Tag Archives: space

Life-like robotic dog can be an AI-powered companion for astronauts

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We’ve seen enough movies set in space and maybe even some documentaries or real life videos to know that life during space travel can be lonely. So having a pet with the astronauts can help with their mental health. But of course, there are limitations when it comes to actually having pets in space. So the next best thing would be to have a robot that would take the place of a pet and also be able to do even more than real animals. And of course, an AI powered one would probably be even better.

Designer: Jihee Kim

If this concept will come to life, Laika will be an ideal robot pet powered by Artificial Intelligence and it is designed to be as life-like as possible. After all, it is named after one of the first animals in space. While there are several robotic dogs available now, this one is supposedly designed to be a more friendly version. This way it can actually be a beloved pet for the astronauts and it can be integrated in “domestic contexts”. But aside from being a companion, the AI dog can also be used in case of emergencies and even to monitor the health condition of the people on board the space vehicle.

Laika is made from robust titanium so that it can withstand extreme conditions that they may encounter in space. It also comes with different kind of sensors so it can identify objects, people, and even literal space. This includes thermal imaging, depth cameras, slam cameras, and ultrasonic sensors. It also comes with ECG sensors so it will be able to monitor the health condition of the astronauts especially during times when emotions are heightened which can translate physically as well.

There are also future tweaks to improve more things about Laika, like adding mixed reality glasses so users will be able to get real-time information about their “pet” and their activities. The renders show a friendly-looking dog so it will be a much welcome companion for astronauts who may be missing their actual pet or are in dire need of companionship. It even has a stretchable handle on its back so they can carry small items or users can lift it up and move them around. Laika can also be used for other non-space purposes including domestic situations.

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Interstellar LUNAR1,622 watch lets you carry a piece of the moon in style

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The night sky is full of beauty and marvel, but nothing evokes images of romance and mystery more than our faithful companion, the Moon. A celestial body that has given birth to many myths and legends since ancient days, the Moon has always been a source of fascination for both artists and scientists alike. Thanks to recent space explorations, interest in the stars has been at an all-time high, whether it’s just traveling in space in luxury or setting up colonies on the Moon and Mars. Space and beyond is no longer just science fiction but a part of our history, and what better way to preserve and honor that history than with a timeless watch that puts the elegance and mystery of the moon on your wrist.

Designer: Sebastien Colen

Click Here to Buy Now: $599 $849 ($250 off). Hurry, less than 72 hours left! Raised over $420,000.

The Moon is our lone satellite and the closest celestial body to our home planet, yet there are still many things about it that beguile and confound scientists. The dark side of the moon that we never get to see from Earth has always been a source of mystery and even omens, especially considering how much the Moon can actually influence life on the planet. Still, the Moon feels near yet so far, but this luxurious watch puts it right on your wrist, with a small yet significant nod to history and a tribute to mankind’s achievements, both past and future.

Meteorite Moon Dust – Their meteorite, with the ID#NWA11515, was found in 2017 and provided by MSG Meteorites, a British company specialized in certified space rocks and licensed by the IMCA (International Meteorite Collectors Association).

Lunar1,622 Watch with Integrated NASA Logo – The project respects the necessary permissions and aligns with NASA’s guidelines.

Named after the surface gravity on the Moon, the LUNAR1,622 is a handsome mechanical watch that goes beyond simply putting the face of the moon on the timepiece. Just like the previous Mars-inspired Interstellar timepiece, it holds a relic of the moon, specifically a small amount of moon dust at the three o’clock position (the standard model gets the footprint shape of Neil Armstrong instead). This moon dust was taken from rare lunar meteorites, specifically the Moon Meteorite ID# NWA11515 that was found in 2017 in Northwest Africa. The back of the watch also boasts the official NASA logo, which would delight space exploration fans even more. There will only be 2025 Premium editions made, in honor of the next lunar mission Artemis 3 in that year.

LUNAR1,622 commemorates Neil Armstrong’s iconic words, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

On the edge of the dial all the way around it, you’ll find all successful Apollo missions numbered. All missions that landed on the moon are marked in gold.

Commemorating the historic Apollo 11 mission, this timepiece features the mission’s name, date and Neil Armstrong’s initials.

