Large Integrated Flexible Environment

The Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) is an inflatable space habitat design currently being developed by Sierra Space.^[1][2] The proposed Orbital Reef commercial space station would include multiple LIFE habitats.

A prototype Large Integrated Flexible Environment habitat inside the Space Station Processing Facility high bay on April 19, 2021

Development

In September 2022 Sierra Space completed a successful sub-scale Ultimate Burst Pressure test of a LIFE prototype.^[3] A second successful test was completed later that year, exceeding NASA certification requirements.^[4] On 22 January 2024 the company announced a successful full scale burst test, exceeding safety margins by 27%.^[5]

Pathfinder

As soon as the end of 2026, before using LIFE as part of Orbital Reef, Sierra Space is proposing to launch a “pathfinder” version of LIFE as a standalone space station.^[6]

See also

• List of space stations