if there's going to be a collection of "Best of NSF Event Threads," this one has to be in it)

Given how the renders of BEAM don't match up to the finished product, I wonder if the outer armadillo-accordion-like layers were added by NASA's request.

As we watched the expansion, these outer layers were shown as several connective bands, with the outer covering during flight (with the pyro bands) forming the outermost end's covering.

To me, it seems like an additional thermal blanket. Thoughts? This would be a good question to ask during a future presser or even tweeted to Bigelow's account.
Just slip a nice big sock over it with a Bigelow logo... ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 05/31/2016 08:53 pm
A question for the ultra-patient BEAMers here:

(And, by the way, if there's going to be a collection of "Best of NSF Event Threads," this one has to be in it)

Given how the renders of BEAM don't match up to the finished product, I wonder if the outer armadillo-accordion-like layers were added by NASA's request.

As we watched the expansion, these outer layers were shown as several connective bands, with the outer covering during flight (with the pyro bands) forming the outermost end's covering.

To me, it seems like an additional thermal blanket. Thoughts? This would be a good question to ask during a future presser or even tweeted to Bigelow's account.
Just slip a nice big sock over it with a Bigelow logo... ;)

The logo's on the other side. :)

Decided to drop my question on Bigelow Aerospace's Facebook update on leak checks today. I'll relay any answers to here should they respond.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: okan170 on 05/31/2016 10:03 pm
Hopefully in the next few days, someone can get on down to the Russian segment and see if they can snap (and upload) a nice high res image of it!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Lewis007 on 06/01/2016 10:53 am
View of the expanded BEAM from the ground
source: http://spaceweathergallery.com/indiv_upload.php?upload_id=126128&PHPSESSID=i796hri1hk5da76lk138m8jki5
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 06/01/2016 11:17 am
A question for the ultra-patient BEAMers here:

(And, by the way, if there's going to be a collection of "Best of NSF Event Threads," this one has to be in it)

Given how the renders of BEAM don't match up to the finished product, I wonder if the outer armadillo-accordion-like layers were added by NASA's request.

As we watched the expansion, these outer layers were shown as several connective bands, with the outer covering during flight (with the pyro bands) forming the outermost end's covering.

To me, it seems like an additional thermal blanket. Thoughts? This would be a good question to ask during a future presser or even tweeted to Bigelow's account.
Just slip a nice big sock over it with a Bigelow logo... ;)

The logo's on the other side. :)

Decided to drop my question on Bigelow Aerospace's Facebook update on leak checks today. I'll relay any answers to here should they respond.
What, too cheap to put it on both sides? ??? ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/01/2016 05:20 pm
Quote
BEAM remains nominal and has passed its first on-orbit check out. More updates to come.

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/738032778160152577 (https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/738032778160152577)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rocket Science on 06/01/2016 05:32 pm
Quote
BEAM remains nominal and has passed its first on-orbit check out. More updates to come.

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/738032778160152577 (https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/738032778160152577)
There is that "little desk model" I mentioned on deployment day! :) Does it double as a beer koozie? ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Ronpur50 on 06/01/2016 06:48 pm
Quote
BEAM remains nominal and has passed its first on-orbit check out. More updates to come.

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/738032778160152577 (https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/738032778160152577)
There is that "little desk model" I mentioned on deployment day! :) Does it double as a beer koozie? ;D

I doubt it, but I would buy that!!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: catdlr on 06/02/2016 12:46 am
Beam me up — NASA experiments with inflatable modules

 
PBS NewsHour

Published on Jun 1, 2016
Over the weekend, astronauts aboard the orbiting International Space Station added a module like none other. Think an RV that expands out the back with extra space for sleeping quarters. In the case of the ISS, it was an inflatable Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM). It’s made of a material stronger than kevlar and could be a game-changer. Science correspondent Miles O’Brien reports.

https://youtu.be/1Q3YLKlwgDs?t=001

https://youtu.be/1Q3YLKlwgDs
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/02/2016 12:39 pm
Beam me up — NASA experiments with inflatable modules

 
PBS NewsHour

Published on Jun 1, 2016
Over the weekend, astronauts aboard the orbiting International Space Station added a module like none other. Think an RV that expands out the back with extra space for sleeping quarters. In the case of the ISS, it was an inflatable Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM). It’s made of a material stronger than kevlar and could be a game-changer. Science correspondent Miles O’Brien reports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q3YLKlwgDs?t=001

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q3YLKlwgDs

Good report. Really personalizes Mr. Bigelow and his work and Miles did his homework.

And, most importantly, the render shown in the report (which I'm sure is the same used elsewhere) shows the distinctive paneling on the actual module--flaps and other textures from the armadillo-style expansion. The difference is clear in that the layers did not lie very flat once opened as to seem as one layer in comparison to the render.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: ThereIWas3 on 06/02/2016 12:53 pm
And different from the Bigelow Genesis test items, which have smooth exteriors.  Perhaps because they are much smaller.  My hypothesis is that the BEAM does not use the same compression method as the much larger BA models because it had to fit inside the short Dragon payload area.  As I understand it, the BA models have full length interior scafolding and collapse primarily in diameter, not length.   BEAM lacks any interiot structure and was compressed lengthwise, requiring a different folding pattern.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 06/02/2016 01:23 pm
And different from the Bigelow Genesis test items, which have smooth exteriors.  Perhaps because they are much smaller.  My hypothesis is that the BEAM does not use the same compression method as the much larger BA models because it had to fit inside the short Dragon payload area.  As I understand it, the BA models have full length interior scafolding and collapse primarily in diameter, not length.   BEAM lacks any interiot structure and was compressed lengthwise, requiring a different folding pattern.

So Genesis, BA330 are living modules, that contain a lot of hardware. They are launched with a smaller diameter but full length. BEAM is the test-bed for an airlock module, that doesn't take a lot of launch volume and mass. (During launch both the length and diameter are compressed.)
 BEAM is also used to measure the radiation shielding and leek rate.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Kansan52 on 06/02/2016 11:18 pm
Nit, that first announcer says it was added Saturday instead of final expansion.

Love it when they enter Olympus and there is a slight echo.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/03/2016 02:42 pm
Ingress on Monday. Let's keep this thread on track.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: wjbarnett on 06/03/2016 04:27 pm
From Thursday's ISS update:

ISS Daily Summary Report – 06/01/16

Posted on June 1, 2016 at 5:25 pm by cosbourn.

Bigelow Expandable Aerospace Module (BEAM) Vestibule Outfitting: BEAM successfully completed an 80 hour leak check this morning and the crew began activities to prepare the vestibule for BEAM ingress tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 6th. The crew removed the Node 3 Aft Negative Pressure Relief Valves (NPRV) and installed Inter Module Ventilation (IMV) Valves. During the activities it was discovered that the Node 3 Aft Starboard IMV Flexible Coupling was missing.  This coupling is needed to connect the ducting to the starboard IMV on the IMV return leg between BEAM and Node 3. The flex coupling is unique to this location and there are no spares on orbit or alternate locations from which to scavenge. Vestibule operations the rest of the week will continue as planned, however, this issue will likely need to be resolved prior to BEAM ingress. Teams are developing a workaround.

May not be an ingress on Monday :(
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Davp99 on 06/03/2016 04:35 pm
Something to look forward too.. Any time given for Mondays Red Carpet event ?...NASA and Bigelow have really Spun this for all its Worth, but it still looks only about 85% expanded with another 15% or so to Go, am I missing something?

edit :Just read what wjackbarnett posted
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: RonM on 06/03/2016 04:50 pm
From Thursday's ISS update:

ISS Daily Summary Report – 06/01/16

Posted on June 1, 2016 at 5:25 pm by cosbourn.

Bigelow Expandable Aerospace Module (BEAM) Vestibule Outfitting: BEAM successfully completed an 80 hour leak check this morning and the crew began activities to prepare the vestibule for BEAM ingress tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 6th. The crew removed the Node 3 Aft Negative Pressure Relief Valves (NPRV) and installed Inter Module Ventilation (IMV) Valves. During the activities it was discovered that the Node 3 Aft Starboard IMV Flexible Coupling was missing.  This coupling is needed to connect the ducting to the starboard IMV on the IMV return leg between BEAM and Node 3. The flex coupling is unique to this location and there are no spares on orbit or alternate locations from which to scavenge. Vestibule operations the rest of the week will continue as planned, however, this issue will likely need to be resolved prior to BEAM ingress. Teams are developing a workaround.

May not be an ingress on Monday :(

Sounds like a job for duct tape.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/03/2016 06:54 pm
Something to look forward too.. Any time given for Mondays Red Carpet event ?...NASA and Bigelow have really Spun this for all its Worth, but it still looks only about 85% expanded with another 15% or so to Go, am I missing something?

edit :Just read what wjackbarnett posted

Prior to the expansion, the NASA press message indicated that the ingress was not scheduled to be televised.

However, this doesn't mean they won't record the ingress for later viewing on NASA TV (that is, it may not be televised live), or they may drop a new live program for the event at the last minute and change their mind. We're waiting--perhaps longer with the issue of the missing IMV coupling.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Tuts36 on 06/03/2016 07:18 pm
From Thursday's ISS update:

ISS Daily Summary Report – 06/01/16

Posted on June 1, 2016 at 5:25 pm by cosbourn.

