BEAM Expansion Time Lapse (NASA's Inflatable Room)
It took over 3 days, but NASA finally inflated BEAM (Bigelow Expandable Activity Module), aka the expandable/inflatable room - the first of it's kind...
This short time-lapse video shows the complete Bigelow Aerospace BEAM expansion from start to finish to its full expanded, pressurized volume on Saturday, April 28. BEAM was installed April 16 on the Tranquility module after being delivered aboard the SpaceX Dragon cargo craft.
Williams and his five crewmates will have to wait a week before venturing inside. NASA wants to make certain the chamber is airtight before opening the door.
It was NASA's second shot at inflating the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, or BEAM, named for the aerospace company that built it as a precursor to moon and Mars habitats, and orbiting tourist hotels.
BEAM barely expanded during Thursday's inflation attempt. Experts believe the soft-sided compartment was packed up tight for so long before last month's launch that the fabric layers had trouble unfolding.
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