The next generation of space habitation is on the horizon, and startup Max Space is leading the charge with its expandable habitats. Led by Aaron Kemmer and Maxim de Jong, the company aims to offer larger, stronger, and more versatile habitats than ever before. These expandable structures are not just big balloons; they feature a strong internal structure that can withstand the perils of space. While major aerospace companies have decades of experience, De Jong is confident that Max Space can challenge them by offering a fundamentally improved design.
Expandable habitats have been around since the 1990s, with the TransHab project at NASA being the first to develop this approach. The current convention is the “basket weave” technique, where high-strength materials are stitched together to distribute internal pressure evenly. However, De Jong had concerns about the predictability of this method and its potential for failure. This led him to explore other possibilities and he stumbled upon the idea of using Mylar balloons as inspiration. By forming a shape called an isotensoid out of cords, the forces acting on the structure are redirected in a way that ensures pressure is distributed evenly. This simple yet effective design offers comparable structural strength to metal while being significantly lighter and more compact.
Max Space faced challenges in getting their expandable habitat to orbit due to the preference for established methods and technologies in spaceflight. However, falling launch costs and supportive investors have helped break this cycle. With the involvement of Aaron Kemmer, who has experience in putting payloads in the International Space Station, Max Space aims to bring commercialization to space by providing more volume for various industries. Their first mission is set to launch in 2026, acting as a proof of concept for their expandable habitats. Once they demonstrate their capabilities, they plan to develop larger modules for space stations, lunar missions, and eventually Mars exploration.
Max Space envisions a future where their expandable habitats can accommodate various activities such as farming, living, manufacturing, and research. With the market for space habitation expected to grow as heavy-lift vehicles and in-space habitation advance, Max Space is poised to provide the next generation of expandable habitats.