Bigelow Expandable Aerospace Module (BEAM) Vestibule Outfitting: BEAM successfully completed an 80 hour leak check this morning and the crew began activities to prepare the vestibule for BEAM ingress tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 6th. The crew removed the Node 3 Aft Negative Pressure Relief Valves (NPRV) and installed Inter Module Ventilation (IMV) Valves. During the activities it was discovered that the Node 3 Aft Starboard IMV Flexible Coupling was missing.  This coupling is needed to connect the ducting to the starboard IMV on the IMV return leg between BEAM and Node 3. The flex coupling is unique to this location and there are no spares on orbit or alternate locations from which to scavenge. Vestibule operations the rest of the week will continue as planned, however, this issue will likely need to be resolved prior to BEAM ingress. Teams are developing a workaround.

May not be an ingress on Monday :(

Sounds like a job for duct tape.

Or a 3-D printer perhaps.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Flying Beaver on 06/03/2016 07:22 pm
I think this is fix they're working on at JSC.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Sam Ho on 06/03/2016 08:38 pm
I think this is fix they're working on at JSC.
It's already installed:

Jessica Meir ‏@Astro_Jessica  8h8 hours ago
Cool to be part of #MacGyver ops from ground to #space. @Astro_Jeff installs replacement we created 2 days ago
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Sam Ho on 06/03/2016 08:41 pm
I think this is fix they're working on at JSC.
Also, here's the high-res version of that earlier image.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rpapo on 06/03/2016 09:12 pm
Do we have any idea how they came to be missing the part they needed?  Was it supposed to be on CRS-7 or the Cygnus that was lost?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Orbital Debris on 06/03/2016 10:44 pm
And different from the Bigelow Genesis test items, which have smooth exteriors.  Perhaps because they are much smaller.  My hypothesis is that the BEAM does not use the same compression method as the much larger BA models because it had to fit inside the short Dragon payload area.  As I understand it, the BA models have full length interior scafolding and collapse primarily in diameter, not length.   BEAM lacks any interiot structure and was compressed lengthwise, requiring a different folding pattern.

I don't know what you mean when you say Genesis 1 and 2 had smooth exteriors?  I'm sure BEAM has slightly different folding methods, but the principles of overlapping layers is the same.  The layers don't do much good unless you have overlap to ensure there is not a gap in the MMOD shielding.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rberry on 06/06/2016 12:33 am
Is there any word on what time ingress is scheduled for tomorrow?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Targeteer on 06/06/2016 07:34 am
From the morning DPC.  MCC-H requests hatch opening video that requires Ku coverage occur no earlier than 0840Z.  Ku coverage is being recovered after some sort of configuration/hardware problem on the ground.  Successful recovery of Ku is required for an on-time opening.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rberry on 06/06/2016 08:49 am
First four bolts loosened. Noticed a release of air indicating BEAM at higher pressure. Ku back, enroute to open hatch.

While I love the robotics, I wish they would switch to the internal camera on the live stream.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rberry on 06/06/2016 08:54 am
Inside of BEAM looks "Pristine", temperature is on the cool side, and no condensation visible. Air samples in work.

EDIT - CAPCOM indicates 44F as temperature at bulkhead. CHILLY
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rberry on 06/06/2016 09:07 am
Everyone on ground is grinning. Wrinkles in air barrier are expected as it is larger than needed. Everything appears as it should. Continuing with procedures.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: francesco nicoli on 06/06/2016 12:24 pm
There was an early tweet from the main NASA this morning saying "a man has stepped in an inflatable module for the first time: a historical day for human spaceflight" (or something around this). Unfortunately, it has been canceled and I did not take a snap pic of it.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/06/2016 12:38 pm
Inside of BEAM looks "Pristine", temperature is on the cool side, and no condensation visible. Air samples in work.

EDIT - CAPCOM indicates 44F as temperature at bulkhead. CHILLY

That brings up an important question. Since BEAM hasn't any ECLSS to speak of, how would they get any significant temperature measurements without pumping warmer air from the ISS? If the measurement is based on how much heat is held from the ISS heated air, that would be more useful.

BEAM has a disadvantage as it hasn't all that hardware in a typical module that generates heat. It's better compared to a MPLM right now.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/06/2016 12:39 pm
There was an early tweet from the main NASA this morning saying "a man has stepped in an inflatable module for the first time: a historical day for human spaceflight" (or something around this). Unfortunately, it has been canceled and I did not take a snap pic of it.

What's been cancelled?

How far have they got to?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: DaveS on 06/06/2016 12:43 pm
There was an early tweet from the main NASA this morning saying "a man has stepped in an inflatable module for the first time: a historical day for human spaceflight" (or something around this). Unfortunately, it has been canceled and I did not take a snap pic of it.

What's been cancelled?

How far have they got to?
I believe the "cancelled" remark is a translation error, it's really supposed to be deleted as it is in reference to the tweet.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/06/2016 12:48 pm
Ok cool. So where are we? Has Jeff actually entered the module?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mmeijeri on 06/06/2016 01:17 pm
There was an early tweet from the main NASA this morning saying "a man has stepped in an inflatable module for the first time: a historical day for human spaceflight" (or something around this).

Voskhod 2's inflatable airlock (1965!) deserves to be mentioned.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Beittil on 06/06/2016 01:23 pm
Quote
NASA astronaut Jeff Williams floats in front of the entrance to the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM)

http://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/06/06/beam-open-for-the-first-time/
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/06/2016 01:31 pm
Quote
NASA astronaut Jeff Williams floats in front of the entrance to the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM)

http://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/06/06/beam-open-for-the-first-time/

That'll do! Thanks :)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/06/2016 01:36 pm
For a space agency that loves to applaud its "firsts" (and have the public enjoy them, too), BEAM's first occupation is woefully understated today. Unless someone's gets smarter and soon, inflatable modules are likely the habitat technology given weight and flexibility needs for many applications...

...None of which has any official missions--I know. :(
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Beittil on 06/06/2016 01:53 pm
Quote
Bigelow Aerospace ‏@BigelowSpace 2m2 minutes ago

.@Astro_Jeff successfully entered the BEAM, the first human-rated expandable structure in space.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/06/2016 02:05 pm
Article:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/06/williams-beam-expandable-module-milestone/
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Space Pete on 06/06/2016 02:10 pm
How awesome is that?! In 20 years time when inflatable modules will hopefully be a common feature on exploration missions, we can all remember today as being the "beginning of the future". Hopefully we'll get some photo/video from inside BEAM soon.

A huge congrats to NASA and Bigelow for pulling this off. The 21st century of space exploration really is beginning to take shape before our eyes, thanks to the ISS and the myriad of commercial ventures it has spawned.

An interesting observation is that BEAM's hatch appears to be completely removable, which is unique.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: haywoodfloyd on 06/06/2016 02:14 pm
This certainly is historic.
Just as an aside to the observation that the hatch is removable, how many gaskets (seals) does the BEAM (or any other module) have? I was thinking that each module would necessariyl have to have a backup gasket. True or not?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 06/06/2016 02:16 pm
I can't beleive that NASA isn't showing this live. Boooo!

Hopefully, we will get to see it on Space Station Live at 11 am today (Eastern time).
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: PahTo on 06/06/2016 02:16 pm

Congrats to Bigelow, NASA and all the teams that made/making this happen!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 06/06/2016 02:21 pm
For a space agency that loves to applaud its "firsts" (and have the public enjoy them, too), BEAM's first occupation is woefully understated today. Unless someone's gets smarter and soon, inflatable modules are likely the habitat technology given weight and flexibility needs for many applications...

...None of which has any official missions--I know. :(

There is much less promotion from NASA when something is commercial.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 06/06/2016 03:24 pm
Hopefully, we will get to see it on Space Station Live at 11 am today (Eastern time).

They showed some of the recorded video on NASA TV at the beginning of the Space Station Live segment.  You can still see it on NASA TV on YouTube by scrolling back the timeline.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: turbopumpfeedback2 on 06/06/2016 03:37 pm
It looks a bit scary in that module.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Jarnis on 06/06/2016 03:55 pm
It looks a bit scary in that module.

Needs a light or two.

Of course I can understand the logic of omitting them as it is not meant for continuous use, being just a tech demonstrator.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 06/06/2016 04:15 pm

Needs a light or two.

Of course I can understand the logic of omitting them as it is not meant for continuous use, being just a tech demonstrator.


Bigelow needs to demonstrate his space rated lights, radios, power connectors, data connections, fans, heaters and ECLSS equipment.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Jim on 06/06/2016 04:22 pm
Bigelow needs to demonstrate his space rated lights, radios, power connectors, data connections, fans, heaters and ECLSS equipment.

Wrong.  They can use already qualified hardware from other vendors.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Lar on 06/06/2016 04:38 pm
Bigelow needs to demonstrate his space rated lights, radios, power connectors, data connections, fans, heaters and ECLSS equipment.

Wrong.  They can use already qualified hardware from other vendors.
would there be some relatively minor requalification needed since it's used in a different context?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/06/2016 04:40 pm
Hopefully, we will get to see it on Space Station Live at 11 am today (Eastern time).

They showed some of the recorded video on NASA TV at the beginning of the Space Station Live segment.  You can still see it on NASA TV on YouTube by scrolling back the timeline.

Confirmed! This is the live NASA TV YouTube feed, so there's a finite amount of time to roll back to the Space Station Live feed. Here you'll see the hatch opening, a head-camera's view of the BEAM interior and wall, and about 2 minutes of illuminated interior work that gives you  a very good look at the interior.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 06/06/2016 04:45 pm
Bigelow needs to demonstrate his space rated lights, radios, power connectors, data connections, fans, heaters and ECLSS equipment.

