As astronauts on the ISS, the BEAM module was inflated: time-lapse video

The astronaut team on the ISS, after the first unsuccessful attempt of May 26, successfully deployed the BEAM inflatable module. If everything goes on well, such modules can be an addition to the main station. In addition, of them, if successful, will be able to create other stations, and the cost of assembling such objects will be lower than the cost of assembling the same ISS.

As for the current module, it is about 9 times lighter than a conventional aluminum module. At the same time, BEAM is expandable, so that it is also much easier to launch it into orbit than a standard module, which is put into space in parts. What does the BEAM extension look like? This can be found by viewing the accelerated video of the inflation module, placed in the continuation.

Congratulations involved in the BEAM program. A significant milestone has been accomplished pic.twitter.com/xPvQHPFRkS

- Bigelow Aerospace (@BigelowSpace) May 28, 2016

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The first attempt to inflate the module was made on 26 May. But the system crashed - automatics pointed to the lack of confirmation of cutting tapes that kept the body in the folded state. After this, the module was decided to be reset.

Astronauts will enter the module no earlier than June 2, if the automatics will show the tightness of the dome. After the first visit, the ISS team will enter it 3-4 times a year, for several hours. This is necessary to check its internal state. Most of the module status information will be collected using surveillance systems.