Tag Archives: nasa

How NASA’s Starshade Design Inspired this Unique Origami Folding Umbrella

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There’s a consensus in the common world that if something isn’t broken, you shouldn’t fix it – it’s a consensus that designers often reject because good design isn’t a goal, it’s a journey. The way current umbrellas open and close isn’t particularly faulty – but that didn’t stop designer Vinayan Ravikumar from taking things to the next level. Meet the Bloombrella, an umbrella that blooms open just like a flower. Relying on origami folding techniques, the Bloombrella borrows from a NASA experiment for unfolding foil shades/sails in space. The umbrella’s fabric starts as a folded cluster that opens outwards, becoming a perfect octagonal parasol that protects against sun and even rain.

Designer: Vinayan Ravikumar

Vinayan’s design borrows inspiration from the blooming of the dianthus flower. The flower bud practically unfurls in bloom, and is also the inspiration for NASA’s Starshade. Vinayan’s explorations led him down a similar path, relying on origami to mimic how the starshade opens outwards. The result, an umbrella like nothing you’ve seen before. Watching it open and close is nothing short of hypnotic, as the umbrella’s fabric creases and un-creases to take its closed or open shape. The creases are uniquely geometric too, resulting in an umbrella that doesn’t need any artwork or patterns to make it look attractive.

“The umbrella is an interesting object. As designers, we don’t notice or revere it the way we see chairs, cars, or lamps. Yet when caught in a sudden downpour, it becomes a lifesaver. An object of understated elegance and functionality, its form hasn’t changed much over the past hundred years,” says designer Vinayan Ravikumar. “Drawn to this fascinating contraption that has sheltered us for millennia, I felt it was the perfect canvas to explore tension in motion.”

Rethinking how the umbrella opened or closed meant rethinking the umbrella entirely. The Bloombrella comes with a stem and shade, but its intermediary mechanism gets completely redone. The new mechanism responds to twisting, rather than pressing a button or pushing a member up the umbrella’s shaft. The twisting action allows metal rods to move outwards, opening the umbrella’s shade. Vinayan created his prototype using Tyvek, a tear-proof paper-like material from Dupont. Tyvek has the unique distinction of being great at creasing as well as being durable and waterproof. This made it a perfect candidate for the Bloombrella’s shade, allowing it to hold its origami shape incredibly well, while still repelling water to a noticeable degree.

The rest of the prototype uses traditional materials, like aluminum for the metal parts, and plastic for the mechanism, moving elements, and hinges. The Bloombrella is currently just a student concept, but given that NASA has been employing similar techniques for its starshade shows it’s more than just a proof-of-concept… at least on a cosmic level! Whether it makes for a great umbrella is still something worth determining – perhaps as a larger beach umbrella or a shade for an arena/stadium!

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Odd drinking cup was designed to work in zero-gravity space without a straw

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Hollywood has romanticized the idea of living in space or on other planets, but our current technologies have yet to catch up to the future painted by science fiction. Never mind the risks of blasting off into space, living on a space station can be extremely challenging, especially in the absence of gravity. Zero-G, as it is often called, can be fun once in a while and in short bursts, but having to constantly live in that environment turns activities we consider normal and mundane into an exercise in patience. The simple act of drinking, for example, requires sipping from a straw all the time, not exactly the most comfortable method for enjoying precious Earth liquids in space. That’s the problem that this space cup solves, but it accomplishes this impressive feat by taking on a shape that is almost literally out of this world.

Designer: Donald Pettit, Mark Weislogel

It’s only logical that liquids wouldn’t stay still inside a cup without the power of gravity, which is why drinks in space are taken from pouches with straws attached to them. It’s a simple and practical solution that makes drinking feel more like a mechanical act of survival than something that is enjoyed and treasured like those on Earth. NASA researcher Mark Weislogel and NASA astronaut Donald Pettit worked together, the former on Earth, the other on the International Space Station, to come up with a design that brings back the comforting experience of drinking normally from a cup.

