An experimental spacecraft bankrolled by real estate magnate Robert Bigelow successfully inflated in orbit Wednesday, testing a technology that could be used to fulfill his dream of building a commercial space station.

In a brief statement posted on his website, Bigelow said the Genesis I satellite “successfully expanded” several hours after liftoff. No other details were provided.

Mission controllers established communication with Genesis I about seven hours after launch. Early indications showed its GPS tracking system was working and that it had deployed its solar panels.

Smartalix noted the launch a few days ago. The only real goal was getting the critter into a stable orbit and inflated. They appear to have achieved this much.

Unlike the rigid aluminum international space station, Genesis I consists of a flexible outer shell and is layered with tough material such as Kevlar, which is found in bulletproof police vests, to withstand flying space debris.

The 2,800-pound Genesis I measured 14 feet long and 4 feet wide at launch and was to inflate to twice that width in orbit. It carried photos of Bigelow employees and insects that scientists hope to study to determine how well they survive the flight.

Equipped with a dozen cameras to be aimed at the Earth, the spacecraft will circle the planet for at least five years while scientists study its durability.

The cameras are low-res. They’ve started sending back images. Guaranteed that as soon as a clear image of the billboard side is available, we’ll all see copies on TV.

Bigelow’s budget for the whole project is $500 million. So, far, he’s spent about $75 million.