<ul><li>Sierra Space is testing its Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) habitat designs using hypervelocity light gas guns.</li><li>The tests aim to ensure the shields coating LIFE habitat modules can withstand micrometeoroid and orbital debris impacts.</li><li>Sierra Space's habitat modules are constructed with Vectran, a strong and flexible material that inflates to form a rigid structure.</li><li>The company is exploring flexible multi-shock shields made of ballistic fabrics to protect against MMOD impacts.</li></ul>

Watch high-powered gas guns blast space habitat (for science)

Discover more