Large_Integrated_Flexible_Environment

Large Integrated Flexible Environment

Large Integrated Flexible Environment

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The Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) is an inflatable space habitat design currently being developed by Sierra Space.[1][2] The proposed Orbital Reef commercial space station would include multiple LIFE habitats.

A prototype Large Integrated Flexible Environment habitat inside the Space Station Processing Facility high bay on April 19, 2021

Development

In September 2022 Sierra Space completed a successful sub-scale Ultimate Burst Pressure test of a LIFE prototype.[3] A second successful test was completed later that year, exceeding NASA certification requirements.[4] On 22 January 2024 the company announced a successful full scale burst test, exceeding safety margins by 27%.[5]

Pathfinder

As soon as the end of 2026, before using LIFE as part of Orbital Reef, Sierra Space is proposing to launch a “pathfinder” version of LIFE as a standalone space station.[6]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    "LIFE Habitat (Large Integrated Flexible Environment) | Space Station | Sierra Space".
  2. [2]
    Evans, Ben. "Sierra Nevada Makes Progress on LIFE Inflatable Habitat for Lunar, Mars Missions". AmericaSpace.
  3. [3]
    "Sierra Space's LIFE Habitat Completes Successful Ultimate Burst Pressure Test". Sierra Space. 13 September 2022.
  4. [4]
    "Second Sub-Scale LIFE Habitat Test Article Exceeds NASA Certification Requirements After Ultimate Burst Pressure (UBP) Test". Sierra Space. 13 December 2022.
  5. [5]
    "Sierra Space Advances its Revolutionary Commercial Space Station Technology" (Press release). Louisville, Colo. January 22, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  6. [6]
    Foust, Jeff (2023-06-28). "Sierra Space describes long-term plans for Dream Chaser and inflatable modules". SpaceNews. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
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