The 5 (billion) star hotel
While the world public was still following the flight of the space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station, the US company Bigelow Aerospace is already one step further: On 12.7. launched a Russian rocket with Genesis 1 on board. Behind this designation is a prototype of an inflatable module of a future space station on a scale of 1:3, which is intended to test the technology.
Bigelow is thus continuing plans that Nasa had originally considered for the ISS, but did not pursue them further due to budget cuts. Genesis is now under atmospheric pressure and has a working solar system. In addition to 13 surveillance cameras, there are also photos and souvenirs of employees on board. On the next mission, private individuals can also have their own little things brought into space.
In just a few years, the construction of a private, manned space station could begin, which could not only be used by industry, but also by we althy space tourists. Together with the successor to SpaceShipOne, the private sector is bringing a breath of fresh air to space travel. >> Alexander Kerste
[Update 17.7.] The website Heavens above now calculates not only the ISS and numerous satellites but also visible overflights of Genesis 1 for your place of residence. >> Turn
