Bigelow Aerospace Deploys Genesis 2 Space Module 94
ThePopeLayton writes "Space.com is reporting that Bigelow Aerospace has successfully launched its Genesis 2 Space Module. This is significant as Bigelow Aerospace is one of a few private groups currently developing space technologies. The module was launched in a compact form and upon achieving a stable orbit will be inflated using compressed air. Bigelow's website is reporting 'the second experimental pathfinder spacecraft has been successfully launched and inserted into orbit.' The module has a variety of things on board: Scorpions, Hissing Cockroaches, Ant colonies, and even a Bingo game."
Re:Does it... (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Failure is unpossible (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:The bigger picture (Score:3, Insightful)
There's a long way for them to yet go. They have to figure out how to assemble and build stations out of these modules in orbit. That requires things like space walks and robotic arms and so forth. Watching the astronauts spend hours and hours under difficult conditions working to just bolt a truss into place on the station gives me a lot of respect for what it takes. Also a critical piece of Bigelow's vision is still missing, which is a way to get people up there. Even buying launches from Inertia, it will cost many millions of dollars per launch, not to mention years of training for people flying. Space flights will not be routine for many more years.
But Bigelow is making small but giant steps towards the future. I think it's exciting and worthwhile.