Of course, the Interstellar LUNAR1,622 isn’t just a one-of-a-kind science collectible, it is also a piece of horology craftsmanship as well. Both Standard and Advanced models bear the famed Miyota automatic movement, while the Premium variant boasts a Swiss Sellita automatic movement, both delivering the precision and reliability expected from high-quality mechanical watches. Sandblasted 316L stainless steel cases (titanium for the Premium model), in classic Black or stylish Silver, give the watch both durability and finesse, while the black leather strap accentuates its luxurious character. The LUNAR1,622’s subtle elegance perfectly embodies the timeless beauty of the Moon, captivating without being overwhelming.

NFC Technology

Whether you’re a space buff, a horology connoisseur, or an avant-garde collector, there is perhaps nothing more beautiful and mystical than having the moon on your wrist, quite literally even. Inspired by lunar expeditions and carrying a pinch of authentic moon dust inside, the Interstellar LUNAR1,622 is more than just a beautiful and historic timepiece, it is also a testament to humanity’s ambitions to reach for the stars and our perseverance to make that dream a reality.

Click Here to Buy Now: $599 $849 ($250 off). Hurry, less than 72 hours left! Raised over $420,000.

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This head-turning speaker is a piece of tech art that pays tribute to space exploration

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The popularity of wireless speakers has made them a staple in many homes, and that, in turn, has shaped the way these products are being designed. To match many interior motifs, the majority of wireless speakers take on more minimalist and low-key aesthetics that make them blend with their surroundings. Unfortunately, that has also made many of these everyday items less memorable and distinctive, as if they’ve been stripped of any sense of identity. That’s an almost ironic situation for a device that is supposed to inject life and vibrancy into living spaces. Daring to go against the tides, this one-of-a-kind speaker is designed to make its presence not only heard but also seen, taking inspiration from mankind’s own daring ambitions to break free of the Earth’s gravity and reach for the stars.

Designer: Ken Chen

Click Here to Buy Now: $619 $1089 ($470 off). Hurry, Flash Sale ends soon!

If you look at most wireless speakers today, they most often come wrapped in very minimalist designs and shapes. Some, such as those coming from luxury brands, do exude a sense of luxury through their materials, but the majority of these audio accessories might come off as almost bland and too identical to each other. While there’s definitely nothing wrong with minimalism, there seems to be a misconception that it’s the be-all and end-all of design, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. The Nebula tech art speaker is a glowing example of that, bringing character to the speaker in order to bring your music to life in ways you will never forget.

Inspired by NASA.

Right off the bat, the Nebula speaker looks like no ordinary speaker. Its transparent, cubiform shell and circular windows are almost similar to the bulky helmets used in the earliest ages of deep sea diving or, for a more contemporary image, astronaut helmets. This isn’t by accident, because the Nebula, as its name might suggest, is heavily inspired by the pioneering spirit of mankind’s space programs, like the Apollo missions, the Hubble Telescope, or the more recent Mars landings. Even the specific hue of orange used, namely “International Orange,” was chosen for its connection to space agencies and their use in the spacesuits of old.

Beyond its already uncommon shape, the Nebula wireless speaker boasts a unique feature that truly makes the device feel “space-age.” Instead of a typical digital visualizer, it uses a special Ferrofluid substance that dances to the beat of the music using the electromagnetic field naturally generated by the speaker. This SoundForm technology transforms the Nebula from a powerful speaker into a stunning audiovisual experience that will make you the life of the party and the talk of the town.

The Nebula isn’t just about looks either. Four high-fidelity speakers grouped into two separate chambers, each with its own passive radiator, creates thunderous beats, impressive volume, and palpable vibrations that kick the party’s music up a notch. And if one isn’t enough, you can pair two Nebula speakers wirelessly to create a truly wireless stereo (TWS) experience. Despite all that power, the speaker is super-easy to use with a touch-based control panel on top and support for Bluetooth audio sources, including both iOS and Android devices. Want to really be bold and daring? Simply unscrew the clear detachable JoyShell and flaunt the speakers’ inner beauty for all to see.

Wireless speakers might be very common these days, but that doesn’t mean their designs need to be as well. Taking a page from history’s most daring adventures, the Nebula Tech Art speaker not only delivers excellent audio quality but also creates a striking and memorable visual experience, both through its design as well as its SoundForm ferrofluid visualization. Escape the gravity of monotony with this exciting tech art speaker and bring back the sense of adventure to your life.

