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Genesis II was successfully launched from the Kosmotras Space and Missile Complex near the town of Yasny on June 28, 2007. Like its predecessor, Genesis II is testing and validating the technologies necessary to construct and deploy a full-scale, crewed, commercial orbital space complex.
Although externally, Genesis II may look like an exact duplicate of Genesis I, the similarities end there. Genesis II contains numerous systems not flown on its predecessor such as additional cameras, sensors, a Biobox, a reaction wheel and the interactive Space Bingo game. Moreover, Genesis II afforded members of the general public the chance to participate in BA's efforts via the "Fly Your Stuff" commercial pilot program.
Genesis II contains 22 cameras on both the interior and outside of the spacecraft - nine more than Genesis I. The vision system includes articulated cameras with dual FireWire and Ethernet interfaces, as well as a wireless boom camera for exterior shots. Space-to-ground communications are provided by UHF, VHF and S-band antennas.
Magnetic torque rods, GPS and sun sensors and a reaction-wheel system provide attitude control and stabilization, as Genesis II does not have any propulsion of its own.
Since its launch, Genesis II has been providing a cornucopia of data and images back to Bigelow Aerospace's Mission Control Center in North Las Vegas, Nevada. It has also successfully tested the world's first in-orbit image projection system and will continue to set the stage for BA's future manned orbital complexes.
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