Wrong.  They can use already qualified hardware from other vendors.

I also think that is NASA's preference. Unlike SpaceX, Bigelow subcontracts a lot of its work.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/06/2016 04:54 pm
Some screen captures of the new bouncy house in case you can't get to the stream.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/06/2016 04:55 pm
Set 2, I mistakenly added 1 capture twice.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/06/2016 04:55 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Jonathan_Blatter on 06/06/2016 05:01 pm
it look that it can be more stratched but look can be desiving
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rberry on 06/06/2016 05:40 pm
For a space agency that loves to applaud its "firsts" (and have the public enjoy them, too), BEAM's first occupation is woefully understated today. Unless someone's gets smarter and soon, inflatable modules are likely the habitat technology given weight and flexibility needs for many applications...

...None of which has any official missions--I know. :(

I can't beleive that NASA isn't showing this live. Boooo!

I was woefully disappointed about not being able to see it live. The hatch opening occurred around 04:00 Houston time, and the first images or video were not released until 4+ hours later. MCC-H requested the hatch not be opened until they had Ku partially because it was a historic event. On the audio it was clear MCC-H had video, but the live stream was just actively monitoring the robotic work. Even then the audio of much of the procedures that occurred after the first 30 min of hatch open was covered by Russian. It was very lack luster, so I went to bed.

it look that it can be more stratched but look can be desiving

I am not sure at what point these screen shots were captured, but about 45 min after hatch open a procedure did call for the removal of one end of the at least one of the interior straps. This may be why the straps appear so loose. The wrinkles in the air barrier were expected because it was designed to be larger than necessary (All per CAPCOM audio).

EDIT - after looking at more pictures it is very clear that those straps are still attached.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/06/2016 05:44 pm
For a space agency that loves to applaud its "firsts" (and have the public enjoy them, too), BEAM's first occupation is woefully understated today. Unless someone's gets smarter and soon, inflatable modules are likely the habitat technology given weight and flexibility needs for many applications...

...None of which has any official missions--I know. :(

I can't beleive that NASA isn't showing this live. Boooo!

I was woefully disappointed about not being able to see it live. The hatch opening occurred around 04:00 Houston time, and the first images or video were not released until 4+ hours later. MCC-H requested the hatch not be opened until they had Ku partially because it was a historic event. On the audio it was clear MCC-H had video, but the live stream was just actively monitoring the robotic work. Even then the audio of much of the procedures that occurred after the first 30 min of hatch open was covered by Russian. It was very lack luster, so I went to bed.

it look that it can be more stratched but look can be desiving

I am not sure at what point these screen shots were captured, but about 45 min after hatch open a procedure did call for the removal of one end of the at least one of the interior straps. This may be why the straps appear so loose. The wrinkles in the air barrier were expected because it was designed to be larger than necessary (All per CAPCOM audio).

-Ryan

The video excerpt showed Jeff beginning to wrap or remove the zig-zagged bright cable you're probably noted.

The irony that NASA's policy didn't trumpet BEAM's opening live is that Bigelow Aerospace bought the rights of the technology from NASA.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 06/06/2016 06:07 pm
Here is the archived video (the Space Station live segment starts at 48m30s):
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/87951284
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: saturnapollo on 06/06/2016 06:09 pm
I'm not sure how comfortable I'd feel in an inflatabale module and not a rigid structure with several layers of aluminium etc. between me and a vacuum.

Keith
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rberry on 06/06/2016 06:22 pm
I'm not sure how comfortable I'd feel in an inflatabale module and not a rigid structure with several layers of aluminium etc. between me and a vacuum.

Keith

This is why they tried to get away from the term inflatable and used the term expandable. Antecedental evidence from ground models indicates that it is quite rigid (not the space bouncy house many people joke about), and unlike a balloon on earth, if it ever did experience a pressure loss it would not deflate. All current evidence points that it is, in terms of safely and structure, equivalent to any other module on the ISS, but it just started out smaller and was expanded.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/06/2016 06:23 pm
I'm not sure how comfortable I'd feel in an inflatabale module and not a rigid structure with several layers of aluminium etc. between me and a vacuum.

Keith

Vectran  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vectran)is far more puncture resistant than aluminum. I'd argue its the safest module up there in terms of MMOD.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: docmordrid on 06/06/2016 06:28 pm
I'm not sure how comfortable I'd feel in an inflatabale module and not a rigid structure with several layers of aluminium etc. between me and a vacuum.

Keith

Bigows habs are based on this.

http://spacearchitect.org/pubs/AIAA-2002-6105.pdf

Quote
TransHab’s shell survived a
1.7-cm aluminum sphere at hypervelocity of 7. km/s.

The configuration in figure 8 has withstood
impacts of up to a 1.7-cm diameter aluminum projectile fired at 7 km/s (15,600 mph). Woven from 1-in. wide Kevlar straps, the restraint layer is designed to contain four atmospheres of air pressure. Each shell restraint area is structurally
optimized for that area’s load. To accomplish this, strap seams were developed that achieved more than 90% seam efficiency.

Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jabe on 06/06/2016 06:32 pm
i want a picture of outside now... :)
curious to see how much the shape has changed...
edit:this tweet has picture of beam but not sure if old or new pic. https://twitter.com/ISS101/status/739859698912923648
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: ejb749 on 06/06/2016 07:14 pm
The missing IMV coupling looks like a good place to try that 3d printer that they've got up there.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rberry on 06/06/2016 07:33 pm
The missing IMV coupling looks like a good place to try that 3d printer that they've got up there.

I believe the printer is just a technology demonstration. As for now it can't/won't be used to print actual station components. Also the printer must be used in the MSG, which is currently packed full.

The improvised replacement component (ie: plastic bag with zip ties) seems to be working fine from the audio I have heard.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: WindnWar on 06/06/2016 07:48 pm
The missing IMV coupling looks like a good place to try that 3d printer that they've got up there.

I believe the printer is just a technology demonstration. As for now it can't/won't be used to print actual station components. Also the printer must be used in the MSG, which is currently packed full.

The improvised replacement component (ie: plastic bag with zip ties) seems to be working fine from the audio I have heard.

I suspect they'll just include one on the next supply flight instead.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/06/2016 08:15 pm
Quote
.@Astro_Jeff retrieving items from the BEAM storage locker. Sensor installation will begin tomorrow.

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/739880043162148864 (https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/739880043162148864)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/06/2016 08:28 pm
NASA report on today's BEAM events, including video inside the module:

https://youtu.be/5kZZdp727ek (https://youtu.be/5kZZdp727ek)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Targeteer on 06/06/2016 09:05 pm
For a space agency that loves to applaud its "firsts" (and have the public enjoy them, too), BEAM's first occupation is woefully understated today. Unless someone's gets smarter and soon, inflatable modules are likely the habitat technology given weight and flexibility needs for many applications...

...None of which has any official missions--I know. :(

I can't beleive that NASA isn't showing this live. Boooo!

I was woefully disappointed about not being able to see it live. The hatch opening occurred around 04:00 Houston time, and the first images or video were not released until 4+ hours later. MCC-H requested the hatch not be opened until they had Ku partially because it was a historic event. On the audio it was clear MCC-H had video, but the live stream was just actively monitoring the robotic work. Even then the audio of much of the procedures that occurred after the first 30 min of hatch open was covered by Russian. It was very lack luster, so I went to bed.


I've seen/heard reference to, but no confirmation of, a requirement for internal ISS views showing crew activity to have a PAO on duty to allow broadcast.  The number of on duty personnel that early in the crew workday is minimal with any computer, network, etc issues requiring "arrival of orbit 2."  Russian comms and the obligatory translation trouncing US related comm at obnoxiously louder volume has long been a problem.  It highlights the fact that the two segments run and are managed completely independently and how little they interact on a regular basis...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Johnnyhinbos on 06/06/2016 09:43 pm
Quote
.@Astro_Jeff retrieving items from the BEAM storage locker. Sensor installation will begin tomorrow.

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/739880043162148864 (https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/739880043162148864)

Looks like I'm not the only one who can't tell port from starboard...!

(Lightweight post - expecting it to vanish into post ether.)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 06/06/2016 11:58 pm
Bigelow needs to demonstrate his space rated lights, radios, power connectors, data connections, fans, heaters and ECLSS equipment.

Wrong.  They can use already qualified hardware from other vendors.

Using already debugged equipment will save Bigelow a fortune and several years.

NASA has been issuing Space Act Agreements to cover development of ECLSS for several years.
Recovery Acthttp://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/585276main_NNJ10TA03S_Paragon_Amendment1.pdf (http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/585276main_NNJ10TA03S_Paragon_Amendment1.pdf)

and NextSTEP are just two examples.

Ground tested and successfully used in space for several months are different.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Joachim on 06/07/2016 12:42 pm
Tim Peake posted this photo.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/07/2016 01:14 pm
Tim Peake posted this photo.

That, friends, is what the heart and soul and blood and sweat of dreams looks like.

We've seen it before, just 6 years ago on June 4, 2010, when a private space company launched their privately-build launch vehicle and placed the first private-built spacecraft in orbit.

That same company, launch vehicle and spacecraft family brought this technology demonstrator to the ISS.

June 4, 2010 wasn't exactly Page 1 news. June 6, 2016 fared slightly better in the press.

But it's the results that count.