Click Here to Buy Now: $619 $1089 ($470 off). Hurry, Flash Sale ends soon!

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LEGO Lunar Poster is a 2360-piece DIY wall-art that’s perfect for space enthusiasts

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A LEGO Ideas MOC that’s literally ‘out of this world’!

Since pretty much the beginning of time, we’ve been obsessed with the moon. It’s our closest neighbor, influences tides, illuminates our nights, and provides a stunning way to measure the passing of a year, with many cultures relying on a lunar calendar as opposed to a solar one. There’s no denying how important the moon is to humanity, and although there’s probably a very tiny overlap between astronomy geeks and LEGO nerds, the Lego Art space poster “The Moon: Earth’s Companion” sits rather firmly in that tiny overlap. Built with 2360 LEGO bricks, this fan-made creation celebrates the beauty and mystery of the Moon. At its center is a highly detailed, brick-built Moon, complete with unique craters and terrain features that showcase the Moon’s striking geology. The focal point of this creation… a meticulously crafted Moon constructed entirely out of LEGO Art bricks. The level of detail is impressive, with labeled craters and mountains accurately representing the unique geology of our celestial neighbor.

Designer: SharkyBricks

Looking pretty much like a printed poster, however, with the beauty of being three-dimensional, this fan-made MOC comes with a stunning amount of attention to detail. Beyond just the moon itself, the poster contains all sorts of nuggets of information, from a panoramic gallery of the moon phases to a tiny diorama of what the earth looks like from the surface of the moon. You’ve got a tiny information plate on the bottom left, and a scale bar on the bottom right, giving you a size reference in miles (although don’t expect it to be absolutely accurate).

The MOC doesn’t use standard LEGO or Technic bricks, but instead uses bricks from the LEGO Art kit, which are perfect for artistic representations. The tiny bricks aren’t designed to serve structural purposes, but instead are shaped (and are meant to be treated) as pixels, allowing you to build a 2D representation of artwork, with an optional 3D relief twist.

The entire build uses around 2360 pieces and roughly measures 15.5 inches in width, and 20.2 inches in height, making it a little smaller than your standard A2-size poster. It makes for the perfect DIY wall art for any space enthusiast, capturing the beauty of our closest cosmic neighbor in as much realistic detail as a LEGO brick can provide. Just don’t try taking photos of this moon with your Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra camera!

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Japanese company brings astronomically expensive space tourism within reach of the common masses

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We’ve still got some time to go before commercial space tourism goes mainstream, and the early birds taking up the initiative will reap the maximum benefit of client accusation.

SpaceX, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic have already planted a firm foot in the space tourism industry, but their packages are only within reach of the ultra-rich. Not to forget the amount of training and acclimatization it’ll require to stamp the ticket beyond the stratosphere.

Designer: Iwaya Giken

Ambitious start-up Iwaya Giken, based in Sapporo, northern Japan wants to make space tourism accessible for everyone, and “democratize space” with a two-seater cabin and a balloon that’ll rise 15 miles above the ground. The Open Univercse Project’s cabin will have one pilot and a passenger, without the need for any special training since it’s not a rocket or spaceplane.

They’ve been working on this project ever since 2012, and now it has met fruition. The attached balloon filled with helium gas will make the drum-shaped cabin (measuring 1.5 meters) rise up in the air. It’ll take off from Hokkaido, and take around two hours to complete the ascend. Then stay there for an hour to view the mesmerizing curvature of the planet and the celestial void, before descending for one-hour to return home.

Iwaya revealed the capsule cabin at a press event in Tokyo, hinting to get down the initial boarding price tag down from 24 million yen ($180,000) to somewhere in the five-figure region. They’ll have to do so since Arizona-based World View Enterprises is also developing a stratospheric balloon tour for a price tag of around $50,000 per person.

Their cabin is more spacious and the journey will last around 6-12 hours. Another high-end option by Space Perspective will transport passengers to the stratosphere for $125,000 per person in comfy luxury.

The company is accepting applications until August end for the space cabin ride slated for to take flight early next year. The first five passengers will be announced in October 2023, and the five flights will be weeks apart, subject to weather conditions.

