NASA Project

With a vision for a diverse and thriving Low Earth Orbit (LEO) economy, NASA partnered with Parsons School of Design to develop a comprehensive strategy. This strategy aims to meet U.S. needs, bolster American leadership, enhance global competitiveness, and establish NASA as a pivotal player in a Robust space ecosystem.

OVERVIEW

About the Project

NASA plans to de-orbit the ISS from Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) in 2031, aiming to be one of many customers in a vibrant commercial LEO marketplace offering cargo, crew transport, and destination services. This shift will allow NASA to source microgravity research and technology demonstrations from commercial providers.

As the commercial space age rapidly expands, with Morgan Stanley forecasting space exploration as the next trillion-dollar industry, NASA is reevaluating its role in this evolving landscape. For over 21 years, NASA has been a key player in LEO, but trends are changing, with the ISS now moving towards supporting private missions and research. Hence, we have asked ourselves the question:

What is the new LEO economy, and what is NASA’s role within it?

Role

Research, Stakeholder workshops facilitation, Persona development, Prototype, Pitch presentation

Timeline

15 Weeks

Methods

Design Research and Mapping, Stakeholder interviews, Data analysis & comprehension, Persona Development, SWOT Analysis, Story-boarding, Prototype development

The Challenge

As the ISS is set to decommission in 2031, How is the emerging Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) economy developing, and what role will NASA play in it?

As NASA transitions to a future where it is one of many customers in a thriving commercial marketplace in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), the challenge is to seamlessly integrate cargo, crew transportation, and destination services into its operations. This shift will enable NASA to acquire essential services for microgravity research and technology demonstrations from commercial providers, while continuing its exploration missions to the Moon and Mars.

Strategy

Develop several strategic prototypes to establish a strong platform that positions NASA as a leading force in the development of a robust space economy.

Over the past 15 weeks, we researched space strategic development, identified key challenges and opportunities, and proposed a multi-economy model for space. We have developed various solutions and prototypes, aiming to implement groundbreaking strategies for a sustainable future in space exploration. A notable initiative includes designing an expo to enhance business opportunities for startups and small enterprises while fostering global partnerships.

DISCOVER

Research

In order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) Economy ecosystem, along with a thorough assessment of the significance and functionalities of NASA's International Space Station (ISS), our approach to design research is launched with the goal of identifying significant opportunities for our collaborative partner on a consequential scale.

We conducted extensive literature reviews, meticulously analyzing official documents such as the "Forecasting Future NASA Demand in Low Earth Orbit" white paper, the "International Space Station Transition Report," and NASA's "Plan for Commercial LEO Development."

"We engaged in in-depth interviews with three NASA employees who served as key representatives of the subject matter stakeholders.

What is a LEO economy?

To identify significant opportunities for NASA, my design research approach starts by broadening the problem space through primary and secondary research to define the target audience and mission. In the early exploration phase, I focused on three key areas:
- Developing speculative economic models that can integrate seamlessly into the LEO environment.
- Analyzing the LEO economy from both micro and macro perspectives.
- Assessing NASA’s long-term goal of transitioning the ISS and understanding future demands and requirements within the LEO ecosystem.

problem space

Gaps & Opportunities We addressed gaps in NASA's way of thinking as well as gaps between the current LEO economy and the ideal future state LEO economies that present unique opportunities:

Partnerships, models and the LEO economy are being thought about separately

The LEO economy is being thought of as one economy

The LEO economy is being thought about primarily from the standpoint of the SpaceTech industry

ISS' future presence & role in LEO is being thought about as both its physical presence on CLDs, as well as the LEO and deep space SME

problem reframing

Redefining the Brief In response to gaps identified in NASA's approach and the current LEO economy, we have embarked on a transformative path to redefine the project scope and establish new focus areas. By acknowledging the differences between the present and the envisioned future of LEO economies, we are committed to tackling these challenges and driving meaningful solutions.

Aligning the economics of LEO with NASA's goals

‍What would the ideal Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) economy look like with sustainable commerce and successful partnerships in space? What strategies could help NASA achieve its goals in this emerging environment?

⬤ During ideation, we identified key touch points, aligning NASA’s values and ISS transition goals to shape an optimal economy. We integrated NASA’s historical expertise and current motivations into this framework.
‍⬤ An "ideal" economy can't be defined or sustained when interacting with vastly different players. We must ensure that economies with varying values and a diverse range of participants can coexist.
‍⬤ Diverse players in LEO offer numerous opportunities for NASA to influence commercialization..

STORY-BOARDING

Identifying different scenarios

The goal was to take the ideas we generated in the brainstorming sessions and sketch an actual use case and user scenario on how a user would explore the various options through this part of the story. Finally, after the storyboards, we were able to decide which functionality suits our scope and serves the users best.

about space expo

A unique platform that enhances business exposure and fosters diverse global partnerships in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Recognizing the prominence of established aerospace giants like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, it's clear that smaller businesses and startups often struggle to gain exposure and access opportunities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

To bridge this gap, I conceptualized the idea of a Space Expo. This initiative is designed to offer a platform for smaller businesses and startups to showcase the innovations, products, and services related to space exploration.

By organizing this Expo, we aim to create opportunities for diverse enterprises to connect, collaborate, and increase their visibility within the aerospace industry.

Matchmaking & Meetings

⬤ AI driven pre-matching
‍⬤ Matchmaking by request

Advertising & Incentives

⬤ Advertising options on brochures and in
live events
‍⬤ Instant lucky draws and redeemable
points to drive exhibitors engagement

Data & Event Management

⬤ Event organizer analytics and reporting
‍⬤ Unique backends for exhibitors
⬤ Review and export business data
⬤ All appointment chat data collected

Conference & Networking

⬤ Live and pre-recorded conference sessions
‍⬤ Sponsored presentation videos for
exhibitors and other event partners
‍⬤ Open stage knowledge sharing

Benefits to LEO Economies

⬤ Create awareness and increase the excitement of LEO exploration and investment.
‍
⬤ Global opportunities for startups, and STEM students.

⬤ Spotlight emerging companies.
‍
⬤ Minimize political restrictions.

Benefits to NASA

⬤ Increase partnerships across various industries and seek more opportunities to develop in space.
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⬤ Access to valuable R&D players.
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⬤ Find new commercial and/or technological
partners.
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⬤ Initiate international contacts and cooperation.

NASA’s Role in Space Expo

•NASA experts can operate the consultation to businesses looking to grow in LEO
•NASA plays a leadership role by connecting business leaders and provide roadmap for new small businesses in LEO
•NASA can create a partnership with new small businesses and provide more opportunities across the globe.

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ABOUT

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PROJECT

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ABOUT

Let's Craft memorable Experiences together.

hello@jyotisondagardesigns.com

Let's Craft memorable
Experiences together.