Bigelow Aerospace

Bigelow Aerospace (USA, founded 1999) specialized in inflatable space habitats – expandable modules that provide living or working volume in space. The company launched two uncrewed prototype modules (Genesis I & II) in 2006 and 2007 to test the technology in orbit. In 2016, Bigelow’s BEAM module was attached to the International Space Station, where it successfully expanded and has been used for storage since, proving out the concept for human-rated inflatable habitats. Bigelow Aerospace had plans for standalone private space stations using its larger BA 330 modules, which could be launched compact and then expanded in orbit to create sizable living spaces. However, the company scaled back operations in 2020 amid funding issues. Bigelow’s early work in inflatables demonstrated a viable approach to constructing spacious yet lightweight orbital habitats, an idea that continues to influence space station designs.