Congratulations to Bigelow Aerospace on their birth of a bouncing baby BEAM. And may they have many, many larger children and grandchildren.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/07/2016 07:59 pm
Quote
High-res photos taken during the successful expansion of BEAM on @Space_Station

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/740215042310733824 (https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/740215042310733824)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 06/08/2016 04:40 am
Archived video of the second entry into BEAM on June 7th (starts at 1h59m50s):
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/88001090
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 06/08/2016 04:54 am
Jeff Williams will also enter for a third time on June 8th. It should be partly shown on Space Station live again.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/08/2016 02:48 pm
Some screen caps from yg1968's link for posterity. Here you can see the interior from within BEAM, looking at its inner hatch as Jeff Williams enters to install additional sensors.

--
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 06/08/2016 11:16 pm
Archived video of the third day entry into BEAM on June 8th (at 1h56m20s):
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/88042621
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 06/09/2016 01:26 am
I have consolidated all three videos of Jeff Williams' entries into BEAM into a single video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBGu0KxTI7E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBGu0KxTI7E&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jacqmans on 06/09/2016 03:15 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Orbital Debris on 06/09/2016 09:35 pm
It looks like Bigelow worked a logo in after all. ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/09/2016 10:04 pm


The blue bars weren't there before. Part of a measurement study for changes in shape, perhaps?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: robertross on 06/10/2016 01:11 am


The blue bars weren't there before. Part of a measurement study for changes in shape, perhaps?

They don't seem instrumented (as one would expect for strain measurement). They must be simple rigidizing elements to ensure the interior doesn't collapse in the event of depressurization (mmod or other means).
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Retired Downrange on 06/10/2016 01:41 am
I recall the PAO saying that Jeff had installed grab rails (for hands or feet) in the BEAM, to assist astronauts when in it.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Baranquilla on 06/16/2016 10:14 am
Tim shows of the inside of BEAM again with his crewmates! Looking very spacey and clean.

Credit to Tim Peake/ESA/NASA image can be found on his twitter/instagram/flickr account
Picture was taken on June 8th 2016 it seems.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 06/16/2016 10:53 am
Wow! This thing is huge inside! It could definitely be used as an expendable Orbital Module for free-flying Dragon-2 missions with modular mission equipment arranged around the hub struts!
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Baranquilla on 06/16/2016 11:11 am
Wow! This thing is huge inside! It could definitely be used as an expendable Orbital Module for free-flying Dragon-2 missions with modular mission equipment arranged around the hub struts!

I just realized, this thing is round and it seems like there is nothing unremovable that obstructs the crew in the middle of the module. Makes me wonder if the diameter is great enough to allow for Skylab style of running.. That would truly be amazing to see once more, maybe even just as an experiment :).

Probably not much of a counter measure though since the impacts will be less than on TVIS and I can imagine some people will ask questions about structural loads on ISS.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/16/2016 12:49 pm
Wow! This thing is huge inside! It could definitely be used as an expendable Orbital Module for free-flying Dragon-2 missions with modular mission equipment arranged around the hub struts!

Right! While BEAM was meant as a unique test design, it doesn't mean it cannot be adapted for more. The special compacting "Bloomin' Onion" length-expansion version of BEAM is different than the "artery stint" widening expansion of the larger module concepts like the 330, but flexibility is literally and figuratively not a problem, it seems.

I can imagine combining two BEAM-like habitats, with mating devices on each end, to form a larger space. It could be moved anywhere. Clearly easy to get into orbit on any Dragon, but it's missing the assembling element.

That's where we need something like that Lockheed Jupiter tug.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Cherokee43v6 on 06/16/2016 01:05 pm
Wow! This thing is huge inside! It could definitely be used as an expendable Orbital Module for free-flying Dragon-2 missions with modular mission equipment arranged around the hub struts!

Right! While BEAM was meant as a unique test design, it doesn't mean it cannot be adapted for more. The special compacting "Bloomin' Onion" length-expansion version of BEAM is different than the "artery stint" widening expansion of the larger module concepts like the 330, but flexibility is literally and figuratively not a problem, it seems.

I can imagine combining two BEAM-like habitats, with mating devices on each end, to form a larger space. It could be moved anywhere. Clearly easy to get into orbit on any Dragon, but it's missing the assembling element.

That's where we need something like that Lockheed Jupiter tug.

Change the business end from a CBM to a 'docking' adaptor and you eliminate the need for the 'robot arm'.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 06/16/2016 01:40 pm
Wow! This thing is huge inside! It could definitely be used as an expendable Orbital Module for free-flying Dragon-2 missions with modular mission equipment arranged around the hub struts!

Right! While BEAM was meant as a unique test design, it doesn't mean it cannot be adapted for more. The special compacting "Bloomin' Onion" length-expansion version of BEAM is different than the "artery stint" widening expansion of the larger module concepts like the 330, but flexibility is literally and figuratively not a problem, it seems.

I can imagine combining two BEAM-like habitats, with mating devices on each end, to form a larger space. It could be moved anywhere. Clearly easy to get into orbit on any Dragon, but it's missing the assembling element.

That's where we need something like that Lockheed Jupiter tug.

Change the business end from a CBM to a 'docking' adaptor and you eliminate the need for the 'robot arm'.

You still need to fit all the equipment and supplies in space. Even down to the room lights.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 06/16/2016 02:08 pm
Not necessarily. They can be installed in self-deploying 'flower petals' inside the pressure vessel and/or along the hub struts. The inflation gas tanks, ECLSS and power system could be fitted in a small 'service module' on the other side of the hub from the docking port; this would initially remain locked to the Falcon-9 upper stage until the pressure vessel is inflated and stable. It would then be detached and towed clear by the Dragon before the U/S performs its deorbit manoeuvre.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/16/2016 03:00 pm
Not necessarily. They can be installed in self-deploying 'flower petals' inside the pressure vessel and/or along the hub struts. The inflation gas tanks, ECLSS and power system could be fitted in a small 'service module' on the other side of the hub from the docking port; this would initially remain locked to the Falcon-9 upper stage until the pressure vessel is inflated and stable. It would then be detached and towed clear by the Dragon before the U/S performs its deorbit manoeuvre.

Sounds right. I know Lar is ever-ready to warn us that rockets aren't LEGOs, but here, modular plug-ins would not be impossible at all to install whatever is required. It would be a matter of the module being outfitted with the connections, I would imagine.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 06/16/2016 03:04 pm
Let's be clear here: BEAM is not and is not intended to be a 'finished commercial product' in any way; it's a technology demonstrator. However, I would argue that it is possible to use the pressure envelope and internal structure as the basis of an end product.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/16/2016 03:17 pm
Let's be clear here: BEAM is not and is not intended to be a 'finished commercial product' in any way; it's a technology demonstrator. However, I would argue that it is possible to use the pressure envelope and internal structure as the basis of an end product.

Right. Hopefully I wasn't implying that BEAM as-is would be usable. We can see how the bare internals of a Bigelow product like this show how additional pre-installed parts (like lights) could be integrated, which I think was your point. Also, as I noted, BEAM's design doesn't deploy as the large versions will, but that gives special advantages for very compact habs, for easy launch at least, if that technology is used.

As another noted, turn the idea around. A BEAM-like module is loaded into a Crew Dragon's trunk, with a IDA docking ring(s), facing outward. A second Crew Dragon arrives, docks into the rear of the first and extracts. The carrier Dragon can turn around and dock on a second ring. Expand. Launch other Dragons and BEAMlet-type habs. Chain them.

Just a very notional idea but one that SpaceX could use with this style of habitat.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: cletus on 06/16/2016 07:26 pm
Not sure where else to post this:

Nice pic of the inside of BEAM as Expedition 47 gets ready to leave the ISS.

https://twitter.com/BigelowSpace/status/743511122007863297
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: MattMason on 06/16/2016 07:30 pm
Cherokee43v6 sagely created a side thread to discuss applications with Bigelow modules of similar size and deployment modes as the technology demonstrator, so we can keep this thread on updates and direct discussion on the genuine article berthed on the ISS.

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=40540.0 (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=40540.0)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 06/17/2016 12:05 am
Not sure where else to post this:

Nice pic of the inside of BEAM as Expedition 47 gets ready to leave the ISS.

https://twitter.com/BigelowSpace/status/743511122007863297

Attached image.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mvpel on 06/23/2016 05:18 pm
(The photo was posted by Baranquilla about ten posts ago on the previous page:
 http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=40357.msg1550233#msg1550233
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Space Pete on 09/23/2016 07:59 pm
Hi-res EVA image of BEAM on Node 3 Aft, released by Bigelow.

Don't know why NASA can't release great images like this. :(
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: yg1968 on 09/30/2016 12:36 am
Update from NASA:

http://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/09/29/beam-open-today-for-tests/
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jacqmans on 10/12/2016 09:02 am
NASA astronaut Kate Rubins inspected the Bigelow Aerospace Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) attached to the International Space Station. Expandable habitats are designed to take up less room on a spacecraft while providing greater volume for living and working in space once expanded. It was the first checkup of BEAM since the initial inspection of the space station's expanded node after it was deployed May 28. Rubins collected radiation monitors and sampled surfaces inside BEAM to assess the microbe environment. Her inspection revealed the module appeared in good condition, and the samples and radiation detectors were packed for return to Earth for analysis. For the next two years, crew members will inspect the module every three months to check for stability.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Kansan52 on 11/30/2016 06:57 pm
When will the next BEAM inspection occur? The June then October implies February next year.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/18/2017 04:39 pm
Cross-posting:

Quote
Bigelow Aerospace ‏@BigelowSpace
As BEAM continues to outperform expectations, NASA and BA are in agreement to evolve BEAM into becoming an everyday asset aboard the ISS

https://twitter.com/BigelowSpace/status/821771133066186752 (https://twitter.com/BigelowSpace/status/821771133066186752)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: TrevorMonty on 01/18/2017 05:35 pm
The two uses I can think of that don't require major outfitting is storage and as crew recreational space.

