Tag Archives: lunar exploration

This sleek lunar wall clock adds some adventure to the ultimate space lover’s home

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How many times do we look at a clock each day, whether it’s on a wall or on our wrists? Chances are, you don’t let an hour pass without looking at a watch or clock to check the time, even if it’s an ironic waste of time to do so again and again. Given that frequency, it’s essential for clock designs to not only be functional but also visually appealing, evoking a sense of calm and awe to offset the usual stress one carries when fretting over the time. Even better, clocks might even become sources of inspiration, providing not nagging reminders but gentle hints at how to live our lives to the fullest, not shackled by the tyranny of time. That’s the subtle message that this beautiful minimalist lunar-themed clock tries to convey, reminding the observer of man’s aspirations to break free of Earth’s gravity and reach for the moon and beyond.

Designer: Sora no Kakera

Click Here to Buy Now: $275 $325 (15% off at checkout & Free Shipping). Hurry, Earth Day sales end in 48 hours!

The moon has always been a thing of beauty and mystery, its pockmarked face bearing witness to the history of our celestial neighborhood as it gracefully illuminates the night sky. It is also the nearest heavenly object we can reach, and unsurprisingly, the object of many space travel achievements and fantasies. It seems only fitting that it would be the inspiration for a clock that invites you to make a trip to the moon, even if only in your head, at each moment you check the time.

Made from stainless steel finished with a mirror-like polish, this Moon Trip Clock displays the seemingly magical visage of the moon, half bathed in light and the other in darkness. Although the image of the moon is accurate, it isn’t aiming for a scientific illustration that clearly lays out the topography of the moon. Instead, it is trying to bring the otherworldly charm of the moon to your wall and your living space.

The numbers that line the edges of the metal disc look as if they’re floating rather than etched or glued to the surface. At some point, they even seem to disappear, only to reappear again at another location, mimicking the eternal waning and waxing of the moon. This visual effect is possible thanks to a special polishing technique, adding an air of mystery to the already enchanting lunar design.

And when you start to really look at the time, you will be greeted by a charming yet meaningful detail that tickles the mind into a more thoughtful state. While the hour and minute hands are simple yet elegant bars, the seconds hand has the shape of a rocket ship at its tip. You’re tempted to watch this spacecraft make its way around the clock at each tick, perhaps making you reminisce of old childhood dreams of conquering the moon and beyond like an adventurous explorer. That may just be a fantasy, but this lovely Lunar Voyage Clock reminds you not to let opportunities pass and to live your life to the fullest, shooting for the stars and making your dreams come true.

Click Here to Buy Now: $275 $325 (15% off at checkout & Free Shipping). Hurry, Earth Day sales end in 48 hours!

The post This sleek lunar wall clock adds some adventure to the ultimate space lover’s home first appeared on Yanko Design.

This sleek lunar wall clock adds some adventure to the ultimate space lover’s home

Posted on by

How many times do we look at a clock each day, whether it’s on a wall or on our wrists? Chances are, you don’t let an hour pass without looking at a watch or clock to check the time, even if it’s an ironic waste of time to do so again and again. Given that frequency, it’s essential for clock designs to not only be functional but also visually appealing, evoking a sense of calm and awe to offset the usual stress one carries when fretting over the time. Even better, clocks might even become sources of inspiration, providing not nagging reminders but gentle hints at how to live our lives to the fullest, not shackled by the tyranny of time. That’s the subtle message that this beautiful minimalist lunar-themed clock tries to convey, reminding the observer of man’s aspirations to break free of Earth’s gravity and reach for the moon and beyond.

Designer: Sora no Kakera

Click Here to Buy Now: $275 $325 (15% off at checkout & Free Shipping). Hurry, Earth Day sales end in 48 hours!

The moon has always been a thing of beauty and mystery, its pockmarked face bearing witness to the history of our celestial neighborhood as it gracefully illuminates the night sky. It is also the nearest heavenly object we can reach, and unsurprisingly, the object of many space travel achievements and fantasies. It seems only fitting that it would be the inspiration for a clock that invites you to make a trip to the moon, even if only in your head, at each moment you check the time.

