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Private Space Station Designer Watching SpaceX Mission Closely  Bigelow's Genesis II space habitat, launched in 2007 The SpaceX rocket bound for the International Space Station is now scheduled to blast off in just over a week's time, and other private space companies are watching closely to see if the mission succeeds. One company is hoping to partner with SpaceX to put private space stations in orbit.
Space Exploration Technologies' Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral was delayed earlier this month so more testing could be done on the computer software. Mike Gold, from Bigelow Aerospace, is keeping a close eye on the progress of the mission. Gold, who is Bigelow's Director of D.C. operations and business growth, says his company plans to use SpaceX Rockets to transport astronauts to a new, private space station that's currently in development. "We're certainly hoping for a positive result, that will allow us to move forward expeditiously with commercial crew. That's why we're watching this launch so closely." Gold says Bigelow's inflatable space station will be available for governments, private companies and universities to lease. He says Bigelow and SpaceX are starting a marketing campaign in Asia after the launch, and they'll begin by meeting with officials in Japan to discuss the idea. |
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