This first ingress by two members of the International Space Station’s Expedition 47 crew was done primarily to collect air samples and begin downloading data from the on board sensors. The duo entered wearing headlamps and masks.
. Williams also checked to ensure the on board air tanks, which helped pressurize the module, were empty. After Williams completed the BEAM checks he exited and closed the hatch for the day.
There will be two more opportunities for the crew to enter BEAM over the next couple of days to add more sensors and equipment. Each time, the hatch will be closed and sealed. After Wednesday, there is currently no timetable for more entries into the module.
BEAM will be entered between six to seven times per year. Over the next two years, sensors on board the module will measure radiation levels, micrometeorite impact as well as temperature levels.
This is the first human-rated inflatable habitat. Modules like BEAM could be used on future deep space exploration missions.