Put 3D printer to good use and print something equivalent of shelving. A big issue crew have is find things in their piles of cargo bags.

Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: CSX6400 on 01/18/2017 06:08 pm
Does this mean the hatch will also be permanently opened? (I could imagine BEAM would still be useful as storage with a sealed hatch.)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: robertross on 01/19/2017 01:09 am
Does this mean the hatch will also be permanently opened? (I could imagine BEAM would still be useful as storage with a sealed hatch.)

I doubt it, but it would say it would allow for more frequent ingresses, and as noted, as a storage facility.

Additionally, they can set up additional instruments inside to further measure thermal loads, radiation (perhaps even design a torus-style water-containing vessel for additional radiation protection for long term crewed missions.

This announcement is such a big moment for Bigelow. It goes beyond proof of concept. This is now reality, not just experimental, and I congratulate them. (and NASA also - for beginning this, and taking these next steps).
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/19/2017 02:45 pm
Jeff Foust has written up yesterday's tweet from BA:

http://spacenews.com/bigelow-aerospace-seeking-additional-use-of-experimental-iss-module/ (http://spacenews.com/bigelow-aerospace-seeking-additional-use-of-experimental-iss-module/)

NASA and BA are discussing next steps with BEAM but no agreement yet.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mobile1 on 01/20/2017 09:18 pm
Does the ISS have a spherical room that was inflated.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Sam Ho on 01/20/2017 09:27 pm
Does the ISS have a spherical room that was inflated.
Thread about it here:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=40357.0
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: mobile1 on 01/20/2017 09:40 pm
So yes, it does have the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/01/2017 03:01 pm
Quote
SpaceFlight Insider ‏@SpaceflightIns  1h1 hour ago
Tomorrow, @Space_Station astronauts will enter @BigelowSpace Expandable Activity Module to take measurements. http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/beam/  #BEAM

https://twitter.com/SpaceflightIns/status/826806910846398466 (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightIns/status/826806910846398466)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 03/22/2017 03:47 pm
Hopefully we'll see the images in due course:

Quote
[...]

Thomas Pesquet opened the hatches to the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) today for a status check. The European Space Agency astronaut sampled BEAM’s air and surfaces for microbes and installed impact sensors. He also used a digital camera with a fish-eye lens to capture 360-degree imagery of the inside of BEAM.

[...]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2017/03/22/beam-checks-and-human-research-fill-crew-day/ (https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2017/03/22/beam-checks-and-human-research-fill-crew-day/)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 03/29/2017 01:49 pm
Quote
Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust 10m10 minutes ago

Crusan: BEAM has has no significant performance issues since being added to station; slightly warmer than predicted inside.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/847080006283132928 (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/847080006283132928)

Quote
Stephen Clark‏ @StephenClark1 10m10 minutes ago

NASA’s Jason Crusan: No major issues with Bigelow’s BEAM module on ISS. Talking with Bigelow about keeping BEAM on ISS beyond next year.
https://twitter.com/StephenClark1/status/847080437960888325 (https://twitter.com/StephenClark1/status/847080437960888325)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: deruch on 03/29/2017 03:30 pm
Will they ever use it to do more than just characterize its performance? 
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/24/2017 06:44 am
Will they ever use it to do more than just characterize its performance?

Sorry, missed this post. NASA and Bigelow Aerospace have been discussing doing more with BEAM (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=30850.msg1632015#msg1632015) but I don't think there's been any announcement yet of an agreement/plan to do so.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Star One on 04/24/2017 09:30 am
Will they ever use it to do more than just characterize its performance?

Would seem a waste of real estate if they didn't do more with it sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rpapo on 04/24/2017 10:05 am
Will they ever use it to do more than just characterize its performance?

Would seem a waste of real estate if they didn't do more with it sooner rather than later.
It's only a waste of real estate if there's something ready to take it's place.  And to the best of my knowledge, there is nothing awaiting launch that needs a berthing spot at the moment.

Ideas in the wings?  Plenty.  Actual hardware awaiting a berth?  Not so much.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Star One on 04/24/2017 10:07 am
Will they ever use it to do more than just characterize its performance?

Would seem a waste of real estate if they didn't do more with it sooner rather than later.
It's only a waste of real estate if there's something ready to take it's place.  And to the best of my knowledge, there is nothing awaiting launch that needs a berthing spot at the moment.

Ideas in the wings?  Plenty.  Actual hardware awaiting a berth?  Not so much.

I meant that they were wasting the real estate it offers by not using it for more than just checking.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: rpapo on 04/24/2017 10:12 am
Will they ever use it to do more than just characterize its performance?

Would seem a waste of real estate if they didn't do more with it sooner rather than later.
It's only a waste of real estate if there's something ready to take it's place.  And to the best of my knowledge, there is nothing awaiting launch that needs a berthing spot at the moment.

Ideas in the wings?  Plenty.  Actual hardware awaiting a berth?  Not so much.

I meant that they were wasting the real estate it offers by not using it for more than just checking.
Agreed, in that sense.  I was referring only to BEAM occupying a berthing spot which could theoretically be used for something else.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/26/2017 01:30 pm
Quote
Inspecting the inflatable BEAM module at 30x speed and taking pictures for ground control – a new type of @Space_Station real estate!

https://twitter.com/thom_astro/status/857188006146461696 (https://twitter.com/thom_astro/status/857188006146461696)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 08:10 pm
Quote
Worked in wicked-cool space balloon last week- BEAM. Could revolutionize future space habitats & would be fun to say you live in a balloon!

https://twitter.com/astro2fish/status/859132832685277184 (https://twitter.com/astro2fish/status/859132832685277184)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: deruch on 05/03/2017 03:45 am
ISS Daily Summary Report – 4/28/2017

Posted on April 28, 2017 at 4:00 pm by HQ.
Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) Shield Installation:  The crew ingressed the BEAM and installed a Radiation Environment Monitor (REM) shield onto the REM sensor. This shield is a 1.1 mm thick component produced by the 3D printer on the ISS.  BEAM is an experimental expandable module attached to the ISS.  Expandable habitats greatly decrease the amount of transport volume required for future space missions. These “expandables” weigh less and take up less room on a rocket than a traditional module while allowing additional space for living and working. They also provide protection from solar and cosmic radiation, space debris, and other contaminants. Crews traveling to the moon, Mars, asteroids, or other destinations could possibly use them as habitable structures.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jacqmans on 05/23/2017 07:20 pm
Thomas Pesquet:
 

BEAM
 

With Jack and Peggy in the BEAM – Bigelow Expandable Activity Module. We use the Space Station for science but also as a testing ground for future exploration and this module is a clear example. It is launched flat and expanded once in space. This saves space in the launch rocket and weight and we will need technology like this when humans venture further afield in our Solar System.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/27/2017 06:42 am
Quote
May 26, 2017
First Year of BEAM Demo Offers Valuable Data on Expandable Habitats
Halfway into its planned two-year demonstration attached to the International Space Station, the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, or BEAM, is showing that soft materials can perform as well as rigid materials for habitation volumes in space. The BEAM was launched and attached to station through a partnership between NASA’s Advanced Exploration Systems Division (AES) and Bigelow Aerospace, headquartered in North Las Vegas, Nevada.

NASA and Bigelow are primarily evaluating characteristics directly related to the module’s ability to protect humans from the harsh space environment. Astronauts aboard station work with researchers on the ground to monitor the module’s structural integrity, thermal stability, and resistance to space debris, radiation, and microbial growth.

Researchers at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, continually analyze data from internal sensors designed to monitor and locate external impacts by orbital debris, and, as expected, have recorded a few probable micrometeoroid debris impacts so far. BEAM has performed as designed in preventing debris penetration with multiple outer protective layers exceeding space station shielding requirements.

Over the next several months, NASA and Bigelow will focus on measuring radiation dosage inside the BEAM. Using two active Radiation Environment Monitors (REM) inside the module, researchers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston are able to take real-time measurements of radiation levels. They have found that Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR) dose rates inside the BEAM are similar to other space station modules, and continue to analyze contributions to the daily dose from the Earth’s trapped radiation belts to better understand the shielding properties of the module for application to long-term missions. The space station and the BEAM enjoy a significant amount of protection from Earth’s magnetosphere. Future deep space missions will be far more exposed to energized radiation particles speeding through the solar system, so NASA is actively working on ways to mitigate the effects of radiation events.

In late April, NASA’s radiation researchers at Johnson began a multi-month BEAM radiation experiment by installing a .04 inch (1.1 mm) thick shield onto one of the two REM sensors in BEAM. The station crew produced a hemispherical shield using the 3-D printer on the space station, and in the next few months this first shield will be replaced by two successively thicker shields, also 3-D printed, with thicknesses of about .13 inches (3.3mm) and .4 inches (10mm), respectively. The difference in measurements from the two REMs—one with a shield and one without—will help better resolve the energy spectra of the trapped radiation particles, particularly those coming from the South Atlantic Anomaly.

Space station crew members have entered the BEAM nine times since its expansion in May 2016. In addition to the REM shielding experiment activities, the crew has swapped out passive radiation badges called Radiation Area Monitors and they routinely collect microbial air and surface samples. These badges and samples are sent back to Earth for standard microbial and radiation analysis at Johnson.

