NASA, BA Talk

NASA and Bigelow Aerospace are currently in talks to perhaps agree to add a BA inflatable module to ISS. Both sides say the talks are going well.

Such an agreement would be good for both sides. For BA, it would not only give NASA's stamp of approval to the company's inflatable module technology, it would also give BA experience in space with a human-rated module before building its own space station. For NASA, the agreement would expand workspace aboard ISS, allowing for more reseaarch, and it would also strengthen NASA's connection to the commercial space community, which is a key element of President Obama's space policy.

The BA module would be launched to ISS atop a commercial rocket. NASA says the module could be on-orbit two years after signing the agreement-- fast track for the agency.