Tag Archives: space travel

This chair with floating backrest, ergonomic flexibility, and modular cushioning is designed for space travel

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Space Perspective offers life-changing trips to the edge of space in the world’s first carbon-neutral spaceflight. This spaceship dubbed Neptune features a breathtaking design. It’s a capsule with special UV reflective coated largest glass windows ever flown to space providing occupants an unparalleled view from the space lounge inside containing eight state-of-the-art chairs designed both for comfort and aerospace experience.

The innovative seating solution for Neptune’s passengers is visibly inspired by the lounge chairs. It seamlessly merges the luxury and comfort of the lounge chair with the safety requirements of space travel to ensure the guests have not only a comfortable seat but a safe one at that.

Designer: Of My Imagination

Dubbed Aerospace Seat SPN-01, these eight dark-blue chairs in the space lounge are lightweight, functional, and safe. While meeting travel safety standards, these chairs also provide umpteen luxury courtesy of the floating backrest, ergonomic flexibility, and modular cushioning.

These aerospace seats blend a modular pad system with adjustable cushions for ergonomic comfort. Owing to their contoured shape and arced headrest, the chairs nicely cradle their passengers during the critical phases of launch and landing. Due to their positioning (each facing outwards) in the roomy space lounge, each seat has a panoramic 360-degree view through the large capsule windows.

Whilst being designed to comfort anxious passengers in their cocooning environment, the Aerospace Seat SPN-01 is easy to repair and has adjustable features to balance comfort with functionality. Designed by @ofmyimagination the chairs are twined in pairs inside of the space capsule designed to promote conversation and foster shared experiences. The chairs are placed adjacent to each other to encourage passengers to speak with each other. Each set of chairs features a mini wooden table in between that doubles as a desk. Every chair has a storage section underneath where passengers can stow their personal belongings.

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Space elevator concept will make travel to the stars more accessible

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If you’ve watched a lot of science-fiction or future-based movies and TV series, then you’ve seen a lot of products and inventions that may seem impossible and fantastical now. But over the past decades, we’ve seen a lot of advancement in technology that some of these, especially those that were released in the 80s, have actually come true. And those that seem improbable now can actually become reality in the near and far future.

Designer: Jordan William Hughes

This conceptual design for a space elevator seems right out of a movie but it is actually based on data from existing research by physicists and engineers. If this eventually becomes a reality, space travel would become much easier and maybe even affordable. It will be a more viable alternative to the existing space travel that is currently possible with rockets. It will also save a ton of fuel that is currently being utilized.

The concept is for an asteroid in geostationary orbit to serve as the counterweight for this spaceport. The elevator will be connected to the ocean through a robust tether that will transport it from the asteroid to Earth. Drones will be able to go up and down the tether and be able to transport both cargo and people. The idea is for the space station to be more than 26,000 kilometers above Earth and then the spaceport here on our planet to be at sea-level.

The spaceport will also be a movable vessel so it can also not be limited by possible bad weather conditions. The concept art still seems to be pretty fantastical and right out of a sci-fi fantasy movie. But in the next few years, we can see if this is actually something possible.

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Space-inspired everyday products prepare us for a zero-gravity future

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Many people these days dream about living on other planets or at least inside orbiting space stations, but few actually consider how very different life would be outside the Earth’s gravity. Of course, Hollywood tends to romanticize a lot of everyday life, but as astronauts will testify, living in space, even if just to reach the Moon or Mars, is no walk in the park. Even the simplest activities like drinking water can be awkward and disorienting in zero-g, at least if you consider using Earth-bound objects to do so. That’s why this trio of designs tries to reimagine some of the most mundane products we use in daily life and transform them into objects that are ready for our space-faring future.

Designers: Subin Kim, Jagyeong Baek, Jaeyeon Lee

Most of us understand that without gravity, things tend not to stay down, but few actually envision the ramifications of that fact. Products designed on Earth naturally presume an amount of stability, and the way they are handled or controlled is limited in the same manner. For example, a lot of everyday things only have handles on one side or work in a single direction, a presumption that doesn’t make much sense or even becomes counterproductive when the objects are floating in space.

Spatio is a collection of these everyday objects that have been redesigned with zero gravity in mind. Or to put it more simply, it doesn’t make presumptions on where and how it will function, making it work both on Earth, on Mars, or in the International Space Station. Aqua, for example, is a water bottle that replaces a traditional cup that has a single handle on one side only. In contrast, this bottle has four extrusions in cardinal directions that act as handles and a cover that lets you drink by sucking rather than sipping from the lip of a mug.

Sonus is a wireless speaker that really defies the traditional design of speakers. Inspired by the moon’s spherical shape, each of the “craters” on its surface pops up a tiny omnidirectional speaker when pressed. The more units that pop out, the louder it gets, acting is an unconventional form of volume control. The important difference is that you don’t have to shift or move the speaker to one side or the other just to reach those controls.

