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Sierra Space, a prominent player in the commercial space sector and defense technology, has announced the successful completion of its sixth stress test and fourth Ultimate Burst Pressure (UBP) test for the LIFE 10 commercial space station module. These milestones bring the Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) platform closer to certification for human habitation, meeting NASA's stringen by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 21, 2024
Sierra Space, a prominent player in the commercial space sector and defense technology, has announced the successful completion of its sixth stress test and fourth Ultimate Burst Pressure (UBP) test for the LIFE 10 commercial space station module. These milestones bring the Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) platform closer to certification for human habitation, meeting NASA's stringent Factor of Safety (FOS) recommendations.
The LIFE 10 module underwent its final UBP test on October 29th at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, achieving a rupture pressure of 255 psi - the highest recorded in the three-year restraint layer certification campaign. This result significantly exceeds NASA's 4x safety factor requirements for both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and lunar applications. The LIFE 10 module, approximately the size of a 10-ft-long moving truck, is particularly suited for lunar surface missions.
In LEO conditions, where the module will maintain an internal pressure of 15.2 psi, the LIFE 10 structure boasts a safety factor exceeding 16x. In the lunar environment, where internal pressure is reduced to 10.8 psi, the safety factor climbs to an impressive 23x. These robust safety margins underscore the module's readiness for operational deployment in various space environments.
"LIFE 10 represents a key step forward as we work to ensure there's no gap in LEO operations when the International Space Station is retired," said Tom Vice, Sierra Space CEO. "We are committed to delivering the world's first end-to-end business and technology platform in space, enabling innovative solutions to Earth's greatest challenges."
LIFE 10 serves as a scaled-down version of Sierra Space's LIFE 285 habitat, which inflates to the size of a three-story apartment building in orbit. Sierra Space recently conducted UBP tests on LIFE 285 modules, one of which will be featured in the NOVA documentary series 'Building Stuff', airing on PBS.
"Sierra Space's LIFE habitat technology is versatile, supporting applications from LEO to lunar and Martian environments," added Shawn Buckley, VP of Destinations and In-Space Infrastructure. "Our work demonstrates the potential for scalable, inflatable habitats to revolutionize space infrastructure and innovation."
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