Author Topic: Bigelow Aerospace launching other modules? (Read 4778 times)

HIP2BSQRE · « **on:** 12/28/2006 06:06 pm »

I have a quick question, besides the launch next month of Genesis II, when is the next scheduled launch of a Bigelow module? Will Sundancer be the next lauch late 2009? I was reading in AWST, that Bigelow "was/is" planning a launch of a Gaxaley planned module.

Rifleman · « **Reply #1 on:** 01/10/2007 05:43 pm »

From what I have heard, Genesis II will be the last of the Genesis class modules. After that launch, I am not sure what Bigelow has planned next.

CriX · « **Reply #2 on:** 01/10/2007 06:58 pm »

Yes, I believe Galaxy class is next although I'm not sure when. We are supposed to have some exciting announcements from Bigelow coming soon.

Tony Rusi · « **Reply #3 on:** 01/10/2007 07:45 pm »

Chris Bergen!

When should we expect that "coffee spitting" announcement?

Danderman · « **Reply #4 on:** 01/10/2007 10:49 pm »

I was told that January 10 was going to be a big day for announcements.

Danderman · « **Reply #5 on:** 01/10/2007 10:53 pm »

Quote

Rifleman - 10/1/2007 10:26 AM

From what I have heard, Genesis II will be the last of the Genesis class modules. After that launch, I am not sure what Bigelow has planned next.

This was disclosed by BA about three years ago. The question remains if the somewhat larger "Nautilus" class module will still be launched, or whether BA will take a break from launching subscale mockups in favor of the full scale system, to be orbited when there is a customer.

Comga · « **Reply #6 on:** 01/11/2007 02:55 am »

IIRC we read a while ago that the next step would be some intermediate module to which the Nautilus class would attach before becoming operations. That seemed to be jumping ahead a great deal.

Also, a little birdie told me that there will be a not-surprising delay in the launch of Genesis II, and that there is a lot of personnel and planning turmoil at BA.

HIP2BSQRE · « **Reply #7 on:** 01/11/2007 05:00 pm »

Quote

Comga - 10/1/2007 7:38 PM

IIRC we read a while ago that the next step would be some intermediate module to which the Nautilus class would attach before becoming operations. That seemed to be jumping ahead a great deal.

Also, a little birdie told me that there will be a not-surprising delay in the launch of Genesis II, and that there is a lot of personnel and planning turmoil at BA.

Did anyone say what the planning and personnel turmoil was at BA? Also, when do they think that Gen II will launch?

ApolloLee · « **Reply #8 on:** 01/11/2007 05:28 pm »

Can't see how there can be turmoil when all we're hearing from them is a ramp-up in their plans for a manned module.

Tony Rusi · « **Reply #9 on:** 01/11/2007 06:45 pm »

Planning and personnel turmoil at BA? LOL!!! Perish the thought! Ever wonder why pension issues don't come up? Try finding anyone that has worked there long enough to qualify! Hey Bill Gates screwed his "contractors" too! Just consider your time with BA a "Vegas Vacation!" What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas!

Comga · « **Reply #10 on:** 01/12/2007 02:46 am »

I guess, partially from your writing Tony, that there has always been turmoil. On the other hand, the publicly stated general plan to grow and evolve the modules remained fairly stable since even before the Aviation Week article. The impression given to me was that the turmoil had increased. Perhaps it has just finally surpassed the tolerance limit of the source of my information.

There was no word on how long a launch delay is currently envisioned for Genesis II.

Danderman · « **Reply #11 on:** 01/12/2007 03:04 am »

From my perspective, its unclear whether the launch delay is due to the problems incurred by the recent Dnepr failure - even now, Dnepr has not flown again. It would not be surprised if BA were not eager to launch until the LV problems were clearly resolved.

sammie · « **Reply #12 on:** 01/12/2007 10:52 pm »

R-36M2* has flown again, at the end of December, link. Russia and Kazakstan are still haggling on the price that should be paid for "reparation" for the launch failure and contamination of Kazakstani properity. The starting price was 330mln USD, don't know where the negotiation has lead to, possibly they are still going on as Dnepr launches from Baikonur are still on hold. This should not effect Bigelow too much since they have used Dombarovsky (Yasny) on Russian territory for their Genesis I launch previously and also schedule to use it in the future for Genesis II.

R-36M2 is the unconverted ICBM used by Russian Strategic Forces, it flew a suborbital testflight. The conversion from R-36M2 to Dnepr is only in the 3 stage, where warheads are replaced with payloads and the flight softeware is changed

CriX · « **Reply #13 on:** 01/16/2007 08:20 pm »

http://www.livescience.com/blogs/author/leonarddavid

CriX · « **Reply #14 on:** 01/17/2007 03:00 am »

Maybe that was a bit brief, here's a quote from the article, "The launch of the privately-backed Genesis II expandable module has been delayed to early April - a slip of at least 60 days."