Genesis Pathfinder
Spacecraft · USA
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Credit: Manufacturer Image
American technology satellite. One third scale version of the Nautilus inflatable human space habitat module. Technology, inflateable structures satellite for Bigelow Aerospace, USA. Launched 2006-2007.
Each pathfinder consisted of a pressurized module of around 12 cubic meters and two solar panel wings. Two were to be test launched in 2006-2007 as concept demonstrators. The first launch was delayed at least a year due to problems in development of the private Falcon launch vehicle and US government paperwork delays in getting permission for the launch in Russia. In the end, a surplus Russian R-36M ICBM was used to orbit the first pathfinder.
The prototype inflated within 15 minutes of command and maintained an internal temperature of 26 deg C. It was equipped with a single window, six internal and seven external camera. Anticipated lifespan was 3-13 Years
Launch of the second was scheduled for the first months of 2007. The Genesis II module was to have the same dimensions as Genesis I, and also to be equipped with four solar arrays at each end of the inflatable. However it would have improved versions of the internal systems, more video cameras, and fly personal memorabilia launched under Bigelow's 'fly your stuff' program.
Habitable Volume: 11.50 m3.
More at: Genesis Pathfinder.
Related
- Country
- USA
- Launch Vehicles
- R-36M 15A14, Dnepr
- Launch Sites
- Dombarovskiy
- Agency
- Bigelow
Chronology
2 events
2006 July 12
14:53 GMT - . Launch Site: Dombarovskiy. LV Family: R-36M. Launch Vehicle: Dnepr.- Genesis 1 - . Mass: 1,360 kg (2,990 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: RVSN. Manufacturer: Bigelow. Class: Technology. Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft Bus: Bigelow. Spacecraft: Genesis Pathfinder. USAF Sat Cat: 29252 . COSPAR: 2006-029A. Apogee: 565 km (351 mi). Perigee: 552 km (342 mi). Inclination: 64.50 deg. Period: 95.80 min. One third scale version of the privately-financed Nautilus inflatable human space habitat module..
2007 June 28
15:02 GMT - . Launch Site: Dombarovskiy. LV Family: R-36M. Launch Vehicle: Dnepr.- Genesis 2 - .
Mass: 1,360 kg (2,990 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: Makeyev bureau.
Manufacturer: Bigelow.
Class: Manned.
Type: Manned space station. Spacecraft Bus: Bigelow.
Spacecraft: Genesis Pathfinder.
USAF Sat Cat: 31789 . COSPAR: 2007-028A. Apogee: 561 km (348 mi). Perigee: 556 km (345 mi). Inclination: 64.50 deg. Period: 95.80 min.
One third scale version of the privately-financed Nautilus inflatable human space habitat module. The spacecraft's 22 interior and exterior cameras provided images of items and pictures carried for paying participants in Bigelow's “Fly your Stuff” program.