Model Validation for Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) with Stowage
The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) was a collaboration between NASA and Bigelow Aerospace to develop an expandable habitat technology that could be used for future space exploration missions such as the Artemis program. On April 26, 2016, the BEAM was launched and berthed to the International Space Station (ISS) on the aft port of Node 3. After the originally planned two-year mission life, BEAM was approved for use as a stowage module for a 109-cargotransfer bag equivalent (CTBE) to alleviate stowage limitations onboard the ISS. The present work builds on the previous 2017 model validation to flight data that demonstrated that BEAM could generally accommodate cargo stowage without adversely affecting BEAM thermal control, primarily for condensation management. Once the stowage was configured in early 2019, model validation efforts resumed. The thermal model revisions included the CTBE stowage and updated CFD-derived heat transfer coefficients for various intra-module ventilation (IMV) flow rates. The coefficients were provided by the Crew and Thermal Systems Division (EC) at NASA JSC and Jacobs Technology. The model is now revalidated and able to predict minimum temperatures with good agreement to flight temperatures (within 1 °C) for both historic and recurring minimum values. Additionally, the model is partially validated for reduced flow rates. With this model, the team was able to provide new flight rule recommendations for condensation and IMV operations management.