Lockheed Martin blows up residential orbital module for the Moon and Mars

Lockheed Martin has tested an inflatable living module that is designed for use in Earth orbit, as well as in lunar and Mars orbits.

Here's What We Know

The test of the orbital module ended with it just exploding. But the explosion was part of the experiment and was part of Lockheed Martin's plans. The module's shell collapsed after the pressure was six times the maximum allowable value.

Developmental testing of the prototype took place this month. The orbital inflatable module was equipped with hundreds of sensors, and high-speed cameras were installed in the lab. Lockheed Martin's task was to set the internal pressure limit that the module's shell could withstand.

The explosion occurred after the pressure reached 20 atmospheres. This is more than six times the maximum operating pressure inside.

Source: Lockheed Martin