The secret behind this “zero gravity coffee cup” is twofold. One is the special design where the cup has sharp crevices where two edges meet. The other is the way liquid behaves when placed in such a receptacle in zero gravity. The liquid is naturally drawn to those narrow spaces following the principle of capillary channel flow and, as if by magic, actually sticks to those edges without spilling out.

Owning the title of being the first cup that was actually designed in space, this zero-gravity drinkware’s first form was actually just a sheet of Mylar taped together at the edges to form a teardrop-shaped container. Of course, such a design hardly counts as a comfortable cup to drink from, so a more refined 3D printed food-grade plastic cup was made on Earth. Another model, this time made from ceramic, was later developed and became the first patented product invented outside of our planet.

The space cup’s unusual shape has raised a few eyebrows, and while it’s now available for sale on Earth from some sources, it doesn’t have the same magical capabilities demonstrated in zero-gravity space. Its alien design, however, does show how outside-the-box thinking will be necessary to have more “normal” experiences in space, and we have to expect that the first generation of what we consider to be ordinary products will take on sometimes unusual forms just so they can function in the same way.

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LEGO and NASA give you an out-of-the world experience with this Mars Rover set

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The LEGO Group and NASA have collaborated on some interesting sets in the past. Yes, the ace space agency pioneering some of the most ambitious space missions has lent its expertise to create the NASA Mars Rover Perseverance model priced at just $100. They’ve bettered the rover released in mid-2023 with this beefier version that’s not a replica of any existing rover, rather, a fictional two-seater space vehicle released as a part of the Technic line-up.

This gave the design team more freedom to explore the possibilities without being too logical, or go all out and make it too sci-fi. According to Aurélien Rouffiange the design manager, “When you look at this vehicle, we want you to say, ‘Okay, that can happen.’ That is where we wanted to set the limit.” The result is a stunning 1,599-piece LEGO set that’ll be a treat to put together and flash on your living room shelf or work desk.

Designer: LEGO Group

The six-wheeled rover comes with an expanding truck bed, dual working crane, living quarter and loads of scientific equipment and logistics canisters to complete the feel. If you want to take it for a spin on rugged terrain, the NASA team has engineered a working suspension on this one. Calling this a campervan for space adventurers won’t be an overstatement, it’s that extensive. The open living space inside has ample space for a treadmill and shower for two astronauts to survive. Gosh, it already feels like I’m penning down the design logs of a sci-fi series…

The realism and attention to detail are something purists will appreciate. Right from the crew containers to store trash, Mars rocks or science samples to water oxygen and hydrogen. There’s even a fuel cell generator to recharge the batteries. Aurélien reassures that Hydrogen will be the future of drivetrains and NASA wants kids to learn that at a very early age. To keep things close to reality, the wheels are inspired by the rocker-bogie suspension found on the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers in operation on the red planet. The tires are colored gray to make them look like metal, just like the real Rover tires.

Based on the NASA team’s input the wheelbase of the vehicle had to be kept a bit short to make it a convincing iteration for any alien planet exploration. So, the LEGO team made a contracting chassis that can be configured at will. Aurélien added, “You can still drive it around in this compact mode, but, of course, it is not meant for that.” On the lighter side, NASA wanted a toilet for sure and the design team had to include the space for it!

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Coperni’s Air Swipe Bag may be closest to “as light as air” saying

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When they say something is as “light as air”, it is not meant to be taken literally most of the time. But there are indeed some materials now that can be considered almost as light as air or at least the lightest solid material that we can find. One example is NASA’s nanomaterial silica aerogel which they used in their first stardust mission. It has been used in things like thermal insulation, biomedical applications, and some experimentations. But there’s apparently another use for it and that’s for fashion and (sort of) functionality.

Designer: Coperni

Paris-based accessories brand Coperni wanted to create a bag that is very, very light but also would look like it has frozen smoke trapped inside its little space. And they were able to do so with the Air Swipe Bag hiwch they unveiled at the FW24 show. This particular look is made from aerogel since the process it goes through gives it that transparent, smoky color, not to mention how light but non-fragile it is.

