Sierra Space's Inflatable Module Exceeds NASA's Safety Standards in Test

The Colorado-based firm's Large Integrated Flexible Environment could replace the International Space Station, providing more space per launch.

Sierra Space, a Colorado-based firm, has successfully tested an inflatable module for a future space station, exceeding NASA's safety standards.
The module, known as the Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE), withstood five times the pressure it would need to handle in space during a test at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
The inflatable module technology could replace the International Space Station and provide more living and working space per launch.
Sierra Space is partnering with Blue Origin on a commercial space station concept called Orbital Reef, which could serve as a hub for research, manufacturing, tourism, and other applications in low-Earth orbit.
Further testing is planned, including how the structure fares against micrometeorites.