The BEAM technology demonstration is helping NASA to advance and learn about expandable space habitat technology in low-Earth orbit for application toward future human exploration missions. The partnership between NASA and Bigelow supports NASA’s objective to develop a deep space habitat for human missions beyond Earth orbit while fostering commercial capabilities for non-government applications.

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/first-year-of-beam-demo-offers-valuable-data-on-expandable-habitats (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/first-year-of-beam-demo-offers-valuable-data-on-expandable-habitats)

First picture caption:

Quote
Image showing a 3-D printed shield covering a radiation monitor inside BEAM
Astronauts aboard the space station 3-D printed a shield to cover one of the two Radiation Environment Monitors inside the BEAM. The shield, the white hemispherical shape at the center of the photograph, is shown above inside the BEAM module. In the coming months, the crew will print successively thicker shields to determine the shielding effectiveness at blocking radiation.
Credits: NASA
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/20/2017 07:41 pm
Quote
Dragon Packing and BEAM Checks Onboard Station Today
Posted on June 20, 2017 at 3:28 pm by Mark Garcia.

The Expedition 52 crew is loading the SpaceX Dragon with cargo for return back to Earth in less than two weeks. BEAM, the experimental habitat, also received a new radiation shield today that was 3D printed aboard the International Space Station.

Dragon is due to leave the International Space Station July 2 after cargo transfers with the resupply ship are complete. The crew offloaded new science experiments, spacewalking gear and station hardware shortly after it arrived on June 5. Dragon will now be packed with used station gear and research samples for analysis by NASA engineers and scientists after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean.

Flight Engineer Jack Fischer opened up BEAM today and entered the expandable activity module for a regular checkup. He replaced an older radiation shield with a thicker shield that covers a radiation sensor inside BEAM. Fischer also sampled BEAM’s air and surfaces for microbes.

Veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson of NASA spent Tuesday sampling the air and surfaces for microbes in the station’s U.S. segment. Whitson also spent some time stowing synthetic DNA samples exposed to radiation in a science freezer and began readying rodent research gear for return next month aboard Dragon.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2017/06/20/dragon-packing-and-beam-checks-onboard-station-today/ (https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2017/06/20/dragon-packing-and-beam-checks-onboard-station-today/)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/21/2017 02:13 pm
 8)

Quote
Take a peak inside BEAM and the rest of the ISS on Google Street View https://www.google.com/streetview/#international-space-station/bigelow-expandable-activity-module-beam

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/888396581539504128
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: AnalogMan on 07/23/2017 09:56 pm
Presentation from ISSR&D Conference 2017:

Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) ISS Year-One  - 37pages July 19, 2017
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20170006506.pdf (https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20170006506.pdf)

(copy attached)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/05/2017 11:51 am
Quote
Utilization of habitable volume is much more efficient in zero g, making BEAM look/feel much larger. Thank you for the photos @AstroKomrade
https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/893146778492469248

Quote
Inside the expandable module BEAM, currently under testing as a habitat for future human missions beyond the @Space_Station #VITAmission
https://twitter.com/astro_paolo/status/893559597566480384
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: AnalogMan on 10/02/2017 10:20 pm
NASA May Extend BEAM’s Time on the International Space Station
Erin Mahoney - October 2, 2017

NASA is exploring options with Bigelow Aerospace to extend the life of the privately owned Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (https://www.nasa.gov/content/bigelow-expandable-activity-module). Known as BEAM, the module is attached to the International Space Station and continues to perform well during its technology demonstration mission. NASA has issued a synopsis (https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=92129895cfbdb9e887d2afbae61f4b79&tab=core&_cview=0) of an intended contract action to partner with Bigelow Aerospace to extend the life of the expandable habitat and use it for long-term in-orbit storage. This step continues NASA’s commitment to expand private-public partnerships, scientific research and commercial applications aboard station to maximize the benefits from humanity’s premiere laboratory in microgravity.

NASA’s use of BEAM as part of a human-rated system will allow Bigelow Aerospace to demonstrate its technology for future commercial applications in low-Earth Orbit. Initial studies have shown that soft materials can perform as well as rigid materials for habitation volumes in space and that BEAM has performed as designed in resistance to space debris.

BEAM launched on the eighth SpaceX Commercial Resupply Service mission in 2016. After being attached to the Tranquility Node using the station’s robotic Canadarm2, it was filled with air to expand it for a two-year test period to validate overall performance and capability of expandable habitats. Since the initial expansion, a suite of sensors installed by the crew automatically take measurements and monitor BEAM’s performance to help inform designs for future habitat systems. Learning how an expandable habitat performs in the thermal environment of space and how it reacts to radiation, micrometeoroids and orbital debris will provide information to address key concerns about living in the harsh environment of space. This extension activity will deepen NASA’s understanding of expandable space systems by making the BEAM a more operational element of the space station to be actively used in storage and crew operations.

Space station crew members have entered BEAM 13 times since its expansion in May 2016. The crew has conducted radiation shielding experiments, installed passive radiation badges called Radiation Area Monitors, and they routinely collect microbial air and surface samples. These badges and samples are returned to Earth for standard microbial and radiation analysis at the Johnson Space Center.

The original plan called for engineers to robotically jettison BEAM from the space station following the two-year test and validation period, allowing it to burn up during its descent through Earth’s atmosphere. However, after almost a year and a half into the demonstration with positive performance, NASA now intends to continue supporting BEAM for stowage use and to allow Bigelow Aerospace to use the module as a test-bed for new technology demonstrations. A new contract would likely begin later this year, overlapping the original planned test period, for a minimum of three years, with two options to extend for one additional year. At the end of the new contract, the agency may consider further life extension or could again consider jettisoning BEAM from the station.

Using the space inside BEAM would allow NASA to hold between 109 to 130 Cargo Transfer Bags of in-orbit stowage, and long-term use of BEAM would enable NASA to gather additional performance data on the module’s structural integrity, thermal stability and resistance to space debris, radiation and microbial growth to help NASA advance and learn about expandable space habitat technology in low-Earth orbit for application toward future human exploration missions. Given that the volume of each Cargo Transfer Bag is about 1.87 cubic feet (0.53 cubic meters), use of BEAM for stowage will free an equivalent space of about 3.7 to 4.4 International Standard Payload Racks, enabling more space in the ISS for research.

With an extension of the partnership, Bigelow also would be able to continue to demonstrate its technology for future commercial applications in low-Earth orbit. The public-private partnership between NASA and Bigelow supports NASA’s objective to develop deep space habitation capabilities for human missions beyond Earth orbit while fostering commercial capabilities for non-government applications to stimulate the growth of the space economy.

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-may-extend-beam-s-time-on-the-international-space-station (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-may-extend-beam-s-time-on-the-international-space-station)

Synopsis:
https://www.fbo.gov/notices/92129895cfbdb9e887d2afbae61f4b79 (https://www.fbo.gov/notices/92129895cfbdb9e887d2afbae61f4b79)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/06/2017 05:35 pm
Higher res than before and one different shot:

Quote
Some recent photos of the crew taken inside BEAM.

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/916342428725952512
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: the_other_Doug on 10/07/2017 01:24 pm
I'm glad NASA found an actual use for the BEAM module.  The only thing that occurred to me when I heard this plan, of using it for storage, is that, AFAIK, there are no attach points or structures within BEAM to which to attach stowage bags in any kind of organized fashion.

Are these bags going to just full of dirty underwear and such?  Or will they be storing items they will want to access later?  Because, if you just toss bags in there, first, they will just bounce around and off the walls with each small acceleration/deceleration vector the station encounters, and second, it would be a huge PITA finding one individual stowage bag amongst a whole bunch, just floating around randomly...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 10/07/2017 07:00 pm
In the pictures posted by FutureSpaceTourist, it is visible that there are four sliding guids that connect both  metal end bulkheads of BEAM. I suspect that NASA will launch nets or zero gravity racks (bags) to arrange the cargo stowed inside BEAM. Most likely these stowage soft structures still have to be produced and  launched to the ISS.
Only cargo backs can be stowed inside BEAM. The Robonout stowage cradle will have to be moved to a empty ISPR location (PMM or JEM).
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/21/2017 02:26 pm
Cross-posting:

Quote
BEAM Prepped for Cargo, CubeSats Deployed and Leg Muscles Scanned

An experimental module attached to the International Space Station is being prepared for upcoming cargo operations. Tiny research satellites were also ejected from the orbital lab while a pair of Expedition 53 crew members scanned their leg muscles today.

BEAM, officially called the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, is being outfitted this week for future stowage operations. Excess gear, including inflation tanks and dynamic sensors, used during its initial expansion back in May of 2016 is being removed to make room for new cargo. BEAM’s old gear and trash will now be stowed in the Cygnus resupply craft for disposal early next month.

[...]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2017/11/20/beam-prepped-for-cargo-cubesats-deployed-and-leg-muscles-scanned/ (https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2017/11/20/beam-prepped-for-cargo-cubesats-deployed-and-leg-muscles-scanned/)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Targeteer on 11/21/2017 03:06 pm
The crew is doing a requested live video fly through of BEAM to document the final configuration and of course it's not being shown on the streaming ISS feed...
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/27/2017 07:24 pm
Quote
BEAM before & after hardware removal to fulfill its new mission of being a mini warehouse for @Space_Station

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/935207357767806977 (https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/935207357767806977)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 12/03/2017 02:12 pm
The new look of BEAM



Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/05/2017 07:06 am
Quote
Dec 4 2017
NASA Extends Expandable Habitat's Time on the International Space Station

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, known as BEAM, will remain attached to the International Space Station to provide additional performance data on expandable habitat technologies and enable new technology demonstrations. NASA awarded a sole-source contract to Bigelow Aerospace to support extension of the life of the privately-owned module, and its use to stow spare space station hardware.