It may seem to look like a fragile bag because of its size and its transparency but the material can actually withstand extreme heat (up to 1,200 degrees celsius) and pressure (up to 4000 times its weight). There is a reason after all why NASA brought this to space. The bag also uses 1% glass reinforcement so you might want to be careful where you swing that bag at.

The Air Swipe Bag doesn’t seem to be the most fashionable but it is indeed interesting looking. My main issue is that it’s a tiny bag that may actually only fit my phone in it and barely at that. As a big bag carrier that has a ton of bags inside the bag, I’m wondering if something as light as this could actually work in a bigger size as well.

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NASA’s Innovative X-59: The Supersonic Jet Designed to Fly with a Whisper, Not a Boom

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NASA has officially revealed the X-59, an experimental aircraft developed in partnership with Lockheed Martin, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. This plane has a unique stretched-out arrowhead shape and is painted in red, white, and blue to redefine supersonic flight. The X-59 has an ambitious yet profound mission: to break the sound barrier over land while minimizing the sonic boom to a level that won’t startle those on the ground.

Designer: Lockheed Martin Skunk Works x NASA

The X-59’s design is a marvel of aerospace engineering. Its most striking feature is its elongated nose, measuring 38 feet long, which is over one-third of its total length of 99 feet and 7 inches. This design is integral to the aircraft’s ability to reduce sonic boom intensity. Within this innovative structure, there’s a compartment for a single pilot. However, the X-59 breaks conventional norms by having a flush cockpit with the aircraft’s surface, eliminating the need for a forward windshield. Instead, pilots will rely on an advanced camera system and a screen inside the cockpit, providing them with a virtual view of their surroundings.

The two NASA test pilots operating the X-59 are equipped with a state-of-the-art 4K monitor, replacing the traditional glass windshield. Despite this unconventional setup, the aircraft does include traditional windows, although these do not offer a direct forward view. Instead, a glass canopy allows the pilot to look up or to the sides, enhancing spatial awareness. Interestingly, the aircraft also features two additional windows that offer limited forward visibility due to the placement of a wing assembly known as a canard. This innovative design prompted a humorous exchange, with lead test pilot David Nils Larson joking about a “Wonder Woman mod” for see-through metal canards.

The X-59 also boasts the eXternal Visibility System (XVS), a cutting-edge feature combining images from two cameras outside the aircraft with advanced terrain data. This system ensures pilots have comprehensive visual information, even without direct forward visibility. The aircraft is equipped with two distinct camera systems: a high-definition camera on the top and a retractable camera on the bottom. The latter is crucial for having a view of the runway and retracting during flight to maintain aerodynamic efficiency and reduce sonic boom impact.

NASA’s X-59 aircraft is specifically designed to reduce the effects of breaking the sound barrier. Typically, when an aircraft flies at speeds of approximately 925 miles per hour at an altitude of around 55,000 feet, it produces shockwaves that create a loud sonic boom. However, the X-59 aims to produce a milder “thump” sound instead. The aircraft’s careful design, including its long nose, plays a crucial role in achieving this. The long nose helps to space out the shockwaves created by the aircraft, preventing them from merging into a louder sonic boom.

While the X-59 is ready to roll out, its flight tests are scheduled for later this year. The pilots, having practiced in simulators, acknowledge that the X-59 may not be the easiest aircraft to handle, but its purpose transcends conventional flight performance. This aircraft is not just about breaking speed records; it’s about revolutionizing supersonic travel over land in a quiet and discreet manner.

In conclusion, the X-59 marks a pivotal moment in aviation history. It combines innovative design with cutting-edge technology and holds the potential for faster and quieter travel in the future. As this aircraft prepares to take to the skies, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of the aviation industry, where the barriers of sound and efficiency are overcome with ingenuity and vision.

