Author Topic: What's Happening at Bigelow? (Read 429272 times)

docmordrid · « **Reply #440 on:** 02/04/2011 05:57 am »

What I'd like them to further explore -

Lars_J · « **Reply #441 on:** 02/04/2011 06:36 am »

It's neat to see both Dragon and CST-100 (although partially obscured) in the same image.

But that makes me curious - Does anyone know have a semi-accurate visual size comparison of Dragon and CST-100, and perhaps Orion?

JNobles · « **Reply #442 on:** 02/04/2011 11:42 am »

I have an ignorant question about Bigelow modules.

Is it a situation where they have no equipment currently to sell? And that's what the two year lead time is for, so someone can place an order for them to build and then deliver?

So they have nothing on the showroom floor for someone to come in and buy and take away? Or is the two year wait just so they can outfit the bare bones model per the customer's wishes.

ChefPat · « **Reply #443 on:** 02/04/2011 12:02 pm »

Quote from: JNobles on 02/04/2011 11:42 am

I have an ignorant question about Bigelow modules.

Is it a situation where they have no equipment currently to sell? And that's what the two year lead time is for, so someone can place an order for them to build and then deliver?

So they have nothing on the showroom floor for someone to come in and buy and take away? Or is the two year wait just so they can outfit the bare bones model per the customer's wishes.

You can try asking them your question, but they're rather secretive about their capabilities.
Bigelow Aerospace

Ben the Space Brit · « **Reply #444 on:** 02/04/2011 12:43 pm »

Quote from: Lars_J on 02/04/2011 06:36 am

It's neat to see both Dragon and CST-100 (although partially obscured) in the same image.

But that makes me curious - Does anyone know have a semi-accurate visual size comparison of Dragon and CST-100, and perhaps Orion?

CST-100's capsule is essentially the same size as Orion's. Dragon's is narrower but longer.

What interests me about this picture is that it confirms something that I've suspected but not actually known for certain. All Bigelow modules will have docking/berthing interfaces at both ends compatable with spacecraft docking interfaces (likely LIDS or something similar). The stations won't be restricted to docking on specialised node ports.

Nate_Trost · « **Reply #445 on:** 02/04/2011 02:44 pm »

Quote from: JNobles on 02/04/2011 11:42 am

I have an ignorant question about Bigelow modules.

Is it a situation where they have no equipment currently to sell? And that's what the two year lead time is for, so someone can place an order for them to build and then deliver?

So they have nothing on the showroom floor for someone to come in and buy and take away? Or is the two year wait just so they can outfit the bare bones model per the customer's wishes.

I don't believe they are selling hardware either, they are selling access/residency.

JNobles · « **Reply #446 on:** 02/04/2011 04:06 pm »

Quote

I don't believe they are selling hardware either, they are selling access/residency.

Okay, thanks. I will say that I think that these inflatables have a lot of potential but I wish that more than one vendor was offering them. Competition is a good thing.

docmordrid · « **Reply #447 on:** 02/04/2011 05:40 pm »

Bigelow licensed the basic TransHab patents from NASA in 1998 then made numerous improvements, generating a slew of their own patents along the way - everything from windows, wiring and plumbing chases to radiation shelters and sleeping berths, and then some. Even a means to land a pre-assembled base on the Moon. As such another party trying to do their own expandable hab would have a bit of a patent minefield to navigate. Not impossible, but still.

What also helps Bigelow is that according to today's Aviation Week article -

“Our aerospace company is the only aerospace company in the United States that is ITAR-exempt. That was not easy. We achieved that a while back,”

HMXHMX · « **Reply #448 on:** 02/04/2011 07:25 pm »

Quote from: docmordrid on 02/04/2011 05:40 pm

Bigelow licensed the basic TransHab patents from NASA in 1998 then made numerous improvements, generating a slew of their own patents along the way - everything from windows, wiring and plumbing chases to radiation shelters and sleeping berths, and then some. Even a means to land a pre-assembled base on the Moon. As such another party trying to do their own expandable hab would have a bit of a patent minefield to navigate. Not impossible, but still.

What also helps Bigelow is that according to today's Aviation Week article -

“Our aerospace company is the only aerospace company in the United States that is ITAR-exempt. That was not easy. We achieved that a while back,”

Unless I misunderstand, the "ITAR exemption" refers only to Bigelow Aerospace selling visits to their orbiting facilities. It doesn't refer to selling the hardware or transferring manufacturing data out of the U.S.

The analogy with Virgin Galactic, for example, would be that a non-U.S. person can buy a ticket and ride, but they can't buy the vehicle.

I don't know but that there would be further complications with ITAR even with this "exemption." For example, does it apply to the spacecraft BA customers fly in on their way to the BA facility? Or will Boeing and ULA and SpaceX all have to get similar "exemptions." If I were to bet today, I'd bet that they all would have to seek separate approval before letting non-U.S. persons fly.

mmeijeri · « **Reply #449 on:** 02/04/2011 07:36 pm »

Quote from: JNobles on 02/04/2011 04:06 pm

Okay, thanks. I will say that I think that these inflatables have a lot of potential but I wish that more than one vendor was offering them. Competition is a good thing.

