Think of a satellite that can conceal the contents from unwanted scrutiny, while allowing a person to enter for maintenance work. This is possible only when the satellite is inflatable! Yes, inflatable. Bigelow Aerospace, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, US won the patent in November 2005.
The inflatable shell will help building radar stealth technology in it. It suggests possible military applications. The design of the inflatable shell — watermelon-shaped balloon — resembles the Genesis I spacecraft, a one-third scale prototype launched in the orbit by the company.
Since it is air locked at one end, having enough space inside for a person to go in and repair or replace components, the inflatable shell can be endowed with “radar stealth capabilities” — including radar-absorbing materials and designing the shell with a shape that deflects radio waves away from potential detectors.
Via: New Scientist Space
Watermelon-shaped inflatable shells to create stealth satellites
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