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Space
Space
Science
Leonard David

Blowing up: Inflatable space habitats could be key to exploring the solar system

NASA Earth Lockheed Martin Mars Sierra Space De Jong Robert Bigelow Moon Blue Origin Space Station
Artist's illustration of a white inflatable habitat on the moon.

It's high time to crank up the volume in space! That's the shout from several private firms that want to see an inflation factor for the future.

What is now being evaluated and tested is the use of "softgoods" to fashion inflatable/expandable airlocks and off-Earth habitats, not only for low Earth orbit, but also to provide comfy housing for future moon and Mars explorers.

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