Made from stainless steel finished with a mirror-like polish, this Moon Trip Clock displays the seemingly magical visage of the moon, half bathed in light and the other in darkness. Although the image of the moon is accurate, it isn’t aiming for a scientific illustration that clearly lays out the topography of the moon. Instead, it is trying to bring the otherworldly charm of the moon to your wall and your living space.

The numbers that line the edges of the metal disc look as if they’re floating rather than etched or glued to the surface. At some point, they even seem to disappear, only to reappear again at another location, mimicking the eternal waning and waxing of the moon. This visual effect is possible thanks to a special polishing technique, adding an air of mystery to the already enchanting lunar design.

And when you start to really look at the time, you will be greeted by a charming yet meaningful detail that tickles the mind into a more thoughtful state. While the hour and minute hands are simple yet elegant bars, the seconds hand has the shape of a rocket ship at its tip. You’re tempted to watch this spacecraft make its way around the clock at each tick, perhaps making you reminisce of old childhood dreams of conquering the moon and beyond like an adventurous explorer. That may just be a fantasy, but this lovely Lunar Voyage Clock reminds you not to let opportunities pass and to live your life to the fullest, shooting for the stars and making your dreams come true.

Click Here to Buy Now: $275 $325 (15% off at checkout & Free Shipping). Hurry, Earth Day sales end in 48 hours!

The post This sleek lunar wall clock adds some adventure to the ultimate space lover’s home first appeared on Yanko Design.

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.

The post Interstellar LUNAR1,622 watch lets you carry a piece of the moon in style first appeared on Yanko Design.

This modular origami tent built by space architects for the moon unfolds into 750 times it size!

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Studying space exploration is a side hobby of mine so this extreme-weather resistant origami moon habitat is one of my dream homes. SAGA is a Danish architecture studio that designed LUNARK which is a modular shelter that expands and becomes 750 times its original size! It was crucial to design a structure that would be easily transportable (to the moon!), have a zero-waste ecosystem, and could withstand arctic temperatures and meteor showers – LUNARK does it all, in fact, it was taken out on a test run in Greeland by the architects themselves!

SAGA has one mission – make outer space a little cozier for future human inhabitants. The LUNARK habitat shows what can happen when the architect steps back and allows the extreme environment on the Moon and the high arctic to mold a habitat around human beings. LUNARK’s form was inspired by the patterns seen in a budding leaf as it unfolds and origami. It unfolds from a tight bud to a large ovoid shape with a rigid carbon fiber shell. Its exterior is tough as a tank while its interior is a cozy home with a sense of Nordic “hygge”.

lunark3

The main exterior of the habitat is made from a black glossy carbon fiber shell. The carbon-fiber structure’s sandwiched panels with a foam core for extra insulation. Carbon fiber is ideal because it’s lightweight – which is crucial for transport and unfolding – yet strong. The panels are connected by a white foldable composite rubber and the main load-bearing structure is an aluminum frame.

Starting from the size of a small car, the carbon fiber shell can unfold to 750 times its size. Inside, solar-powered circadian panels mimic the light cycles on Earth, aiming to improve astronauts’ sleep patterns and general well-being. It is designed to counteract monotony, claustrophobia, and psychological stress.

lunark1

With an inner volume of 17.2 sqm, LUNARK is designed to shelter two people at once. It is powered by a 1000 Ah solar-powered battery. It aspires to be a zero-waste shelter, leaving as little impact as possible on the environment. Inside the unfolding pod, there is space for a 3D printer (for printing spare parts if needed), stowage for batteries and water, and a living algae farm. LUNARK also has a series of in-built digital software systems, including a weather simulator to help break up the day-to-day monotony, and an algae reactor, to nurture and monitor a source of nutrition.

The main principle behind LUNARK is its expanding volume, as the structure expands 750% after transport while testing it was a great success as it was easy to unfold and strong enough to withstand the extreme environment. “The habitat worked beyond all expectations. The unfolding was possible by just two people and no heavy machinery – and in the extreme cold of the arctic. Furthermore, the interior design and spatial organization worked well. We are not trained professional astronauts, our tolerance is much lower. So we needed a much more pleasant living environment. We wanted to create a home, not a survival machine – and the habitat really ended up feeling like home,” adds Aristotelis.

