Design for Space Exploration – Equipment, Habitats, Aesthetics
- Patryk Koper
- Jul 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Does industrial design reach for the stars?
Absolutely—and quite literally. Space exploration is no longer the sole domain of NASA scientists and engineers. Today, it’s also a playground for industrial designers, UX specialists, ergonomics experts, material scientists, and even aesthetes. Because yes—even on Mars, people need to live somehow.
In this article, I’ll cover:
how space exploration equipment is designed,
what future habitats look like,
why beautiful design matters, even in outer space.
1. Space Equipment – Design Under Pressure (and Without It)
Imagine designing a tool that must function in extreme vacuum, zero gravity, temperatures ranging from -120°C to +150°C, while also being intuitive, safe, and reliable. This is the daily reality for space equipment designers.
Astronaut Tools by NASA
NASA has collaborated with industrial designers since the Apollo program. Many tools used by astronauts (e.g., torque guns for tightening bolts in spacesuits) resemble workshop equipment, but they are:
scaled for use with gloved hands,
made from radiation-resistant materials,
balanced for zero-gravity operation.
Spacesuits – Functional Fashion in Space
Modern spacesuits are feats of engineering and design. Their aesthetics have evolved dramatically—from bulky, baggy suits to sleek, almost costume-like designs, such as the SpaceX Crew Dragon suit created by Joseph Acabá and Jose Fernandez (a Hollywood designer).
2. Habitats – Homes on Mars
Habitats—future living spaces beyond Earth—are a topic that ignites designers' imaginations worldwide. They present entirely new challenges:
limited space,
psychological isolation,
oxygen and water production,
protection from cosmic radiation.
Mars Dune Alpha (Designed by BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group)
Modern space architecture increasingly resembles organic sculptures. Mars Dune Alpha is a 3D-printed habitat by ICON, tested on Earth in preparation for missions to the Red Planet.
BIOMES for Lunar Gardens
ESA and NASA are also experimenting with mini-gardens and hydroponic farms as part of space living. The design of such systems must combine:
ergonomics for microgravity,
foldable and deployable structures,
a degree of… aesthetics, since greenery has therapeutic effects.
3. Space Aesthetics – The Art of Living in a Void
Can something that operates without an atmosphere be "beautiful"? Absolutely. Aesthetics in space aren’t just a whim—they impact crew psychology, well-being, and efficiency.
Color and Form
The interiors of space stations and test habitats increasingly resemble modern IKEA catalogues rather than sterile hospital rooms. Designer furniture (foldable and multifunctional), colorful walls, ambient lighting—all of this influences the crew’s mental state.
The Psychology of Aesthetics in Space
Long-term isolation missions take a heavy psychological toll. That’s why ESA employs aesthetics and UX specialists to ensure interiors are harmonious, with clearly defined zones (sleep, work, rest) and as cozy as possible, despite limitations..
4. This Isn’t Sci-Fi – Real Companies, Real Projects
SpaceX
Their visual language features clean, futuristic lines, black-and-white contrasts, and sci-fi-inspired aesthetics—applied not just to rockets but also to capsule interiors and spacesuits.
Blue Origin
This company leans toward classic aviation aesthetics, prioritizing comfort, safety, and elegance.
ICON / BIG / NASA 3D-printed Habitats
These projects showcase collaboration between engineers, architects, and designers. Here, design doesn’t just "package" technology—it shapes the human experience in space, ensuring safety, comfort, and well-being.
Conclusion – Space Design Is the Future, Happening Now
Space exploration is a tremendous challenge… and an even greater opportunity for designers. Space design means:
designing for extreme conditions,
defining a new aesthetic for new worlds,
creating livable spaces where humans were never meant to survive.
And the best part? You don’t need to be an astronaut to design for space. Companies—from startups to NASA—are increasingly hiring industrial designers, UX experts, and form specialists.
Do you have thoughts on space design? Or perhaps you’d like to create a similar article, podcast, or graphic project on this topic?
👉 Drop me a message—I’d love to collaborate on content, projects, or research related to design and space.
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