Abstract: An air barrier having a scuff coating is used in connection with the core of a spacecraft to form an inflatable, or expandable, human habitat module. The air barrier is comprised of a number of segments joined together to form a enclosure that has at least one opening. The joined segments are generally gas impermeable, flexible, and have a scuff coating on both sides of the segments.

Abstract: A spacecraft magnetic shield apparatus is disclosed. One embodiment has an armature attached at one end of a spacecraft and an electromagnet attached to the other end. A computer determines the position of the armature and electromagnet in relation to the spacecraft, and a power source powers the electromagnet. In operation, the positioning of the electromagnet is generally in line with incoming charged particles or ion radiation and powering of the electromagnet creates a magnetic field that deflects a percentage of the incoming charged particles or ion radiation from directly impacting the spacecraft.

Abstract: A spacecraft carrier is disclosed. The carrier has a large internal volume for housing at least one spacecraft. The carrier can be used as a repair and maintenance facility in space for spacecraft. Manned and unmanned devices can be stored, repaired and resupplied. The carrier can also transport a number of spacecraft to other locations allowing for an efficient coordinated movement of many spacecraft.

Abstract: A radiation shield for use with a manned spacecraft is claimed. The shield has a container that is substantially filled with a substantially radiation absorbing material. The container has attachment members that cooperate with corresponding attachment members on the inner surface of a spacecraft. The radiation absorbing material provides a measure of protection to crewmembers and equipment against particle radiation that is present in space.

Abstract: A regolith container for use with regolith on an extraterrestrial mass is disclosed. The filled container covers a portion of a spacecraft to provide the spacecraft with a measure of protection against space debris and radiation. The container can be compartmentalized to reduce the loss of regolith should from the container if a single compartment is penetrated.

Abstract: An air barrier having a scuff coating is used in connection with the core of a spacecraft to form an inflatable, or expandable, human habitat module. The air barrier is comprised of a number of segments joined together to form a enclosure that has at least one opening. The joined segments are generally gas impermeable, flexible, and have a scuff coating on both sides of the segments.

Abstract: A modular human habitat simulator for providing an environment on Earth that approximates, in a controlled test situation, a number of conditions expected to exist when an inflatable modular habitat is deployed into Earth orbit. The simulator has a housing with a rigid wall defining an internal volume, a longitudinal axis, a first and second opposing openings along the longitudinal axis, the rigid wall having an exterior surface, and an interior surface where the interior surface is generally the shape of an interior surface of a deployed inflatable shell of a modular human habitat, and the internal volume is substantially that of a deployed inflatable modular human habitat volume.

Abstract: A regolith container for use with regolith on an extraterrestrial mass is disclosed. The filled container covers a portion of a spacecraft to provide the spacecraft with a measure of protection against space debris and radiation. The container can be compartmentalized to reduce the loss of regolith should from the container if a single compartment is penetrated.

Abstract: An orbital debris shield for protecting the hull of a spacecraft. The shield is comprised of a number of flexible and releasably attached gores that substantially cover the hull. Interleafed between layers of the gores are layers of a spacing material. As debris collides with the gores, the material is shocked and breaks up to some degree. As the shocked debris disperses through a layer of the gore, the spacing material interacts with the debris. After dispersing through a number of layers of the gores and the spacing material, the debris transfers a significant portion of kinetic energy and the probability of the remaining particles piercing the hull is significantly decreased.

Abstract: An orbital debris shield for protecting the hull of a spacecraft is claimed. The shield is comprised of a number of flexible and releasably attached gores that substantially cover the hull. Interleafed between layers of the gores are layers of a spacing material. As debris collides with the gores, the material is shocked and breaks up to some degree. As the shocked debris disperses through a layer of the gore, the spacing material interacts with the debris. After dispersing through a number of layers of the gores and the spacing material, the debris transfers a significant portion of kinetic energy and the probability of the remaining particles piercing the hull is significantly decreased.

Abstract: A flexible structural restraint layer for use with an inflatable modular structure, having a fore and aft assembly separated by a longeron and an inflatable bladder. The restraint layer is comprised of two circumferential strap assemblies, each attachedly fastened at opposing ends of a radial strap assembly. There are a plurality of axial straps that are secured in place to the circumferential strap assemblies and the radial strap assembly. The restraint layer surrounds the bladder and the ends of the axial straps are secured in place at the fore and aft end of the modular structure. When the bladder is inflated, the structural restraint layer distributes the load created by the inflated bladder.

Abstract: An inflatable satellite bus is claimed for use with a mission payload. The inflatable satellite bus is comprised of a core adapted to receive a mission payload. There is an expandable shell attached to the core and substantially enclosing the core. The core has an attitude control device and a power system attached to the core and operated by a controller.

Abstract: A method for making an opening in the bladder of an inflatable modular structure. The structure has a core comprised of a fore and aft assembly separated by a longeron. There is an inflatable bladder and a restraint layer that are secured to the core. The restraint layer is comprised of two circumferential strap assemblies; each attachedly fastened at opposing ends of a radial strap assembly, and has an opening for a window. The restraint layer fits over the bladder. The bladder is inflated and the restraint layer is used along with a window template to locate the position of the window on the bladder. The bladder is deflated, the template is removed, and the identified portion of the bladder is cut away. The method may then be repeated.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for disposing of biomass material. The apparatus may include a receiving chamber for receiving a biomass, a maceration chamber for macerating the biomass received from the receiving chamber and producing macerated biomass, and an incinerating chamber incinerating the macerated biomass into a incinerated biomass. The apparatus is particularly suited to operate in remote or zero-gravity environments.

Abstract: A multi-purpose beam for providing structural support to an assembly, an added measure of protection for conduits such as lines, hoses, and cables, and directs airflow. The inside of the beam has a number of cavities running the length of the beam created by a plurality of dividers. Within these cavities air can be circulated and conduits can be contained that transfer liquids, gases, and power. The shell of the beam and the dividers add a protective layer supporting the conduits and a plurality of openings allows for access ports that tap into the conduits at desirable locations along the length of the beam thus making what ever is conducted by the conduits available external to the multi-purpose beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal, and if desired, a radiation barrier to protect the exterior surface of a spacecraft. In particular, the present invention protects the polymeric materials of construction utilized in inflatable and expandable spacecraft from the deleterious effects of both thermal and radiation aging. The protective barrier is formed from a tube or tubes through which a fluid circulates. The tube segment substantially enclose the spacecraft, and in particular, the critical layers that are desired to be protected. This protective barrier provides a thermal heat sink, temperature equalization, and a waste heat rejection system, that can moderate the temperature extremes encountered by spacecraft. In addition, dependent on the fluid selected, substantial radiation shielding can be provided that can protect the entire spacecraft.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved sleeping berth for space modules that can be expanded from a collapsed position to provide greater passenger comfort in a larger living space. The extension of the berth is accomplished using expandable gas inflated bellows between two hard surface housings. The berth can be retracted into its closed position simply by removing the air pressure from the bellows. The berth's retracted position may still accommodate a passenger and may be used in this position when space is unavailable for the berth's extension.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved integrated translation tube for the movement of equipment and personnel through space modules, particularly for non-rigid type space modules such as the NASA Transhab module. In addition, the present invention provides an internal framework for the structural support of the space module itself, and the equipment installed internally to the space module. The present invention's arched shaped translation tube provides sufficient strength and rigidity to provide the required structural support, while simultaneously maximizing the uninterrupted interior volume of the space module.