Issues encountered during BEAM expansion; NASA, Bigelow working to solve them

NASA is working closely with Bigelow Aerospace to understand why its module did not fully expand May 26 as planned. Engineers are meeting at the Johnson Space Center to discuss a path forward for the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM). They are evaluating data from the expansion that has occurred thus far. If the data supports a resumption of operations, another attempt to complete the module’s expansion could come as early as May 27.

With the team focused on analyzing BEAM’s status, a previously scheduled teleconference for May 26 at 9 a.m. CDT has been postponed until we have more information available to share. NASA will send an updated media advisory when the next step for BEAM operations is decided upon.

BEAM is a technology demonstration from which we will learn more about how these types of habitats will perform in a microgravity environment.

BEAM is an example of NASA’s increased commitment to partnering with industry to enable the growth of the commercial use of space. The project is co-sponsored by NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems Division and Bigelow Aerospace.

For more information about BEAM, visit: www.nasa.gov/beam

For more information about the International Space Station, visit: www.nasa.gov/station