Make Your Own Origami Space Habitat
Kate Baggaley
at 09:21 AM May 26 2016
Make Your Own Origami Space Habitat
Yeah... okay
NASA
Make // 

The International Space Station is set to start testing its first expandable habitat. Tomorrow, the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) will swell to its full size, beginning a two-year stint at the ISS. During this time, astronauts will measure how well BEAM holds up against space debris, radiation and temperature swings. Lightweight expandable habitats, made from aluminum and fabric, might provide a home for astronauts on future deep space missions.

In honor of BEAM's inflation, NASA has created an origami version that you can build yourself. You can download the pattern here, along with instructions for folding and inflating the miniature habitat.

comments powered by Disqus
Sign up for the Pop Sci newsletter
Australian Popular Science
ON SALE 28 APRIL
PopSci Live