Several private companies are advocating for the use of inflatable and expandable habitats to enhance future space exploration efforts.

Max Space is set to launch its first mission in 2026, aiming to develop scalable habitat designs that can range from 20 to 10,000 cubic meters by 2030.

Sierra Space is also in the race, developing the LIFE habitat, which could provide up to 5,000 cubic meters of space for scientific research and living quarters.

Lockheed Martin is contributing to this field with inflatable structures that promise to deliver greater volume while minimizing mass, thereby increasing efficiency for space missions.

The potential of expandable habitats is currently being demonstrated by the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM), which is attached to the International Space Station.

Although Bigelow Aerospace closed in 2020, its pioneering work continues to influence the ongoing developments in expandable habitat technology.

Bigelow Aerospace previously launched two free-flying expandable prototype modules, Genesis 1 and Genesis 2, in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

The concept of inflatable space technology has historical roots, dating back to the 1960s with Project Echo, which tested microwave signal reflection using Mylar balloon satellites.

The first human spacewalk in March 1965 by Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov utilized an inflatable airlock, highlighting both the potential and challenges of such technologies in space.

These inflatable habitats are designed to provide comfortable living spaces for astronauts, not only on the moon and Mars but also in low Earth orbit.

Experts note that inflatable habitats could serve specialized roles, particularly as connector elements in lunar base construction, addressing various positional and thermal challenges.

To build confidence in inflatable habitat technologies, experts emphasize the necessity of repeated testing.