SpaceX’s Starship and Super Heavy rocket, collectively referred to as Starship, mark a revolutionary leap in commercial space flight capabilities. This dynamic duo is engineered for versatility, and reusability, designed to transport both crew and cargo to destinations spanning Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Starship, the flagship spacecraft, redefines the limits of reusability and power in the realm of space exploration. As the world’s most potent launch vehicle, it boasts an impressive payload capacity, capable of carrying over 150 metric tonnes in its fully reusable configuration. In scenarios requiring expendability, Starship flexes its muscles, pushing its limit to an astounding 250 metric tonnes.
Credit: SpaceX
With the exciting development of SpaceX’s Starship and the Super Heavy launch system, we wanted to look at the possible interior design configurations and propose a design that had the potential to support a crew to the Moon and Mars.
Our designs are intended to allow people interested in the Starship program to visualise the possible configurations and better understand how a crew could live, work, and socialise in confined spaces. And how much storage/supplies would be required for long and short duration missions. The design and orientation are configured for 30 Crew living in positive and zero-G conditions.
This page covers the main design challenges, and our solutions within the crew quarters. For details & drawings of our complete Starship concept please use the links below.
Overlay Render Credit: 3D Daniel
We have begun a new era in space exploration; the commercial space market is evolving beyond its traditional boundaries. The destination that was once the exclusive domain of astronauts and scientists is opening its doors to a broader audience – a prospect with immense promise and potential. In this paradigm shift, the concept of personal spaces within spacecraft is emerging as a crucial focal point. From adventurous tourists to dedicated scientists and engineers, the demand for private and comfortable spaces is becoming more evident.
Designing personal spaces for commercial space travel introduces various challenges that demand innovative solutions. Some of the design challenges addressed spans various domains, from engineering to psychology, and must be carefully resolved to ensure passengers’ safety, comfort, and well-being:
• Microgravity Considerations
• Limited Space and Resources
• Psychological Well-being
• Life Support Systems
• Safety Protocols
• Adaptability to Diverse Passengers
• Communication and Connectivity
Many of us have encountered the challenges of a long-haul flight, attempting to get at least some rest amid the symphony of other passengers snoring, movements, and the ambient noise from the plane’s systems. Factor in smells, temperature, and lack of persoinal space, achieving a peaceful slumber becomes quite the ordeal.
Now, envision having a full day of work ahead, demanding your optimal performance and the need to make critical decisions that affect both yourself and your fellow passengers. What if this were your daily routine for six consecutive months? Well, this scenario isn’t too dissimilar to the experiences of astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Quality sleep is a cornerstone for enhancing brain performance, mood, and overall health. The ramifications of consistently inadequate sleep are substantial, elevating the risk of various diseases and disorders. When coupled with prolonged exposure to microgravity, leading to physiological and biochemical changes, the significance of the physical and mental rejuvenation provided by sleep becomes even more pronounced in space than it is back on Earth.
To address these issues, we have designed a multi-functional personal space for each passenger/crew member that adjusts for sleep, work, recreation &/or socialising. Which we refer to as a “Crew Pod.” Designed for microgravity, lunar & Mars gravity. One of the main elements is the seat, designed for launch or orbital flight/manoeuvres. Depending on its use, the seat can adjust to several positions, including reclining to a horizontal bed, which isn’t required for orbital sleep but as a tether point for a crew sleeping bag, which is stored in pod storage compartment when not in use.
The pod is accessed through a large oval entrance with acoustic sliding shutters that provide privacy and separation from the lighting, noise, and activities of the circulation/common areas. The entrance includes lighting recesses that double as hand/station-keeping points for access and manoeuvring. The oversized oval entrance allows for additional space when the shutters are open, promoting interaction and communication with crew members when privacy isn’t required, extending the sense of space and community.
In confined spaces, where astronauts and commercial space tourists navigate microgravity and isolation, the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) headsets emerges as a transformative solution. These headsets, offering diverse benefits and applications, prove instrumental in enhancing work efficiency and personal well-being during extended space missions.
With the advancement of high-definition, lightweight, ultra-thin and flexible touch screens, we now can enhance the visual experience within confined spaces. As current VR headsets become uncomfortable if worn for long periods, our solution is to integrate surface screens within our design, allowing for a simulated environment. We have incorporated two screens, one large oval matching the entrance, providing a familiar passenger perspective, allowing the user to select any still, motion landscape or any personal content. It also extends the visual simulation when viewed from the pod’s exterior. The second screen is a smaller one aligned with the pod seat’s ergonomics for front viewing, providing system display and visual communication.
Due to the availability of customisable display screens, the crew can display content to create their own environment and personal space, like panoramic landscapes, photo galleries of friends and family, and potentially a recording or live view from outside their home as if they were relaxing on the porch. Having a dual-screen system enables an illusion of depth and perspective when combining front and side displays, allowing for an immersive experience when not using VR headsets.
Designing personal spaces for social interaction in space habitats presents unique challenges due to the constraints of the environment and the needs of astronauts. One major challenge is the limited space available within space habitats, requiring us to optimize layouts to accommodate both private retreats and communal areas. Additionally, the microgravity environment of space necessitates innovative solutions for furniture and spatial arrangements to ensure functionality and comfort while promoting social interaction.
The isolation and confinement experienced during space missions further amplify the importance of creating social spaces that foster a sense of connection and community among astronauts. Striking a balance between privacy and socialization is crucial, as astronauts require personal space for rest and relaxation while also benefitting from opportunities for social interaction to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Cultural and individual preferences add another layer of complexity to the design process, as space missions often involve crew members from diverse backgrounds with varying norms and expectations regarding social interaction. Our designs create inclusive spaces that accommodate different cultural norms and individual preferences while promoting cohesion and camaraderie among the crew.
Moreover, technological limitations in space, including limited resources and communication systems, challenge our designers to innovate with materials and furnishings that can withstand the demands of the space environment while enhancing social interaction opportunities. Collaboration between architects, engineers, psychologists, and astronauts is essential to develop holistic design solutions that prioritize both individual needs and group dynamics.
Incorporating elements of flexibility, modularity, and personalization into space habitat design can enhance social interactions and contribute to the overall well-being and success of astronauts during extended missions. By addressing these challenges with creativity and foresight, we have created environments that support the mental health, productivity, and cohesion of astronauts as they embark on long duration missions.
Our designs include a social dining area that is used for food preperation and crew briefings and events. However, the option to enjoy a meal privately or share it with a colleague or friend becomes a crucial consideration for the well-being of space travellers. Beyond the technicalities, personal dining spaces offer a psychological sanctuary, providing a moment of solitude or a shared connection in the vastness of space. As we embark on lunar exploration and beyond, the significance of these options becomes a testament to the intricate interplay of technology, comfort, and the human experience of life beyond Earth.