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An inflatable lifeboat could one day ferry stranded astronauts back to Earth, if a prototype's test flights are successful next month.
The re-entry vehicle weighs just 130 kilograms and is being developed to carry cargo back from the International Space Station (ISS). But its inventors believe that it could also let astronauts bail out of the space station, or deliver robots to the surface of Mars. [continued]
An inflatable spaceship set for test flight is a prototype spacecraft that is made up of inflatable modules instead of traditional rigid structures. It is designed to be lightweight, cost-effective, and easier to launch into space.
An inflatable spaceship works by using pressurized gas to expand and inflate the modules, creating a habitable living space. The modules are connected through a series of airlocks and can be pressurized to provide a breathable atmosphere for astronauts.
There are several benefits to using an inflatable spaceship. It is lighter and more compact than traditional spacecraft, making it easier and cheaper to launch into space. It also has a larger interior space for astronauts to live and work in. Additionally, the flexible and inflatable materials can withstand impacts and debris better than rigid structures.
One potential drawback is the risk of puncture or damage to the inflatable modules. This could be a safety concern for astronauts and could potentially compromise the mission. Additionally, the technology is still relatively new and has not been extensively tested in space.
Yes, there are plans to use inflatable spaceships in future space missions. NASA has been researching and developing this technology for several years and has plans to use inflatable habitats for future missions to the moon and Mars. Private companies such as Bigelow Aerospace have also been working on inflatable spacecraft for commercial use in space.