Designing for Space by Kamakhya Arora

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What Will You Learn?

  • by Kamakhya Arora.
  • Space exploration is one of humanity’s boldest endeavours—driven by our relentless curiosity, imagination, and the desire to push boundaries. As missions stretch deeper into space—beyond the International Space Station to the Moon, Mars, and eventually beyond—the way we live in space must evolve.
  • This course is not just about surviving in space... it’s about thriving. It’s about asking the deeper question:
  • What does it mean to be human when you’re living 240,000 miles from Earth?
  • We are as strong as the tools we use. From the oxygen we breathe to the Wi-Fi we can’t live without, our life on Earth is powered by invisible systems, intuitive design, and smart tools. But what happens when we leave Earth behind?
  • Suddenly, the basics—like cooking a meal, sleeping, or feeling at home—become complex puzzles. We must redesign everything we know. This is where you come in.

Course Content

Introduction — Why Design for Space?
Space exploration is humanity’s one of the boldest endevours- driven by curiosity, imagination and desire to push our boundaries. Hello- I’m Kamakhya Arora, an Industrial designer and I love to design for future. If you’ve ever asked yourself. What if? Why not or how might we live amongst the stars? You’re in the right place. Welcome to designing for space.

  • Why, How and for Whom
  • Who is Kamakhya Arora – Instructor BIO
  • 📄 Orientation & Overview

Why Design for Space?
Designing for space is not about abandoning Earth—it’s about evolving with it. As we take our first steps toward becoming a Type I civilization, we’re not just expanding outward—we’re expanding inward, toward deeper questions of who we are and who we can become. In space, every design decision is magnified: a spoon, a suit, a system—all carry the weight of survival, emotion, and meaning. This module invites you to use design not as decoration, but as declaration: of care, of curiosity, and of a future worth reaching for.

Mission Profiles in Space Design
In this module, we build the foundation for designing with intent—by understanding the wide range of missions that define space exploration today. From short suborbital tourist flights to multi-year deep space expeditions, every mission brings its own unique environment, timeline, risks, and human factors. We explore how IVA (Intra-Vehicular Activity) and EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) shape physical and emotional experience, and how distance, duration, and purpose influence design strategy. Through real-world examples—like Blue Origin’s flights, the ISS, Artemis, and Mars planning—we unpack mission profiles by two lenses: distance and duration, and purpose and participation. You'll also learn how the Moon serves as a uniquely data-rich testbed for prototyping future systems. Whether the mission serves science, tourism, commerce, or culture, you'll discover how context transforms constraints into opportunities—and why designing for space begins with understanding what humans truly need to thrive beyond Earth.

Design Exploration
In this module, we use design as a tool to explore context, possibility, and human experience in space. From scenario building to “How Might We” questions, thumbnail brainstorming, and literature review, you’ll learn how to frame meaningful problems before jumping into solutions. By the end, you’ll have a clear research question, problem statement, and design hypothesis—ready to guide your next phase. This is where design stops being theoretical and starts becoming intentional.

From Research to Creative ACTION
Building on the foundation of your scope sheet, scenario maps, and persona insights, this module guides you through the full ideation cycle—from interpreting user needs to generating, validating, and refining design concepts. You’ll learn how to use design tools like empathy maps, design matrices, and user personas to guide your thinking. You'll explore techniques for conceptualization, create Minimum Viable Features, and leverage AI-assisted sketching tools like Midjourney and Viscom to visualize and iterate ideas rapidly. By the end of this module, you’ll craft a detailed product description sheet—defining what your concept is, who it's for, why it matters, and how it functions. This module is where curiosity becomes creativity—and research turns into purposeful design.

PROTOTYPING
In this module, we take ideas from concept to form—exploring how to prototype effectively, test functionality, and consider practical manufacturing for space environments. You’ll learn how to work across different levels of fidelity, choose materials wisely, and design for adaptability, repair, and long-term use. We’ll also introduce sustainable thinking in space—using closed-loop systems, in-situ materials like regolith, and circular design strategies to minimize waste and maximize value.

Symbolism, Identity & Belonging in Space Design
n this module, we take ideas from concept to form—exploring how to prototype effectively, test functionality, and consider practical manufacturing for space environments. You’ll learn how to work across different levels of fidelity, choose materials wisely, and design for adaptability, repair, and long-term use. We’ll also introduce sustainable thinking in space—using closed-loop systems, in-situ materials like regolith, and circular design strategies to minimize waste and maximize value.

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