https://www.bing.com/images/search?view … &eim=1,2,6
Look we can do this
]]>But my gut feeling is that Musk is think along different lines...maybe easily assembled cylinder-shaped habs with internal partitioning?
Of all the reasons for Bigelow product to be promoted is that its mass is a reducing feature for use for mars. Making a central core where people can reside inside for a short transition from from earth to mars and on its way to the surface gives people the extra room to be able to not get cabin fever while in its collapsed form.
The surface of mars requires a lander base for the inflateable to ride to the surface inside some sort of shell, fairing ect. to protect it until its ready for use. Once on the surface a base plate is extended to grow under the base of the unit so that when it gets larger in diameter that its got a hard surface to support the on goings inside of the space one being occupied.
Looking to the future, I think something like your suggestion would be sensible.
Oldfart1939 wrote:Louis-
I seriously doubt that SX is working on habitats. They would be getting spread way to thin financially to do so. Out of Elon's own mouth: "we are a transportation company." Bigelow seems to be a viable option to pursue, however.SpaceX isn't working on habitats, as far as I know, but they should be. Sending full Starships to Mars and back is ludicrous. If you're going to send that much mass, keep it there. Makes far more sense to launch Bigelow or Mars Direct style habitats in the payload bay of a Starship, then stage those somewhere in cislunar space for a caravan journey every 2 years. Use just one starship to carry people and cargo back. Launch needs are going to be asymmetric for a very long time.
Louis-
I seriously doubt that SX is working on habitats. They would be getting spread way to thin financially to do so. Out of Elon's own mouth: "we are a transportation company." Bigelow seems to be a viable option to pursue, however.
SpaceX isn't working on habitats, as far as I know, but they should be. Sending full Starships to Mars and back is ludicrous. If you're going to send that much mass, keep it there. Makes far more sense to launch Bigelow or Mars Direct style habitats in the payload bay of a Starship, then stage those somewhere in cislunar space for a caravan journey every 2 years. Use just one starship to carry people and cargo back. Launch needs are going to be asymmetric for a very long time.
]]>I don't think Musk has ever mentioned Bigelow in relation to his plans, which suggests to me is already working on Space X habs for the mission. I guess they are so mission-critical, he wouldn't want to be dependent on another firm for them.
I don't think Space X is a good fit for Bigelow what is though is Blue origin they are interested in Oneil type colonies