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Bigelow Aerospace sucessfully launches Genesis II

Genesis II, the second in the line of experimental pathfinder spacecrafts built and designed by Bigelow Aerospace was launched last week. The Genesis spacecrafts feature technology that allows the outer shell of the spacecraft to inflate by use of compressed air. Genesis II may be aesthetically similar to is predecessor, but she is equipped with many upgraded gadgets to make the craft more efficient and also allow scientists to collect more data and learn more about the condition of the spacecraft. Genesis II is also set up with deployable solar panels which utilize solar energy to recharge its batteries, allowing the balloon-like craft to remain in orbit for years to come.

The guys at Bigelow Aerospace have already established contact with Genesis II and she is doing fine. Data collected on Genesis II has already been sent to earth. The following pictures were taken from 2 of Genesis II's 22 cameras:

The view from outside Genesis II

Inside Genesis II

Images taken from http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/