Sierra Space partnered with Blue Origin to destroy a prototype space station module as part of a test program for the International Space Station (ISS) successor. Sierra Space conducted four deliberate explosions as part of the program, with the fourth explosion being the intended outcome. The LIFE module was intentionally blown up during the test, and the prototype was subjected to extreme pressures before the explosion. Sierra Space claims that the recent test is an important milestone towards building a more capable and long-lasting ISS successor. Sierra Space was awarded a contract worth $415 million by NASA in 2021 to create US-operated ISS replacements, together with Northrop Grumman and Nanoracks-led space station initiatives.
Sierra Space Conducts Explosive Test on Orbital Reef Space Station Module
Sierra Space, in partnership with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, recently destroyed a prototype space station module in a test program to validate the inflatable habitat for the International Space Station (ISS) successor. The Colorado-based company conducted four deliberate explosions as part of the test program, with the fourth explosion being the intended outcome. The Long Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) module was intentionally blown up in a small-scale prototype during the explosive test. The LIFE module prototype was subjected to extreme pressures before the explosion.
According to a news release from Sierra Space, the recent test indicates that the full-scale module will probably be able to survive space pressure for more than 60 years. Since the Orbital Reef space station is expected to have a 15-year lifespan, it will be highly redundant. Shawn Buckley, Sierra Space’s principal engineer for LIFE, stated that “We are definitely simulating forces much in excess of the norm. We continue to exceed our program requirements, test after harsh test.”
Sierra Space is building the Orbital Reef “space business park” with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and claims that the recent test is an important milestone towards building a more capable and long-lasting ISS successor. Sierra Space is one of three private space companies awarded contracts worth a combined $415 million by NASA in 2021 to create US-operated ISS replacements. The other companies supported by NASA’s contracts are Northrop Grumman and Nanoracks-led space station initiatives.
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