The Bigelow Next-Generation Commercial Space Station is a private
orbital space complex currently under development by Bigelow Aerospace.
The space station will be constructed of both Sundancer and BA 330
expandable spacecraft modules as well as a central docking node,
propulsion, solar arrays, and attached crew capsules. Initial launch of
space station components is planned for 2014, with portions of the
station available for leased use as early as 2015. In 2010, Bigelow
Aerospace began building a large production facility in North Las Vegas,
Nevada to produce the space modules. The 181,000 square feet (16,800 m
2)
facility will include three production lines for three distinct
spacecraft, doubling the amount of floor space at Bigelow and
transitioning the focus from research and development to production.
Bigelow expects to hire approximately 1200 new employees to staff the
plant, with production commencing in early 2012.
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