PREVIEW

Designs have been unveiled for inflatable space habitats the size of stadiums.

The extraordinary expandable space stations are designed to be compact enough to fit inside rockets, expanding dramatically once deployed in space.

Space startup Max Space aims to send the habitats into orbit around Earth by 2026 aboard a SpaceX rocket, where they will inflate to full size.

The bases offer a cost-effective alternative to the conventional "tin can" module designs, which typically involve smaller modules linked together.

Aaron Kemmer, co-founder of Max Space, said, "The current issue with space is the scarcity of livable space. Without making space more affordable and significantly larger, our potential for a future in space is quite restricted."

The company plans to launch a 700 cubic feet prototype in 2026, followed by a 3,531 cubic feet module in 2027, and a substantial 35,314 cubic feet module by 2030.

Following the initial deployment of the inflatable space bases, there are possibilities for even larger versions, as they reportedly have limitless scalability.

Max Space claims that the habitats could float in orbit's micro-gravity or even be set up on the Moon or Mars surfaces.

Kemmer expressed his vision: "I dream of a city on the Moon within my lifetime. So, these habitats are the structures that will be used inside the lava tubes beneath the lunar surface."

Potential customers for these habitats include pharmaceutical companies, commercial space stations, and movie studios interested in filming in space.

Currently, three inflatable space habitat modules, all developed by Bigelow Aerospace, are in orbit.

Max Space plans to launch a test module, about the size of two suitcases, which will expand to 700 cubic feet within two years, as reported by Space.com.

The prototype will be significantly larger than the existing three inflatable habitats in orbit.

Kemmer's startup has already constructed a full-scale prototype for the initial flight, now undergoing ground tests, and has commenced manufacturing the flight vehicle.

Last week, during the 39th Space Symposium, Max Space unveiled its thrilling proposal for a series of inflatable space habitats.