Sierra Space's Inflatable Space Station Module Explodes in Test Series.

Sierra Space has completed its fourth and final deliberate explosion of a prototype module for its Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) inflatable habitat, which is being developed as a successor to the International Space Station. The testing shows the forthcoming full-scale module can likely stand up to pressurizing for more than 60 years, which is four times the expected 15-year lifespan of the Orbital Reef space station led by Blue Origin, Sierra Space representatives said. NASA has committed to helping operate the ISS until 2030, but how many partners will continue past the current agreement's end of 2024 is an open question.