Earlier in 2020, SAGA developed a prototype for LUNARK using the principles of Japanese origami folding with biomimicry. The two architects, Sebastian Aristotelis and Karl-Johan Sørensen, then went on a two-month mission to experience extreme isolation in northern Greenland where they tested LUNARK and its technologies themselves for future moon missions while enduring -30°c, hurricane winds, and hungry polar bears!

lunark2

In the two months spent in extreme isolation in Greenland, SAGA collected data about the performance of the unfolding origami structure and the circadian light panels that form the artificial sky inside the habitat. The duo also collected data about their psychological wellbeing, the impact of isolation, and how to deal with conflicts under extreme conditions which will help them make LUNARK even better for real missions.

“We wanted to make the most realistic simulation mission. If we as architects want to test the effect of architectural countermeasures in space we also need to simulate a realistic amount of stress on the participants (in our case ourselves). The cold arctic was the best bet for that. At the same time, the arctic has the most similar lighting conditions to the moon. It’s far away, remote and isolated so the experiment conditions forced our design to be easy to deploy,” said Aristotelis.

Having lived for months in conditions that resemble those in outer space, the two young architects collected a significant amount of data which they will analyze with a focus on human well-being and psychology. “The future looks great, our design worked better than expected which puts us on a solid trajectory to build in outer space,” Aristotelis concludes. SAGA is not only focused on making brilliant space architecture but is also putting the mental health of the astronauts at the core of their design which makes them stand out among all others on our planet!

Designer: SAGA Space Architects

lunark

The post This modular origami tent built by space architects for the moon unfolds into 750 times it size! first appeared on Yanko Design.

NASA + BIG are working on a sustainable 3D printed moon habitat using moon dust to reduce waste!

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While Mars missions are getting all the media and sci-fi attention, a trusty celestial friend is making a comeback as an option for hosting human colonies outside Earth – it is our moon! Bjarke Ingle’s BIG and 3D-printed building company ICON are working on Project Olympus – a mission to develop robotic construction for the moon.

Bjarke Ingles is the Elon Musk of the architectural world, he loves to explore the impossible and has a penchant for designs that can help save mankind right from his environmentally friendly buildings to Project Olympus. Project Olympus is about finding a way to create a 3D-printed infrastructure for living on the moon using materials found on its surface. Why do we need a habitat on the moon? So that we can launch sustained lunar exploration missions where the astronauts will be able to stay comfortably and carry out their research for extended time periods. The project has also enlisted SEArch+ (Space Exploration Architecture) after it received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) government contract boosted with funding from NASA.

“With ICON we are pioneering new frontiers – both materially, technologically and environmentally. To explain the power of architecture, ‘formgiving’ is the Danish word for design, which literally means to give form to that which has not yet been given form. This becomes fundamentally clear when we venture beyond Earth and begin to imagine how we are going to build and live on entirely new worlds,” said Bjarke Ingels, founder of BIG.

Making a habitat base on the moon is no ordinary construction project. There are many factors at play – it is an inhospitable environment with only a fifth of Earth’s gravity and none of its atmosphere, plus it will have to be created almost entirely from locally available materials i.e. moon dust which will be sustainable and reduce waste! Working with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the team will use a simulant of moon soil to experiment with 3D-printable construction.

“3D printing with indigenous materials is a sustainable and versatile solution to off-world construction that will prove to be vital to our future here on Earth and in Outer Space. The habitat will be designed with the inherent redundancy required for extraterrestrial buildings, while also using groundbreaking robotic construction that uses only in-site resources with zero-waste left behind,” SEArch+ added. A by-product of all the developmental research and experiments being conducted for Project Olympus is that it will also reveal new ways to build more sustainably on Earth while reducing the construction industry’s carbon footprint.

BIG is a perfect fit for this project as they have previously designed a simulation of Mars called Mars Science City in Dubai. ICON too was a finalist in NASA’s 3D printed habitat challenge with many innovative projects under its belt and SEArch+ is an architecture firm that has worked with NASA for a long time on human-centered designs for space exploration making this a complete dream team. *Plays Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me to the Moon*

Designers: BIG, ICON, and SEArch+