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This pendant lamp is like a heavenly body that casts a calming glow in your room

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We all need light inside the house, sometimes even during the day, but not everyone’s eyes are built the same. Some people are more sensitive to the glare of bulbs of any kind, and most indoor lighting is designed to project their light directly from the bulb, whether or not there’s some diffusing material in between. This can be uncomfortable and disconcerting for these people, creating a home environment that isn’t as relaxing and welcoming as it should be. This pendant lamp concept tries to bring that positive atmosphere back into the home by taking inspiration from the moon and planets to deliver a softer light that soothes the mind as much as it illuminates the eyes.

Designer: Maro

No one looks at the sun directly and doesn’t get blinded by its scorching light. Even during a total solar eclipse, when the moon covers most of the sun, people are advised to only view the phenomenon through reflections or tinted filters. We tend to appreciate the sun indirectly through its effects and, in the case of space objects like the moon, through the light that’s reflected off them.

Space Traveler uses that same principle of reflected light to create an even softer glow than using a filter or some material to diffuse the light coming from a bulb. The source of the light, in this case, a strip of LEDs, shines the light on a brass object which then reflects the weakened light across the room. Instead of some simplistic implementation, however, this lamp also adopts a composition that pays tribute to its heavenly inspiration.

That LED strip, for example, is installed inside a ring-shaped frame and the brass ball suspended in the center takes the place of the bulb. This shape is reminiscent of the sun and a planet that orbits around it, but with the lighting roles reversed. It is also like a planet with a glowing ring around it, like Saturn, Neptune, or Uranus. Here, the size roles are also reversed, with the ring dwarfing the reflective orb.

The Space Traveler’s overall effect is both tantalizing and eerie, casting an otherworldly glow in your room. The association with familiar heavenly bodies and the softer light also evokes some feelings of comfort. And when the ring spins around the sphere, it creates an imagery of a space-faring vessel traveling space, reflecting the light of the stars and the sun during its voyage.

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NASA x Interstellar RED3.721 watch carries a piece of Mars and human perseverance with it

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Keeping track of time is a purely human construct that was first invented based on the movement of heavenly bodies. We have since then refined our clocks, of course, but they all still use the Earth as the frame of reference. That won’t do us much good when we start living on other planets, but thankfully we’re just at the cusp of our stellar colonization ambitions. In fact, we just landed our most ambitious attempt at studying our closest planetary neighbor Mars last year, a feat that is sure be highlighted in science and history books in years to come. While there are many new products that celebrate and commemorate that momentous occasion, nothing probably comes closer than a watch blessed by NASA that contains within it dust from the Red Planet and proofs of man’s tenacious nature to persevere and reach out to space.

Designer: Sebastien Colen

Click Here to Buy Now: $495.

On 18th February 2021, the Perseverance rover successfully touched down on Martian soil. It represented humanity’s most ambitious attempt so far to explore our neighbor, searching for clues of life and, more importantly, testing it for future missions and possible colonization. Unsurprisingly, there have been many commemorative products launched since then, but the Interstellar RED3.721 watch definitely takes the cake not just for being approved by NASA but also for being a treasure trove of references to that event, all done tastefully and in a stunningly elegant way.

Number “3,721” – Corresponds to the gravity of the planet observed during NASA mission.

The Red Planet – The dial showcases the pattern and features of Mars.

“7 Minutes of Terror” – The entry, descent, and landing is recognized as the shortest and most intense phase of the Mars 2020 mission.

The Original “Meatball” NASA Logo – This collection has been granted by NASA.

The most obvious is perhaps the historic date that’s engraved at the very top of the watch’s frame, though it is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg. Scattered on the watch’s surfaces are other clues that space lovers would understand, like the glowing “7 Minutes of Terror” on the 3 o’clock position that honors the seven tense minutes between the Perseverance’s entry into Martian atmosphere and its safe landing on the planet’s soil. On the back of the watch is the Perseverance’s parachute design, which is actually an encoded message that spells “Dare Mighty Things.” Even the name of the watch itself is a tribute to the Red Planet, both in the name as well as the 3.721 figure that corresponds to the planet’s gravity.

Authentic Martian Meteorite – The dust is extracted from a meteorite that has traveled millions of miles to finally crash on earth.

