Inflatable Space Habitat Goes Boom in Testing: Watch the Explosive Video

Lockheed Martin successfully conducted a burst test of its sub-scale inflatable space module, reaching a pressure of 253 psi before it exploded. This test validates the results of a previous burst test and allows Lockheed to proceed with further development for their full-scale designs. The inflatable habitat concept is being developed as part of NASA's NextSTEP program to enable prolonged human spaceflight beyond low Earth orbit. Inflatable habitats offer a lightweight and cost-effective solution for building large-scale structures in space. Lockheed will now focus on validating the duration of the structure's operational capabilities and conducting full-scale burst tests.