Max Space Unveils New Expandable Habitats for Future Space Exploration

During a press conference at the 39th Space Symposium, Max Space, a new private space company, introduced their new expandable habitat architecture. This innovative technology promises to redefine the future of space habitation.

A view of the inside of Max Space's expandable habitat. Credits: Max Space — *A view of the inside of Max Space’s expandable habitat. Credits: Max Space*

The core of Max Space’s announcement lies in their proprietary inflatable architecture, which boasts scalability to unprecedented levels. Unlike traditional structures, the company’s design can be scaled up indefinitely while retaining structural integrity, even expanding to sizes comparable to stadiums.

This breakthrough opens avenues for large-scale production and hopes to substantially reduce flight qualification costs, potentially positioning Max Space as a frontrunner in the space habitation market.

Lightweight, cost-effective and innovative

Backed by twenty-five years of expertise in innovation, research, and testing, Max Space has fine-tuned its habitat design to offer the lowest mass among pressurized architectures, including expandable, aluminum, titanium, or composite alternatives. This achievement is complemented by significant cost savings, according to the company.

Notably, the first Max Space habitat is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 mission in 2026.

Looking ahead, the company envisions a family of scalable habitats ranging from 20 m³ to 1000 m³ by 2030, with the potential for even larger megastructures exceeding 10,000 m³. This scalability aligns with the company’s ambitious goals for human exploration and research in space.

Max Space's Full-Scale 20m³ ground prototype. Credits: Max Space — *Max Space’s Full-Scale 20m³ ground prototype. Credits: Max Space*

Aaron Kemmer, Co-Founder of Max Space, emphasized the critical need for expanded habitable space beyond Earth. “The problem with space today is there isn’t enough habitable space in space,” Kemmer remarked. “Unless we make usable space in space a lot less expensive and much larger, humanity’s future in space will remain limited.”

“Almost 20 years ago I designed and built the first two inflatable spacecraft pressure hulls, and they are still orbiting Earth to this day,” said Maxim de Jong, the other Co-Founder.

“Despite their success, we realized we couldn’t efficiently scale-up to the bigger sizes that we really needed in space,” he added, explaining how he developed the idea behind the new technology.

Founded by experts

Aaron Kemmer and Maxim de Jong are long-time expert in space technology and innovation.

Kemmer, a space tech entrepreneur, previously co-founded Made In Space, identifying the need for cost-effective space volume.

De Jong, a leader in space inflatable technology engineering, heads Thin Red Line Aerospace, known for designing and fabricating the Genesis I and II inflatable habitat pressure hulls still in orbit. Additionally, his involvement in numerous NASA programs centers on space habitation, Planetary Entry Descent and Landing, and spacecraft shielding.

Notably, Max Space’s innovative approach extends beyond design, encompassing applications in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), cislunar space, the Moon, and Mars. These habitats are envisioned by them as vital enablers for human exploration, research, manufacturing, and entertainment, offering a versatile platform adaptable to diverse space environments.