A model of an inflatable space station concept with a solar power system collector in 1961. It was 24 feet in diameter with internal fabric bulkhead which could be separately pressurized in an emergency.
Photo credit: NASA
Note: The Minister is unfamiliar with either this picture or the test model for this very early space station concept. The photo was taken in 1961 at the Langley Research Center. While this concept space station was apparently only to be used in case of an emergency, one wonders at some of the practical issues in using such a piece of equipment, such as entering and exiting the torus, life support (air circulation, water and food, lavatory facilities), communications, and so on. The weight and storage space must have also been cost-prohibitive to be carried up into space on every manned mission. ... An interesting idea, much before its time.
Update (26 January 2012): Interestingly enough, Wired has a few more pictures of the inflatable space station shown above in its photoarticle, Strange Forgotten Space Station Concepts That Never Flew.
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