Sierra Space & ILC Dover's Inflatable Habitat Burst Breakthroughs Fuel Space Exploration

Sierra Space announced the successful completion of its fifth structural test for the LIFE™ habitat on September 20, 2023.

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The LIFE habitat is a project aimed at creating a business and technology platform in space, with ILC Dover as the partner.

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The company aims to commercialize Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by combining the LIFE habitat with the Dream Chaser spaceplane.

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A metallic window sub-structure, or blanking plate, was included in the testing, marking a technological breakthrough.

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The UBP test surpassed previous maximum burst pressures, providing a margin for full-scale LIFE testing.

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Lockheed Martin conducted successful burst tests on a sub-scale inflatable space module, similar to the Orbital Reef's approach.

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Both Lockheed Martin and Orbital Reef emphasize cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and adaptability in space habitat development.

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ILC Dover is a world-leader in the design and production of space exploration technology, including spacesuits and habitats.

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The advancements by Sierra Space and partners are contributing to the growing commercialization of Low Earth Orbit.

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