Ixion Initiative to Study Conversion of Rocket Upper Stages into LEO Habitats

Concept image representing the feasibility study that NanoRacks will conduct related to converting a launch vehicle’s upper stage into a habitable volume.
Photo: NanoRacks

[Via Satellite 08-17-2016] NASA has selected the Ixion Initiative Team, comprised of NanoRacks, Space Systems Loral (SSL), and United Launch Alliance (ULA) to participate in the agency’s Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships 2 (“NextSTEP-2”) program. The Ixion Team is a new addition to NASA’s NextSTEP effort, and will begin by conducting a comprehensive feasibility study evaluating the conversion of rocket upper stages into habitats. This approach offers a pathway that is more affordable and involves less risk than fabricating modules on the ground and subsequently launching them into orbit.

The Ixion Team proposes demonstrating this low-cost concept via the conversion of a Centaur rocket upper stage, which will be attached to the International Space Station (ISS). The Ixion Team will leverage the habitat as a proving ground for a variety of private-sector activities.

After being proven in Lowe-Earth Orbit (LEO), the Ixion Team’s approach can be used to create deep space habitats from any future rocket upper stages, including the space launch system’s upper stage, which would provide a substantial amount of volume and capability for LEO, human exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.