And then there’s Lumia, a star-shaped flashlight that can shine in any direction. Simply turning the central wheel switches the direction of the light so that it works regardless of how you’re holding it. While these products were designed with space living in mind, it’s not difficult to imagine them working just as well on Terra Firma, proving that truly accessible design benefits everyone everywhere, even if they’re living in outer space.

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Balloon-powered Spaceship Neptune promises a luxurious way to tour outer space

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Many private companies are working hard to make space travel more economical as well as more profitable. The latter could involve not just commutes but, more importantly, “space tourism.” To make that possible, however, rockets have to be reusable instead of being obliterated on reentry. Either that or spacecraft could take off on a runway the same way that airplanes do. Another option that’s starting to attract interest uses a style of flying that predates airplanes, relying on a gigantic balloon to lift people into the upper layers of our atmosphere. It may sound almost archaic, but the passenger capsule for one such spacecraft could very well be the most extravagant way to hold a cocktail party in outer space.

Designer: Of My Imagination

Of course, the balloon that will carry Space Perspective’s Neptune spacecraft won’t be the same hot air balloons you’ll see in the sky. A huge high-performance hydrogen balloon will have enough lifting power and enough durability to safely bring people to the outer edges of our planet for a relaxing outer space tour. And when it’s time to return to terra firma, the most advanced parachutes promise the same safety when landing down in the ocean.

While a balloon flight sounds almost boring compared to the adrenaline rush of a rocket launch, one look inside the newly-revealed capsule shows just how different it is from what the likes of Space X and Blue Origin have in mind so far when talking about space tourism. While these two want to offer an adventure similar to a roller coaster ride with some Zero-G moments, Space Perspective wants to create an atmosphere that is more chill, more educational, and perhaps even more memorable.

The Spaceship Neptune’s pressurized passenger capsule looks more like a compact cruise ship cabin than a rocket or plane. The spherical shape of the capsule offers more headroom for more comfortable viewing of the Earth and space through large windows. The seats definitely look more elegant than typical rocket seats, with holders for drinks even. And where do those drinks come from? Why from the bar in the back, of course! And before you ask, yes, there’s a restroom for those who can’t hold their liquids well.

The exterior of the capsule has also been redesigned to look more refined and also be safer. Below the sphere is a splash cone that will help ensure a softer water landing as much as possible. The complete form almost looks like a miniature balloon, so that the Spaceship Neptune and its hydrogen balloon look like two siblings in ascent, presuming you can actually see it from the side in outer space.

Space Perspective definitely offers a different perspective (pun intended) on how to enjoy space tours. A balloon’s slower ascent, longer time at its apex, and controlled descent offer a more relaxed and perhaps safer environment for appreciating our planet and learning more about it. True, it doesn’t have the thrilling zero gravity experience that many crave, but that’s easier to replicate on Earth than lounging in peace in outer space.

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Y3 Space-X Running Shoes for Mars can be a fashionable possibility

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Space-X Sneakers for Mars Process

All eyes are on the SpaceX project as earthlings want to colonize Mars someday. We highly doubt it will happen anytime soon, but you know, it may be best to prepare as early as now. By preparation, we mean plan for that house you will live in. You can also start thinking about clothing and footwear.

We don’t think many groups have already thought about fashion for Mars, but we can start. That is what French footwear designer Clement Fernandes has done. He came up with a footwear concept inspired by the SpaceX project. Of course, the pair is only a concept, but the designer thought about the intelligent sneakers that may need to defy gravity.

Designer: Clement Fernandes

38%_2101 Running Shoes for Mars Materials

Once you’ve set foot on Mars, it may be nice to wear something cool and durable like the 38%_2101 Running Shoes for MARS. The pair is based on the Y-3 running shoes and looks very futuristic. The designer decided to go for the Y-3 because the brand has a futuristic vision.

The 38%_2101 Running Shoes for Mars appear to be out of this world, but the pair is also something we can still wear on Earth. The designer’s process included several other inspirations like aerospace equipment and minimal color units, and a few items with sharp shapes.

Space-X Sneakers for Mars Style

The 38 in the name pertains to 38%, which is the percentage of gravity on Mars related to the gravity on Earth. 2101 is the year of the competition as per the designer. The shoes’ upper is made of nylon combined with carbon nanotubes, and the latter is activated by the body’s heat and contract the nylon fibers. This is done so the upper can be adjusted to the size of the feet. Other rubber elements strengthen the upper’s structure so we know the pair is sturdy.

Space-X Sneakers for Mars Details

The shoes come with a multi-density EVA structure: high-density for the outsole while the midsole is low-density. The pair appears to not come with shoelaces, so we assume the design is a slip-on. We can also call these the Space-X shoes because the concept pair won’t be imagined if not for the Space-X project.

