Module Construction and Deployment Timeline
On July 12, 2006, and June 28, 2007, Bigelow launched the Genesis I and II modules, respectively. In mid-2008, Bigelow Aerospace completed the Galaxy module but did not launch it due to rising launch costs and the ability to substantially validate the new Galaxy technologies terrestrially, particularly after the successful two Genesis launches in 2006 and 2007. It was tested on the ground at its North Las Vegas facility instead.
Bigelow has reserved a 2014 launch on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, but has not yet announced the payload. The Falcon 9 is capable of launching either a Sundancer or a BA 330 module. Bigelow is also in talks with Lockheed Martin to potentially contract launch services on its Atlas V-401 vehicle.
Note: Dates of upcoming launches are proposed and are subject to change. Cancelled projects are in italics.
Module Type | Module Names | Volume | Flight Date | Launch Vehicle | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Genesis Pathfinder | Genesis I | 11.5 m3 (410 cu ft) | July 12, 2006 14:53 UTC | Dnepr | Launch successful, on orbit |
Genesis Pathfinder | Genesis II | 11.5 m3 (410 cu ft) | June 28, 2007 15:02 UTC | Dnepr | Launch successful, on orbit |
Galaxy | Galaxy | 16.7 m3 (590 cu ft) | Cancelled | Launch cancelled, tests on ground | |
Sundancer | Unknown | 180 m3 (6,400 cu ft) | Cancelled | Unknown | launch cancelled, replace by BA 330 |
BA 330 | Unknown | 330 m3 (11,700 cu ft) | 2014-2015 | Unknown | In design; mockup built |
BA 2100 | Olympus | 2,100 m3 (74,200 cu ft) | Unknown | Unknown | Proposed |
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