Bigelow has said he sees no competitors on the horizon, but that probably applies to companies offering the lease of complete and fully functional orbital modules. ILC Dover would probably be happy to sell NASA modules or to be a contractor on a JSC-led development program.

Space Junkie · « **Reply #450 on:** 02/05/2011 01:24 am »

This article from yesterday has a fairly long video.
http://www.8newsnow.com/story/13967660/i-team-bigelow-aerospace-begins-big-expansion

From the press conference today. Nasa rep Garver says a deal could be reached in 3 months.
http://www.8newsnow.com/story/13974465/nasa-rep-visits-bigelow-aerospace

Jason1701 · « **Reply #451 on:** 02/05/2011 02:26 am »

Wow! That's a great video. To my knowledge it's the only one that shows the inside of the module mockups.

The way Bigelow puts it, it sounds like they'll be producing BA 2100 modules right off the bat in the new factory. He said they have three production lines, and later in the video models of Sundancer, BA 330, and BA 2100 were displayed next to each other.

8 News Now said they'll talk about Bigelow's prices on their evening news tonight, and then more about the ISS deal soon.

tigerade · « **Reply #452 on:** 02/05/2011 02:53 am »

Quote from: Jason1701 on 02/05/2011 02:26 am

Wow! That's a great video. To my knowledge it's the only one that shows the inside of the module mockups.

The way Bigelow puts it, it sounds like they'll be producing BA 2100 modules right off the bat in the new factory. He said they have three production lines, and later in the video models of Sundancer, BA 330, and BA 2100 were displayed next to each other.

8 News Now said they'll talk about Bigelow's prices on their evening news tonight, and then more about the ISS deal soon.

I imagine two of the production lines are the Sundancer and the BA330. Not sure what the third one is, but I doubt it's the 2100. The 2100 has a huge problem, even if they build it, they don't have a rocket to get it into space! I don't see a point in them putting resources towards it at this point.

e of pi · « **Reply #453 on:** 02/05/2011 04:36 am »

Quote from: tigerade on 02/05/2011 02:53 am

Quote from: Jason1701 on 02/05/2011 02:26 am
Wow! That's a great video. To my knowledge it's the only one that shows the inside of the module mockups.

The way Bigelow puts it, it sounds like they'll be producing BA 2100 modules right off the bat in the new factory. He said they have three production lines, and later in the video models of Sundancer, BA 330, and BA 2100 were displayed next to each other.

8 News Now said they'll talk about Bigelow's prices on their evening news tonight, and then more about the ISS deal soon.

I imagine two of the production lines are the Sundancer and the BA330. Not sure what the third one is, but I doubt it's the 2100. The 2100 has a huge problem, even if they build it, they don't have a rocket to get it into space! I don't see a point in them putting resources towards it at this point.

Perhaps the third is their node/propulsion buses? As their models show, you can do a lot with just those three elements, and all fit on current rockets.

neilh · « **Reply #454 on:** 02/05/2011 05:31 am »

A photo album from a visit today (Feb 4, 2011) by Lori Garver to Bigelow Aerospace:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/sets/72157625851963211/

Nice view of the inside of a full-scale mockup:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/5417051168/in/set-72157625851963211/

tigerade · « **Reply #455 on:** 02/05/2011 05:50 am »

Quote from: neilh on 02/05/2011 05:31 am

A photo album from a visit today (Feb 4, 2011) by Lori Garver to Bigelow Aerospace:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/sets/72157625851963211/

Nice view of the inside of a full-scale mockup:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/5417051168/in/set-72157625851963211/

Wow, very nice pictures! Are those actual Sundancers/BA330's?

Space Junkie · « **Reply #456 on:** 02/05/2011 05:59 am »

Quote from: tigerade on 02/05/2011 02:53 am

I imagine two of the production lines are the Sundancer and the BA330. Not sure what the third one is, but I doubt it's the 2100...I don't see a point in them putting resources towards it at this point.

I suspect Bob Bigelow's statement about 3 production lines was more "forward-looking" than anything immediate. Something like newlyweds buying a house with five bedrooms.

Downix · « **Reply #457 on:** 02/05/2011 06:00 am »

Quote from: tigerade on 02/05/2011 05:50 am

Quote from: neilh on 02/05/2011 05:31 am
A photo album from a visit today (Feb 4, 2011) by Lori Garver to Bigelow Aerospace:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/sets/72157625851963211/

Nice view of the inside of a full-scale mockup:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/5417051168/in/set-72157625851963211/

Wow, very nice pictures! Are those actual Sundancers/BA330's?

Mockups, I believe. A handy reference, however.

docmordrid · « **Reply #458 on:** 02/05/2011 06:46 am »

Full scale mock-ups is what it says.

If you watch the news report, at the end the talking head mentions a big announcement from NASA regarding Bigelow. Perhaps the ISS hab....

I recommend full screen viewing.

RocketEconomist327 · « **Reply #459 on:** 02/05/2011 07:00 am »

Part Two: http://www.8newsnow.com/story/13974654/i-team-bigelow-aerospace-may-get-module-on-space-station

Good watch and read... this is so motivating

VR
RE327