Inflatable Airlock Technologies

TBMG-27517

09/01/2017

Abstract
Content

An airlock used in space can provide the ability to leave a pressurized volume and enter free space. This is necessary to perform maintenance or make repairs to the pressurized volume or visiting spacecraft, construct or repair structures or devices, tend in-space experiments, etc. The airlock is used to provide the transition between internal pressurized volume, i.e. a shirtsleeve environment, and space. Current state-of-the-art units on the Space Station are rigid systems consisting of massive pressure vessels, hatches, and seals. Past efforts have investigated fabric-based ways of forming the airlock pressure volume, but all have used a more traditional metallic or composite door or hatch, which are heavy and difficult to package into a small volume. The need exists for an airlock, pressure vessel, and opening that are lightweight and can be packaged efficiently.

Meta TagsDetails
Citation
"Inflatable Airlock Technologies," Mobility Engineering, September 1, 2017.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Sep 1, 2017
Product Code
TBMG-27517
Content Type
Magazine Article
Language
English