Space-X Sneakers for Mars Launch

38%_2101 Running Shoes for Mars Production

This particular design was presented a few years ago, but we like that it’s very much relevant these days. Adidas or the Y-3 team should finally consider making the pair a reality now that space tourism has been kicked off. It won’t be long before people are allowed to visit Mars. We believe it will happen someday but yes, maybe not in this lifetime. It may just be fun to imagine and start living as if we’re there on Mars.

Space-X Sneakers for Mars Development

Space-X Sneakers for Mars Illustration

38%_2101 Running Shoes for Mars Design

38%_2101 Running Shoes for Mars Design

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Richard Branson, Elon Musk and Jeff Besoz need to get their hands on this space-friendly luggage!

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Space tourism is currently a race and a status symbol amongst billionaires but it won’t be long before it becomes the next big travel trend…of course, the ticket costs will be out of this world for most of us, but we can still get the appropriate luggage and daydream! Astroneer is luggage designed keeping in mind the possibility of space travel becoming a popular ‘exotic’ destination in the future. Even if you aren’t going to space, the way bags are handled at the airport might make this NASA-level luggage an investment worth considering.

Travelling in zero gravity at insanely fast speeds already induces so many changes in our bodies despite training and protective suits – can you imagine what would happen to the belongings in your bag? Exoplanet exploration requires luggage that can survive with you. “We didn’t want future travellers to carry a crumpled carrier, with harsh conditions, rugged terrain and differential atmospheric pressure,” said the designer duo and made sure that Astroneer is modular and has no volume constraints – once again, something we on Earth could also use. Astroneer comes with bags of different sizes that can all compactly be packed into one unit. It also has increased liquidity in the environment with the suspension of wheels so that you don’t have to carry your bags even though they might be lighter in outer space, roll with it…literally. The CMF is carefully chosen for the concept to provide visibility in an environment where it is difficult to check the contents inside by giving electric signals to the glass which lets you adjust the transparency of the luggage – this might just be my most favorite feature yet. It also has internal environmental controls to protect your belongings!

So while Richard Branson went to space, he certainly missed out on having the coolest suitcase at baggage claim. Maybe by the time its our turn to take off, we can get an Astroneer in custom colors!

Designers: JooHyung Park and Sunjin Baek

 

Designed for astronauts, this machete from Case Knives celebrates more than 50 years of its debut on the moon!

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Personally, I couldn’t be in charge of making the carry-on list for astronauts traveling to the moon. Cookies would be item number one, followed by my apartment keys, and then maybe some multi-vitamins. Even my own carry-on lists for weekend trips are pretty questionable. Making a list for space travel, I’d be too distracted with how many pairs of socks the astronauts might need and totally forget the necessities, like toenail clippers or better yet, knives. Since the 1960s, back when the Gemini and Apollo missions were the subjects of every worthwhile conversation, the team at NASA put its trust in W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company, known today as Case Knives, to design the knives that astronauts would bring with them to the moon for half a century to come.

Today, Case Knives relaunches their registered trademark Case Astronaut Knife M-1 in commemoration of more than 50 years worth of space travel. The Case Astronaut Knife M-1 dons an optic white, glossy handle constructed from a space-tested combination of synthetic fibers, offering a smooth finish and an ergonomic grip for accurate and controlled use. The As-Ground machete blade comes with a bite, ground from stainless steel blocks, and a heavy gauge with a double row of sharp saw teeth along its spine. Machete blade’s modus operandi is in survival. Used for heavy-duty jobs like bushwhacking, coppicing, and butchering, machetes are no joke and proved necessary by NASA for use in such an unpredictable environment like outer space. As an entire knife, the Case Astronaut Knife M-1 weighs 7.5oz, measures at 16-inches, with its blade reaching a length of 11.75-inches.

The Gemini and Apollo missions to the moon back in the 60s required some new survival training for prospective space travelers and what better weapon to have at your side for survival on the moon than a machete? Picture your favorite heroes from jungle-adventure films slicing through the tangled brush with a machete the length of their torso. Shrinking that machete’s length down to fit into NASA’s survival kit was a job sufficiently handled by W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company and more than 50 years later, Case Knives celebrates a job well done.

Designer: Case Knives

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Constructed from stainless steel, the Case Astronaut Knife M-1 was designed in order to equip astronauts with an essential survival tool for trips to the moon.

An ergonomic handle gives the Case Astronaut Knife M-1 the punch it needs for astronauts to use it for precise and controlled jobs that require a knife.

The Case Astronaut Knife M-1 comes protected in a themed package reminiscent of its trip to the moon back in the 1960s when NASA first entrusted W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company to make the first knife specifically designed for space travel.

‘Kerbal Space Program’ gets an interstellar flight sequel

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It's been four years since Kerbal Space Program (KSP) -- the spacecraft building and flight simulation game -- officially launched. While Elon Musk once called the title "awesome" and joked that SpaceX used KSP for testing software, it was due for a...