'BEAM' is NASA's inflatable space home for astronauts

Moving a step closer to Mars Mission, NASA scientists are planning to launch an expandable habitat for astronauts. The space agency has revealed the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM), the latest addition that will enable the astronauts to attach to the space station's back and inflate to twice its original size.

This habitat technology can be easily transported to space without consuming much storage space on spacecraft. It will also help to protect astronauts from harmful cosmic and ultraviolet radiation in space. BEAM will remain attached to ISS for two years, also there are chances that similar structures could also be used for future lunar or martian trips. NASA is all set to launch a BEAM unit on the eighth commercial resupply mission to ISS. (Also read. Superflares or monstrous eruptions from Sun may affect life on Earth: Study)

For deep space trials and expeditions, this is just one step to get more and more comforts possible to the astronauts in ISS. While there remains other additions ranging from dust barriers to challenges that they face on planetary or lunar surface. Though it cant be denied that this new technology is another step closer towards sustaining life on Mars.