After NASA and Bigelow successfully completed collaborative analyses on BEAM life extension and stowage feasibility, astronauts began the process to provide additional storage capability aboard the station by removing hardware used for the initial BEAM expansion. They then converted sensors that monitor the BEAM environment from wireless to wired (to prevent interference from future stowage items on transmission of sensor data). Next they installed air ducting, netting, and large empty bags to define the stowage volume for hardware inside BEAM.  NASA and Bigelow later will likely add a power and data interface to BEAM, which will allow additional technology demonstrations to take place for the duration of the partnership agreement.

This new contract, which began in November, will run for a minimum of three years, with two options to extend for one additional year. At the end of the new contract, the agency may consider another extension or could again consider jettisoning BEAM from the station.

The space inside BEAM will hold up to 130 Cargo Transfer Bags of in-orbit stowage. Long-term use of BEAM will enable NASA and Bigelow to gather additional performance data on the module’s structural integrity and thermal stability and resistance to space debris, radiation, and microbial growth, to help NASA advance and learn about expandable space habitat technology in low-Earth orbit for application toward future human exploration missions. Using BEAM for stowage will free up about 1.87 cubic feet (0.53 cubic meters) of space in other station modules for research.

NASA’s use of BEAM as part of a human-rated system allows Bigelow Aerospace to demonstrate its technology for future commercial applications in low-Earth Orbit. Initial studies have shown that soft materials can perform as well as rigid materials for habitation volumes in space and that BEAM has performed as designed in resistance to space debris.

BEAM launched on the eighth SpaceX Commercial Resupply Service mission in 2016. After being attached to the Tranquility Node using the station’s robotic Canadarm2, it was filled with air to expand it for a two-year test period to validate overall performance and capability of expandable habitats. Since the initial expansion, a suite of sensors installed by the crew automatically take measurements and monitor BEAM’s performance to help inform designs for future habitat systems. This extension will deepen NASA’s understanding of expandable space systems by making the BEAM a more operational element of the space station to be actively used in storage and crew operations.

Space station crew members have entered BEAM more than a dozen times since its expansion in May 2016. The crew has conducted radiation shielding experiments, installed passive radiation badges called Radiation Area Monitors, and routinely collect microbial air and surface samples. These badges and samples are returned to Earth for standard microbial and radiation analysis at the Johnson Space Center.

The public-private partnership between NASA and Bigelow supports NASA’s objective to develop deep space habitation capabilities for human missions beyond Earth orbit while fostering commercial capabilities for non-government applications to stimulate the growth of the space economy.

Last Updated: Dec. 4, 2017
Editor: Mark Garcia

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-extends-beam-s-time-on-the-international-space-station (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-extends-beam-s-time-on-the-international-space-station)

Photo caption:

Quote
ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Paolo Nespoli works inside the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, or BEAM, outfitting it for future cargo storage aboard the International Space Station.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/05/2017 07:19 pm
Includes some time lapse images of BEAM conversion to storage:

https://youtu.be/Kle19Ca-P3A (https://youtu.be/Kle19Ca-P3A)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: catdlr on 12/05/2017 10:39 pm
NASA Expands BEAM’s Mission


NASA Johnson
Published on Dec 5, 2017

The mission of the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) on the International Space Station has been, well, expanded.  After more than a year and a half on orbit providing performance data on expandable habitat technologies, NASA and Bigelow Aerospace have reached agreement to extend the life of the privately-owned module.  For a minimum of three more years, BEAM will be a more operational element of the station used in crew activities and onboard storage, allowing time to gather more data on the technology’s structural integrity, thermal stability, and resistance to space debris, radiation and microbial growth.

https://youtu.be/uirXgbTF19o?t=001

https://youtu.be/uirXgbTF19o
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: jacqmans on 08/28/2018 02:49 pm
Expedition 55/56 crew members inside BEAM

iss056e126552 (Aug. 2, 2018) --- Expedition 55/56 crew members pose for a portrait inside the Bigelow Expandable Aerospace Module (BEAM). BEAM was installed on the International Space Station's Tranquility module on April 16, 2016 after being launched aboard the SpaceX Dragon cargo craft on April 8, 2016.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/21/2018 05:43 pm
Quote
Today marks the 888th day that #BEAM has been in orbit on the @space_station. BEAM has gone around the World over 14,000 times! Now in its extended mission phase, BEAM will continue its service on ISS and continue to promote a #commercialspacefuture. #space #mannedspaceflight

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/1043173678932885504
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 09/21/2018 11:33 pm
There is a interesting presentation about BEAM in the ISS R&D 2018 conference presentations.
They found stowage space for 109 CTBE (small cargo bags) inside BEAM. They will use four M3 and four M1 bags for this and the aft bulkhead.
There are also details about the sensors inside BEAM.
I won't share it you can find the presentation: here (https://www.xcdsystem.com/ISS/program/7jD8DQL/index.cfm?pgid=1450)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: PahTo on 09/22/2018 01:06 am
Quote
Today marks the 888th day that #BEAM has been in orbit on the @space_station. BEAM has gone around the World over 14,000 times! Now in its extended mission phase, BEAM will continue its service on ISS and continue to promote a #commercialspacefuture. #space #mannedspaceflight

https://twitter.com/bigelowspace/status/1043173678932885504

Nice--and dare I say Happy Equinox BEAM?
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rondaz on 09/25/2018 02:07 pm
ISS Daily Summary Report – 9/24/2018

Bigelow Expandable Aerospace Module (BEAM) Anomalous Depressurization and Stabilization System (ADSS) Brace Preparation: The ISS Program has agreed to extend the operational life of BEAM from its original 2-year life until the end of ISS. To ensure that BEAM can safely maintain its structure in the event of a contingency depressurization scenario, the ADSS struts require additional stiffening to meet the required safety margin. By scavenging tubing from old athletic Knee Braces today, the crew were able to build reinforcing stiffeners in conjunction with items from a Hose Clamp Kit; installation is scheduled during tomorrow’s BEAM ingress activities.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: e of pi on 09/25/2018 02:16 pm
ISS Daily Summary Report – 9/24/2018

Bigelow Expandable Aerospace Module (BEAM) Anomalous Depressurization and Stabilization System (ADSS) Brace Preparation: The ISS Program has agreed to extend the operational life of BEAM from its original 2-year life until the end of ISS. To ensure that BEAM can safely maintain its structure in the event of a contingency depressurization scenario, the ADSS struts require additional stiffening to meet the required safety margin. By scavenging tubing from old athletic Knee Braces today, the crew were able to build reinforcing stiffeners in conjunction with items from a Hose Clamp Kit; installation is scheduled during tomorrow’s BEAM ingress activities.
How Apollo 13! "We need to reinforce the module using only the contents of this box."
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rondaz on 09/25/2018 09:15 pm
Commander Leads Japanese, Russian Spaceship Preps and BEAM Checks

Mark Garcia September 25, 2018

The commander also joined Flight Engineer Serena Auñón-Chancellor opening up the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) for maintenance and stowage work.The duo reinforced and stiffened struts inside BEAM to increase its safety margin and extend its operational life. They also stowed a variety of hardware inside the station’s newest module.

Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 09/26/2018 01:28 am
I hope the strengthening information has been incorporated into the design of other Bigelow modules.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rondaz on 09/26/2018 02:51 pm
ISS Daily Summary Report – 9/25/2018

Bigelow Expandable Aerospace Module (BEAM) Strut Reinforcement and Cargo Transfer: Earlier today the crew ingressed BEAM and installed diagonal knee braces on each of the four (4) Anomalous Depressurization and Stabilization System (ADSS) struts to reinforce the ADSS in the event of a contingency depressurized scenario for a fully loaded BEAM.  The crew then transferred approved hardware into the BEAM for extended storage  prior to egressing the module.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Space Pete on 09/27/2018 06:17 pm
View inside BEAM with reinforced struts - from Bigelow Twitter.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 09/28/2018 09:48 pm
View inside BEAM with reinforced struts - from Bigelow Twitter.
Jey comfirmation of BEAM Stowage layout. And one additional M1 bag number. Unfortunately I'll have to update the topologies now.  ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/01/2018 03:07 pm
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1046776177942253569 (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1046776177942253569)
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rondaz on 01/25/2019 07:06 pm
BEAM Stowage, Medical Procedures Review and Commercial Crew Update

Mark Garcia Posted on January 23, 2019

The Expedition 58 crew opened up the International Space Station’s “closet” today stowing hardware inside the experimental module. The three orbital residents also reviewed medical emergency procedures and NASA’s Commercial Crew Program announced a crew update Tuesday.

The Bigelow Experimental Activity Module (BEAM) had its stay extended at the orbital lab in November of 2017. BEAM now serves as a cargo hold and continues to undergo tests of its ability to withstand the rigors of microgravity. Crews periodically check BEAM’s sensors to determine its ongoing suitability for spaceflight.

Astronauts Anne McClain and David Saint-Jacques entered BEAM today stowing a variety of station hardware inside the near three-year-old module. The added volume at the station enables more room for advanced space research at the orbital complex.

