Eh eh. Not to detract from the excellent work at P...

2007-07-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

Eh eh. Not to detract from the excellent work at PSI, but Karl V Bentz introduced me to the space bubble concept, back in 1978, when I started working under him at Contraves. I did some (desk) research work, then we "scaled down" to concept to that of chemically-rigidized inflatable structures.

In the same time frame, Gilbert Moore (Thiokol & Utah State, IIRC) also proposed the idea.

But, actually, the idea was then at least a dozen years old: I have traced it back to the Astro Research Corp's pioneer, and to a 1965 NASA CR by Odus Burggraf!

I'm very glad to see the concept -- including the metallization --taking real shape. And even more, to see these clever guys also suggest lobed circular solar sails, an idea I've been advocating (at a more modest technological level) for some 15 years.

Way to go!

Comments on Next Big Future: Possibly the last NIAC studies are being released

Eh eh. Not to detract from the excellent work at P...