New Scientist 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)
New Scientist heads for outer space. We live the dream.
(Image: Dave Stock/NASA/ESA)