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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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Retro NASA Space Tourism Posters made from LEGO Bricks are a Space Nerd Must-Have

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In 2016, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at NASA debuted a series of absolutely gorgeous 80s-inspired posters promoting ‘space tourism’. Designed as collectibles that space nerds and enthusiasts could just admire and print on their own, the file formats were (and still are) available on NASA’s website, with the title “Visions of the Future”. LEGO Master Builder John Carter decided to build a few posters of his own… using LEGO bricks. “There are so many iconic tropes in the science fiction mythology… I’ve decided to depict three of them in a style of classic posters and book covers from the 80s. The idea was to keep the same visual style with different colors for each tale and to present the scenes in minimalistic fashion,” he said.

The display set comprises three pieces that tell a cohesive story and provide ample room for customization. Each image is self-contained, allowing you to showcase your preferred one individually. Alternatively, you can exhibit all three together, creating a stunning arrangement that looks fantastic on both walls and bookshelves.

The three posters depict specific scenes of space exploration. The first envisions lift-off, looking at a rocket making its way for the sky, the second, shows the terrain of a planet with two lunar satellites, a rocky terrain, and a tiny rover exploring the surface, while the third captures the grandeur of a meteor shower with observation stations pointing at the falling comets.

This collection comprises three identical-sized images measuring 10.4 cm x 14.7 cm, constructed in a uniform manner. The lower portion of each picture showcases the surface and atmosphere of a celestial entity, while the upper section depicts the sky above it.

At the rear of every image, there is a framework of Technic lift arms that links the topmost layers with the bottom ones, guaranteeing that the model remains intact in all situations, even if it falls from a considerable height.

“I believe the set would make a lovely addition to any space geek’s collection (be it LEGO, SF books, or movies collection ) and fits well into the existing LEGO portfolio at the intersection of art and space themes,” Carter suggests.

The “Tales Of The Space Age” series was unanimously selected by the LEGO community to be turned into a retail box set, which is now available on the LEGO website.

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LEGO and NASA collaborated to design this stunningly realistic and functional Perseverance Mars Rover replica

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I’m not sure what’s more impressive – whether the fact that the Perseverance Rover mission cost NASA a whopping $1.08 billion dollars, or whether LEGO Technic managed to make a functional version of the rover with just 1,132 bricks, and a price tag of $99.99. Launched (not literally) in collaboration with NASA, the LEGO® Technic™ NASA Mars Rover Perseverance model measures a little over 12 inches long, and features 360° steering, a movable arm, and a fully articulated suspension system that lets the rover travel across uneven surfaces on all 6 wheels. Designed as a STEM toy to help children get excited about the prospect of space engineering and travel, the rover also comes with an AR experience that lets kids explore the rover and its red-planet home in full detail.

Designer: LEGO

Just like most LEGO Technic builds, the Mars Rover Perseverance model is a pretty well-detailed build, featuring precisely designed pieces that come together to make the rover’s intricate design. Standing at 9-inches tall, the Rover is adjustable, can move on any sort of terrain (making it perfect for playing around on a desk), and even comes with the miniature Ingenuity helicopter, which accompanied the rover to Mars.

“Working on this model has been both challenging and exciting” said Luke Cragin, Designer at the LEGO Group. “I’ve always felt passionate about space, and the design process let me explore my interest as I recreated the incredible engineering developed by the pioneering team at NASA. We hope the model’s features and functions will help introduce young space lovers to the world of engineering and encourage them to reach for the stars in the future.”

The brick-based rover model will also be accompanied by a holistic AR experience on the Technic app, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore fascinating and informative material that delves into the actual rover and its purpose on the red planet. “Through the app it’s also possible to pull an overview of the weather on Mars on demand or learn about the environment and the rover’s mission,” LEGO says. The LEGO® Technic™ NASA Mars Rover Perseverance model goes on sale starting June 1st, with a $99.99 price tag.

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NASA-themed Apple Watch bands add a wonderful space-geek touch to your smartwatch

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A health-monitoring watch that looks inwards now also acts as a symbol of looking outwards…

With seven different NASA-approved designs to choose from (along with 20+ watch faces to match), MobyFox’s Apple Watch straps are far cooler than any Nike or Hermes strap you could ever buy. The straps, made from sweat and UV-resistant silicone, feature a variety of graphical elements surrounding NASA’s rebranding over the ages, including the iconic meatball and worm logo styles. The strap-loop also has the year 1953 printed on it, marking the day NASA was first founded.

