Scarce 1:30 scale NASA model of the Bigelow Commercial Space Station by Bigelow Aerospace. The model, which stands 28″ in height and measures 38″ x 27″, features one large B.A. standard module, a pair of smaller Sundancer modules, a propulsion bus and 5-point node, and two Orion service vehicles. The model is displayed upon a wooden base that measures 11″ x 20″ x 1″ and bears an affixed plaque with module list. The model appears to be missing one Orion service vehicle, as well as its array of solar panels. In very good to fine condition, with the aforementioned missing parts, some light stains and cracking to paint on one Sundancer module, and a loose connector to the other.
Bigelow Aerospace is one of several commercial ventures that entered the human spaceflight arena in the early 2000s. Their signature concept, represented by this model, is inflatable modules that can be assembled to form a space station. These compact, lighter-weight-than-rigid-metal modules can be launched without a crew and automatically expanded to full size, with onboard air, in orbit, to serve as living quarters and space laboratories.
Provenance: The Spaceflight America Museum and Science Center in Prince Frederick, MD.
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