Bigelow expandable activity module

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) is an inflatable habitat module designed for use in space exploration. Developed by Bigelow Aerospace, BEAM provides additional living and working space for astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) or other space habitats. It is constructed using lightweight and compact materials that allow it to be transported to space efficiently, and it expands after deployment to provide a larger interior volume.

BEAM's innovative design allows it to be launched in a compact form and then inflated to its full size once attached to the ISS or other compatible platforms. This expandable technology offers several advantages, including reduced launch volume and mass, as well as potential improvements in radiation protection and micrometeoroid resistance compared to traditional rigid modules.

The module is equipped with sensors and instruments to monitor its performance, structural integrity, and its interaction with the space environment. It serves as a demonstration of expandable habitat technology and provides valuable data for future developments in space habitat design and construction.

BEAM was launched to the ISS in 2016 as a part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program and has been used for various experiments and evaluations to assess its viability for long-duration space missions.