The aim of the study was to investigate whether a spherical pressurized module can be retracted into a compact form to enable the delivery of several of them to space on a single launch (image top left below). The design deconstructs the sphere into a series of concentric rings that nest inside each other with the compacted payload depth (image centre below) at launch reduced to 30% of the deployed spherical diameter in space (image right below). The launch of space modules normally occurs with the modules as fully prefabricated shells. This was the case with all the modules on the International Space Station (ISS). The disadvantage is that they occupy the entire payload volume, requiring one launch per module. This results in high launch costs for a multiple module station. NASA estimated the cost of a single Space Shuttle launch at around  $1.5 billion and this contributed to the very high final price tag of ISS. Ways need to be found to make launches more economical with more efficient payloads. In this design, the retracted concentric rings automatically deploy outwards like an extending telescope. The extension system consists of sliding mechanical ribs that incorporate springs, bolts and electric motors to control slide-out deployment in a step-by-step sequence (image bottom left below). Ring joints incorporate triple seals that compress to airtightness as the rings interlock. 

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