Designer: MobyFox

Click Here to Buy Now

The collection of straps is designed to work with every single Apple Watch model, all the way down to the Series 1 to even the SE and the Ultra. Choose your watch model during checkout and the strap ships with 2 sets of connectors to accommodate both 38/40/41mm and 42/44/45 mm case sizes as well as Samsung and other smartwatches with a 22mm pin.

To access the 20+ watch face designs, all you have to do is download the MobyFace app onto your iPhone (the app is currently limited to just iOS) and scan the QR code inside the box that the strap shipped in. Scanning the code instantly adds a perfect space-inspired touch to your Apple Watch display, letting you choose between photos of famous astronauts, iconic NASA photographs, or a personal favorite, images shot by the James Webb Space Telescope!

The straps, which are cheaper than Apple’s own Watch Straps, make for the perfect accessory for anyone who loves everything space and extra-terrestrial. The various styles range from regular to vibrant and graphical, catering to everyone’s tastes. They’re durable, come with their own cleaning/maintaining instructions (just soap and water does the trick), and have a universal one-size-fits-all design for your wrist.

Click Here to Buy Now

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The Citizen CZ Smart YouQ smartwatch uses NASA and IBM technology to ‘predict’ your fitness

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Dubbed the ‘Smarter Watch’, the CZ Smart doesn’t track you through the day… it anticipates your day in advance.

Watchmaking pioneer CITIZEN just revealed its latest offering at CES this year – the CZ Smart watch + the YouQ app, designed in partnership with IBM Watson and NASA Ames Research Center. While looking just like any premium watch, the next-gen CZ Smart’s true functionality is unlocked when combined with the YouQ app that gathers, parses, and learns from the data provided by the smartwatch. The watch comes in a variety of styles, sporting CITIZEN’s iconic design with a rotating bezel, a crown and two pushers sitting beside the circular display, and the ability to swap between leather, silicone, mesh, and link variants.

Designer: CITIZEN

“The latest CZ Smart watch is a game-changing product that brings CITIZEN’s legacy of watchmaking together with best-in-class research and technology of NASA and IBM, directly to wearers’ wrists,” said Jeffrey Cohen, President at CITIZEN Watch America. “Coupled with the proprietary CZ Smart YouQ application, this smartwatch is a revolution in wearable wellness.”

The unisex watch comes with a metal body made from 316L stainless steel. Now in its second-gen (the first gen was released back in 2020), the watch also comes with the YouQ app that uses machine learning to constantly learn more and more about you so the longer you wear the watch, the more personalized its experience gets. The smartwatch sports a 1.28″ AMOLED display that offers high visibility in any time of the day, and the battery lasts for 24 hours on a full charge. The watch also comes with a built-in gyroscope, altimeter, barometer, accelerometer, heart rate sensor, SP02, and an ambient light sensor. It runs the Wear OS by Google, but is interoperable with both Android and iOS devices.

The CZ Smart YouQ app is perhaps the most impressive bit of tech here. Developed in partnership with IBM and NASA, the YouQ app possesses the ability to crunch data in ways that other smartwatches can’t. While smartwatches just present diagnostic data like your heart rate, sleep quality, fitness, weather, etc, the YouQ goes into prognosis, actively predicting and giving you actionable insights. It studies your sleep patterns and tells you when to sleep to get the best quality rest, tracks your behavior and provides key insights to help you stay more focused and less fatigued, and lets you generate Alert Scores to test your mental acuity. Alert Scores are generated when a wearer takes a custom-designed Alert Monitor test, a consumer-facing iteration of NASA’s Psychomotor Vigilance Task Test (PVT+), originally developed to determine the mental acuity of astronauts.

The Citizen CZ Smart 2nd gen watches will be available starting March 2023 on CITIZEN’s website with a price range of $350 – $435. The proprietary YouQ application will be available at the same time, although it’s only designed to work with the 2nd gen CZ Smart range of watches, and a hybrid series that will launch at a later date.

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