They later joined Commander Oleg Kononenko in the afternoon and reviewed procedures in the event a crew member experiences a medical emergency in space. Actions a crew can take if necessary include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, surgical procedures aboard the orbital lab or quickly returning an affected astronaut to Earth aboard the Soyuz spacecraft.

The Commercial Crew Program announced a crew change Tuesday afternoon with NASA astronaut Michael Fincke replacing NASA astronaut Eric Boe. Fincke now begins his training as a crew member for Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner Crew Flight Test. Boe will now become assistant chief of the commercial crew office at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2019/01/23/beam-stowage-medical-procedures-review-and-commercial-crew-update/
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/04/2019 04:05 pm
https://twitter.com/BigelowSpace/status/1092468567826550786

Quote
BEAM pulls its own weight and then some! BEAM weighed 3,000 pounds at launch and now is home to precious cargo weighing over 3,200 pounds making the final mass just over 6,200 pounds.
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: SWGlassPit on 02/04/2019 05:26 pm
Looks like some of my closets at home....
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Olaf on 08/12/2019 05:40 pm
Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) ISS Year-Three
http://amz.xcdsystem.com/4F14E44B-BC41-E69B-DFAF5A1B1627A0EA_abstract_File14318/PDFUpload_90_0726024736.pdf
Title: Re: LIVE: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/12/2019 08:01 pm
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NASA planning to keep BEAM module on ISS for the long haul
by Jeff Foust — August 12, 2019

ATLANTA — An experimental module added to the International Space Station three years ago to test expandable module technologies has been cleared to remain on the station through the late 2020s.

In a July 30 presentation at the ISS Research and Development Conference here, Nathan Wells, an instrumentation lead for the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) at NASA, said the module’s on-orbit performance had exceeded expectations and that it had been cleared to remain on the station to 2028.

https://spacenews.com/nasa-planning-to-keep-beam-module-on-iss-for-the-long-haul/

Nice quote from presentation linked in previous post:

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BEAM has advanced human rated expandable modules to TRL 9 and in the future should be considered as a solution for volume/mass savings in future planetary and space exploration applications.
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/13/2020 06:41 pm
https://twitter.com/joroulette/status/1260604677726580736

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Smith says expandable space modules like Bigelow's BEAM, currently on the ISS as a storage module until 2026, are actually better than fixed metal structures in resisting micro debris impacts. It sort of acts as a kevlar vest, Smith says.
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: cferreir on 06/12/2020 11:42 pm
Is the real challenge in deploying inflatables like BEAM the fact that they need to be outfitted with the internals? In terms of the space there is no comparison since a B330 would be so much bigger than anything that AXIOM can launch. However the AXIOM modules are completely outfitted on launch whereas a B330 would need to be configured in space to efficiently utilize it vast volume. I'm wondering since BEAM is proven and the internal volume would be so much larger than AXIOM. Comments?
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Coastal Ron on 06/12/2020 11:47 pm
Is the real challenge in deploying inflatables like BEAM the fact that they need to be outfitted with the internals?

I would think so. People like to point out how much volume a Bigelow hab has over the ISS volume, but the ISS is filled with racks of equipment, and the humans don't really need that much room in zero-G.

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In terms of the space there is no comparison since a B330 would be so much bigger than anything that AXIOM can launch. However the AXIOM modules are completely outfitted on launch whereas a B330 would need to be configured in space to efficiently utilize it vast volume. I'm wondering since BEAM is proven and the internal volume would be so much larger than AXIOM. Comments?

Really it boils down to what you need the volume for. If it is for scientific equipment then it may make sense to install and configure it before launch. If you just need storage space then sure, an inflatable definitely makes sense. And there could be hybrid uses too, so really it boils down to what the need is.
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: cferreir on 06/13/2020 12:40 am
What about consumables? You could launch a B330 with some expandable bladders and then a couple of HEAVY (FH/D4H) with a lot of water and have a ton of H2O/O for some hotel style showers/poops etc. That could be good???
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Tomness on 06/13/2020 01:18 am
What about consumables? You could launch a B330 with some expandable bladders and then a couple of HEAVY (FH/D4H) with a lot of water and have a ton of H2O/O for some hotel style showers/poops etc. That could be good???

Why? Starship Tanker could carry that in it's cargo holds and it's fully reusable. Launch liquid tanker and then launch refuel tanker and then send it on its way.
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 06/13/2020 06:31 pm
I think a inflatable module that only expands in diameter could be outfitted with everything in ~ISPR racks.
Most likely the module can't be pressurized during launch, because it will expand during the launch.
In orbit the module can inflate and the ISPR racks can be places a location to the back. The inward racks can be used for RAFs (Random Acces Frames). This is way more useful and practical than a B330.  But it involves quite a lot or in orbit work.
A while back i made this sketch, the top is ISS layout, the bottom is a radial inflating module.
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: eeergo on 06/18/2020 11:35 am
Moving back to actual BEAM news:

https://twitter.com/katlinegrey/status/1273496995899092993
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/07/2020 05:58 pm
Couple of shots from July 1st during operations to retrieve charcoal filters. Pictures posted by NASA Johnson
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/20/2020 10:01 pm
https://twitter.com/astrobehnken/status/1285331572187594758

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Technology development is one of @Space_Station’s many missions. I recently had the rare opportunity to open the expandable module know as BEAM to perform some activities inside. We both launched on @SpaceX rockets to get here!
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: sdsds on 02/06/2021 02:41 am
Have any MMOD strikes been detected/reported yet on BEAM?
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: eeergo on 02/08/2021 08:35 am
Have any MMOD strikes been detected/reported yet on BEAM?

Some were already reported 3 years ago:

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/first-year-of-beam-demo-offers-valuable-data-on-expandable-habitats/

There were some more reported in the excellent summary presentations from 2017, '18 and 19:

Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) ISS Year-Three
http://amz.xcdsystem.com/4F14E44B-BC41-E69B-DFAF5A1B1627A0EA_abstract_File14318/PDFUpload_90_0726024736.pdf

(see slides 14-18 and 33) I haven't found one for last year (possibly due to Bigelow's woes?)

One can only assume those have kept on piling but with good shielding performance and no penetration.
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Space Pete on 02/17/2021 03:03 pm
Playing around with DOUG today, I learned that BEAM would fit perfectly on Node 3 Zenith - no interferance with SGANT-1 or Port TRRJ envelope (shown in pink).

I bet NASA wish they'd never blocked off the Zenith port with a PVGF now, as it would allow use of Node 3 Aft for commercial expansion.
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: daedalus1 on 02/17/2021 03:09 pm
Playing around with DOUG today, I learned that BEAM would fit perfectly on Node 3 Zenith - no interferance with SGANT-1 or Port TRRJ envelope (shown in pink).

I bet NASA wish they'd never blocked off the Zenith port with a PVGF now, as it would allow use of Node 3 Aft for commercial expansion.

Try not to use acronyms without an explanation. It's not readable if you are not familiar. Thanks
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Space Pete on 02/17/2021 03:14 pm
Try not to use acronyms without an explanation. It's not readable if you are not familiar. Thanks

Sorry, I do like my ISS acronyms! :)

DOUG = Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics
SGANT = Space to Ground ANTenna
TRRJ = Thermal Radiator Rotary Joint
PVGF = Power/Video Grapple Fixture
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: daedalus1 on 02/17/2021 03:22 pm
Lol. Thanks, I tend to know some spacy acronyms but was thinking more of people who maybe are just casual readers and not that knowledgeable.
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/18/2021 03:33 pm
Photos posted by NASA today
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/15/2021 08:15 am
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa2explore/51375778871/

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Portions of the space station are pictured from Nauka
iss065e241366 (Aug. 12, 2021) --- Key portions of the International Space Station are pictured from a window on Russia's newest addition to the orbiting lab, the Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module. From left to right are Japan's Kibo laboratory module with its attached Exposed Facility where a variety of experiments are placed in the vacuum of space, including: the Japanese robotic arm attached to Kibo; the Leonardo Multipurpose Logistics Module attached to the Tranquility module; and the seven-windowed cupola and the Bigelow Expandable Module, or BEAM, attached to Tranquility.
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: Rondaz on 09/17/2021 04:53 pm
BEAM, from @BigelowSpace, was opened up today for cargo work as the Exp 65 crew also worked on robotics, eye checks, and life support gear.

https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1438906361706958849
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/10/2022 11:23 pm
https://flic.kr/p/2nDwmNs

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A view of BEAM and other modules from a space station window
iss067e214089 (Aug. 2, 2022) --- This view from a window on the International Space Station's Russian segment shows the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM), the cupola with its seven windows shuttered, and the NanoRacks Bishop airlock. Behind the cupola is the Leonardo permanment multipurpose module. All four components are attached to the Tranquility module.
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/18/2022 08:02 am
Excerpt from: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2022/10/17/brain-science-beam-work-as-station-orbits-higher-for-cargo-mission/

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NASA Flight Engineers Frank Rubio and Nicole Mann partnered together inside the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module for cargo and maintenance activities. Rubio opened up BEAM and entered with Mann to organize hardware to be returned on the next SpaceX Dragon mission planned for later this year. Mann also collected air and surface samples from inside BEAM for microbial analysis.
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/21/2022 02:44 pm
Some NASA photos of Oct 17 cargo work with BEAM
Title: Re: BEAM Expansion on ISS - May 26-28, 2016
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/28/2023 05:58 pm
https://flic.kr/p/2ojui6i

New Beam photo from February 19th.