Bigelow Aerospace

Quick Facts: Who was Bigelow Aerospace?

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Bigelow Aerospace

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American space technology firm specializing in expandable space station modules.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Bigelow Aerospace was an American space design and manufacturing company which ceased operations in 2020. It was an aeronautics and outer space technology company which manufactured and developed expandable space station modules. Bigelow Aerospace was founded by Robert Bigelow in 1998, and was based in North Las Vegas, Nevada. It was funded in large part by the profit Bigelow gained through his ownership of the hotel chain Budget Suites of America.

Career & Major Achievements

The company built two unmanned free-flying prototypes that flew in 2006 and 2007 and a module attached to the International Space Station. Bigelow Aerospace announced in 2010 that they intended to create a modular set of space habitats for creating or expanding space stations. By 2013, Bigelow had invested US$250 million in the company.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Bigelow stated on a number of occasions that he was prepared to fund Bigelow Aerospace with about US$500 million through 2015 in order to achieve launch of full-scale hardware. In March 2020, the company laid off all 88 of its employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of January 2024 the company remains dormant and is currently considered defunct.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1998: 1998 Milestone — Bigelow Aerospace was founded by Robert Bigelow in 1998, and was based in North Las Vegas, Nevada.
2. 2006: 2006 Milestone — The company built two unmanned free-flying prototypes that flew in 2006 and 2007 and a module attached to the International Space Station.
3. 2010: 2010 Milestone — Bigelow Aerospace announced in 2010 that they intended to create a modular set of space habitats for creating or expanding space stations.
4. 2013: 2013 Milestone — By 2013, Bigelow had invested US$250 million in the company.
5. 2015: 2015 Milestone — Bigelow stated on a number of occasions that he was prepared to fund Bigelow Aerospace with about US$500 million through 2015 in order to achieve launch of full-scale hardware.
6. 2020: 2020 Milestone — Bigelow Aerospace was an American space design and manufacturing company which ceased operations in 2020.
7. 2024: 2024 Milestone — As of January 2024 the company remains dormant and is currently considered defunct.

Notable Quotes by Bigelow Aerospace

“We are going to build a space station.” (2010)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Bigelow Aerospace

True or False: “Bigelow Aerospace's early focus on expandable modules was a direct result of the growing commercial interest in long-term orbital infrastructure.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The company's vision was heavily influenced by the need for scalable, cost-effective habitats beyond the initial scope of the International Space Station.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Bigelow Aerospace