The most direct connection with Mars, however, is the relic housed in that same 3 o’clock position. It contains dust harvested from a Martian meteorite discovered last year in Northwest Africa. Those who opt to claim this one-of-a-kind variant of the NASA x Interstellar RED3.721 watch will be assured of its authenticity with a certificate, not to mention NASA’s authority in this collaboration.

The NASA x Interstellar RED3.721, however, isn’t just a tribute to this historic moment. It is also a handsome watch that combines the best of humanity’s ingenuity and dreams. The watch case, which is either 316L stainless steel or titanium, is colored black to represent the darkness of space. It contrasts nicely with the watch face, which is a 3D relief of Mars’ surface taken from actual scientific data. Although the watch commemorates our work towards the future, the RED3.721 bears classic watch movements, either a Miyota 8215 or a Sellita SW200-1.

The Miyota variant comes in the 316L case and with the original NASA “meatball” logo or you can get the Martian meteorite dust encased watch. Sellita’s movement is housed in titanium. The project has already raised more than $650,000 since it launched in May 2022! Whichever design you claim, you won’t just be putting a beautiful work of horology on your wrist, though you are definitely getting a product of high quality for a very affordable price tag. You will also be carrying a timepiece that represents mankind’s past perseverance, present endeavors, and future hope, all at the same time.

Click Here to Buy Now: $495.

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Enso Silicone Space Rings: Celestial Digits

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Enso makes a line of celestial themed rings printed with cool space patterns like the phases of the moon, a solar eclipse, and what I assume are some sort of alien glyphs. Maybe if we can decipher them, we’ll discover the secrets of interstellar travel! They’re made from comfortable silicone, so you don’t feel like the ring is suffocating your finger like a traditional wedding band (maybe I’m just projecting),

The rings are available in whole sizes 3 to 14 and, just like all Enso silicone products, come with a lifetime guarantee. So if you somehow do manage to destroy your ring, they’ll replace it. And, God willing, you’ll learn not to do whatever it was you were doing when you destroyed it in the first place because it’s probably dangerous. I just hope you still have your finger.

I actually bought a silicone wedding band to wear whenever I’m exercising or working in the garage, which is still in the package it came in because I haven’t been to the gym, and I don’t have a garage. I’m prepared, though; that’s the important thing.

[via The Awesomer]

NASA Astronaut Space Suit Can Koozie

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Because there are few things more enjoyable in life than sipping a cold one and playing space rangers, maker of outerwear-inspired koozies Puffin Drinkwear is selling this insulated Space Suit koozie. The can cover fits standard 12- and 16-ounce cans and includes a tiny closable backpack for storing other goodies like… actually, I’m not sure what. Glitterstim? Freeze-dried ice cream?

This is easily one of the top five koozies I’ve ever seen, and I will be buying one. Or rather, I’ll be putting it on my Christmas list and purchasing one myself after everybody lets me down like they have every other year. My family always asks what I want, I show them my list, and I still get a yearly membership to the Jelly of the Month Club instead.

Do you think this is what the real astronauts aboard the International Space Station drink out of? Of course not. They drink out of pouches, just like kangaroos would if they were smarter. There’s a good reason kangaroos haven’t been to the moon, you know. Granted, I don’t know what it is, but there definitely is one.

[via The Awesomer]

Desktop Mars Zen Garden: Interplanetary Peace

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Originally created as places for monks to meditate on Buddha’s teachings, Zen gardens have been miniaturized and available in desktop versions for quite some time now. Just not in interplanetary form, like this Mars Zen Garden available from Uncommon Goods. The desktop meditation garden features a 10″ diameter resin tray, red sand, lava rocks, a tiny astronaut and Sojourner rover, and a rake for making patterns. I am going to have so much fun relaxing and not working!

The copper-finish nickel rake features one end for raking and the other for creating craters from meteorite impacts. How realistic. Of course, if they wanted to make it even more realistic, it should come with some alien mini-figures as well. Stop hiding the truth, NASA!

I remember I had a miniature Zen garden in high school to help calm my nerves from the high stress of youth (little did I know!), but my cat Bill eventually knocked it off my desk, and all the sand got lost in the carpet. I suppose I should just be thankful he didn’t decide to use it as a litter box instead. At least there’s that.

[via The Awesomer]