Will Work Together To Explore Customers For Orbital Space
Complex
Space Florida President Frank DiBello and Robert Bigelow,
president of Bigelow Aerospace, signed a Memorandum of
Understanding on Thursday, agreeing to work together to pursue and
identify foreign and domestic companies that could benefit from
utilization of Bigelow's expandable, orbital space complexes.
Bigelow Space Complex Artist's Rendering
Bigelow currently has two pathfinder expandable systems
successfully orbiting the Earth, and plans to build the first of
multiple fully-functioning stations by 2015. The initial "Alpha"
complex will be comprised of Bigelow's patented "Sundancer" and "BA
330" modules, which are significantly larger than current modules
aboard the International Space Station. Additionally, customer
launch and lease rates for the facilities are expected to be
extremely cost-efficient for domestic and international
customers. Bigelow is marketing eighteen (18) separate human
space flight programs with a variety of duration and pricing
options, including an option of $28,750,000 for a 30-day astronaut
visit.
According to Bigelow, if the company attracts enough customers
to lease all of the orbiting, inflatable modules on Complex Alpha,
it could mean up to 25 launches a year - possibly from Cape
Canaveral - to ferry cargo and crew. Module launches could be
accommodated by current United Launch Alliance Atlas V rockets or
other vendors.
"Space Florida continues to pursue a number of diverse
strategies to propel the growth of the space industry in Florida,"
said Space Florida President Frank DiBello. "Bigelow has developed
an orbital work environment that has substantial commercial
applications. Our goal through this partnership will be not only to
establish a significant Bigelow presence in Florida, but also to
leverage both companies' relationships to attract new,
internationally-based customers for the orbiting complex."
"Bigelow Aerospace ambitions are to launch and successfully
operate as many commercial modules as possible," said Bigelow
President Robert Bigelow. "None of the large BA 2100 or 3300
modules and station complexes can be transported by land or
launched with a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) vehicle for
the foreseeable future. Accordingly, Bigelow Aerospace is looking
for manufacturing facilities in close proximately to launch sites
and launch companies capable of high volume traffic, locations like
Cape Canaveral and companies like ULA."
It is intended that this innovative partnership will help build
a dynamic future for on-orbit commercial space operations,
enhancing overall launch activity, employment, and growth of the
aerospace field in Florida.
This collaborative business development partnership will also
explore approaches to supporting 1/3 scale models of the orbiting
outposts in Florida. These models would assist in marketing to new
customers as well as simulation of customer requirements and
concepts of operations for payloads, prior to flight.
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