Bigelow Aerospace made a rather interesting announcement on August 11:
Due to a number of factors related to the outstanding performance of Genesis I, the hoped-for adequate performance of Genesis II and various additional factors—including, but not limited to, domestic and international issues forecast over the next four to five years bearing upon America’s transportation and launch deficits—we have made several bold decisions. An important announcement early in 2007 subsequent to the launch of Genesis II shall expose some of our plans.
Due to this change in direction, the Genesis II will be the only opportunity to fly photos and items for the “Fly Your Stuff” program. The general public is being urged to act quickly or they will lose their chance to be a part of this exciting program. Items and photos will be accepted only prior to November 1, 2006, or until all reservations are sold out on Genesis II, whichever comes first. Please be aware that there will be no second chances to fly personal items or photos in space through the “Fly Your Stuff” program.
If I were a betting man, I would guess the reason for no further fly-your-stuff opportunities is that Bigelow is going to jump to the full scale station next year, assuming the next larger size test article, Genesis II, is also successful.
I think the 2012 time line for a manned private space station has just been pulled in by a couple years.
Yet, given how NASA’s COTS program is dying on the vine, likely to be gutted by the end of the year to deal with ESAS cost overruns, what are the prospects that Bigelow is going to see any private launchers capable of lofting passengers in the sped up timeline?
Anyone want to invest in my spaceplane project? 😉
It *could* all be a rouse to sell more flights for your stuff.
I presume there was a smiley on that… flying your stuff does not really do more than bring in a tiny bit of cash flow to show that there is a business for such things.
The real development costs are covered by Mr. Bigelow. I think everyone has been impressed with the near flawless first time operation of his space station. The idea that they would drop steps which have been effectively rendered moot does not surprise me in the least.
I’ve been impressed, as well. Fact is that his scale version has as much living space as any first generation space station of government design (MOL, Salyut).
There is certainly more than enough room for a Genesis 1 pod to act as an orbiting data haven for cypherpunks, especially now that SeaHaven has burned out. Add some bigger solar panels and radiators, a power management and ventilation system, and there’s still room for 300-400 blade servers…
I’m wondering what he’d price a Genesis pod at?
Not so much a smiley as a pair of horns and tail 😉 Seriously, I’m pleased as punch that there is a private sector venture of such importance gathering pace, but I’m ready to be skeptical.
I hope to be ersuaded that skepticism is not called for.