Max Space reinvents expandable habitats with a 17th-century twist

Max Space, a startup founded by Aaron Kemmer and Maxim de Jong, is set to launch a new generation of expandable habitats in 2026. These habitats aim to provide larger, stronger, and more versatile living and working spaces in space, while being cheaper and lighter than traditional structures. De Jong, who has a background in developing expandable habitats, has introduced a novel design based on a 17th-century mathematical principle by James Bernoulli, which allows for a structurally sound and simple construction method. This design utilizes cords to create a shape that distributes pressure evenly, addressing concerns with previous basket-weave methods that could lead to unpredictable failures.

Max Space's first mission will involve inflating the largest inflatable habitat ever sent to space, serving as a proof of concept to gain flight heritage. The initial module will be bedroom-sized, with plans for future habitats to be significantly larger, potentially reaching thousands of cubic meters. The startup aims to cater to various sectors, including NASA, defense, tourism, and pharmaceuticals, as demand for space habitation grows. With decreasing launch costs and increasing interest in space commercialization, Max Space is positioned to capitalize on the emerging market for expandable habitats, which could play a crucial role in future missions to the Moon and Mars.