¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ

Build your own space station

4 March 2010

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ prepares for the next step in human space exploration by building our very own space station – with a little help from of Las Vegas, Nevada, who provided the 1/30-scale model of their planned inflatable station

The model Bigelow Orbital Space Complex arrives from Las Vegas at the Theobald’s Road Space Centre, London, in a giant orange flight case.

(Image: Dave Stock)

In among the bubble wrap, a handy instruction manual

(Image: Dave Stock)

The solar panels, and the “inflatable” Sundancer and large BA-330 modules are liberated from their shipping materials.

(Image: Dave Stock)

Each inflatable module, or hab, connects to the central pod, or link node, where capsules from Earth will dock.

(Image: Dave Stock)

The solar panels fan out from the end of each module, like fly swatters for giant interplanetary flies.

(Image: Dave Stock)

Docking manoeuvres complete, the station is ready for its first (miniature) inhabitants.

(Image: Dave Stock)

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ heads for outer space. We live the dream.

(Image: Dave Stock/NASA/ESA)

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