Welcome to The Deep science and technology column where we cover topics from the deep sea to deep space and beyond.

Last July I wrote an article about the future of man in space and it wasn’t an article about NASA.  The recent return of the astronauts overshadowed the launch of a different kind of space vehicle from the Russian cosmodrome.  On 28 June 2007, Bigelow Aerospace launched Genesis 2. As I told you last year, the Genesis spacecraft are the prototypes of the first inflatable space habitats.  Yes, you read that right; they are both big balloons.  Last July, Genesis 1 reached its designed orbit of 340 miles above Earth (about 110 miles above the International Space Station) and shortly after, computer-controller air-pressure tanks activated and expanded the pre-folded structure into its watermelon shape.

Genesis 2 is the same basic spacecraft.  Both are 15 feet long and 8 feet in diameter.  Their tough fabric shells are made of a composite of Kevlar - used to make bullet-proof vests - and an advanced material called Vectran, a fiber spun from liquid crystal polymer that has a melting point of over 600°F and extremely high resistance to ultraviolet, a big plus in space.

Since the launch of Genesis I last year, Bigelow Aerospace has expanded their communication capabilities by adding ground stations in Alaska and Hawaii in addition to the original sites in Las Vegas and Virginia.  This will allow the controllers to communicate with both spacecraft up to five hours per day and even more ground stations are in the works.

Although Genesis 2 was originally planned to be larger than Genesis 1, the two spacecraft are the same size.  But Genesis 2 has almost twice as many interior cameras.  One of the ways Bigelow Aerospace makes money to launch its vehicles is with its “Fly Your Stuff” program where you can pay to have your pictures and personal effects launched into space.
	This image showssome of the fun items that are aboard Genesis 1.

Genesis 2 also features dual FireWire and Ethernet camera interfaces and several new cameras including articulated cameras and a wireless camera for exterior shots.  Genesis 2 also features an exterior image projection system that allows paying customers to display any picture of their choice on the main body of the spacecraft.  Genesis 2 also features Space Bingo, a weightless version of the classic game that features a robot that mixes the balls.  There is no question in my mind that this company is headquartered in Las Vegas!!

	Bigelow Aerospace plans to build these inflatable habitats large enough for people.  If you’re worried about going to space inside a balloon, don’t be.  As was mentioned earlier, the inflatable skin is made from several layers that include not only Kevlar and Vectran but in the case of Genesis 2, additional proprietary impact-resistant materials.
The interior of Genesis 2.  The main lights have yet to be turned on.

Testing on the ground has shown that the expandable shells of a Bigelow module are much more resistant to space debris than the modules on the International Space Station.

Genesis 2 also has additional sensors to measure pressure, temperature, attitude control and radiation.  Like Genesis 1, Genesis 2 carries insect passengers in a BioBox.  The new Biobox habitat aboard Genesis 2 includes new air and water-handling control systems, environmental sensors and robotic manipulators as preparation for the accommodation of larger life systems.
	Our home planet as seen from a camera aboard Genesis 2.

Bigelow Aerospace plans to make visiting space a paying commercial proposition.  So far, they’ve had a remarkable success rate.