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Amid the commercial space race, Sierra Space is developing an inflatable solution for orbital space modules. The Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) is designed to welcome scientist-astronauts in a microgravity environment on Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Future module design may adapt to the demanding challenges of long-duration voyages, such as Lunar and Mars surface habitation. There are many advantages of conducting scientific research in space: it can help us understand how living organisms survive and thrive in microgravity while being exposed to elevated radiation levels. We can also understand how crystals grow, opening the door to manufacturing new materials (e.g., semiconductors) and new-generation pharmaceuticals. A higher level of attention given to the astronauts' physical and psychological health is paramount because of the unfamiliar and isolating nature of living in space. Flying scientists aren't necessarily highly-trained professional astronauts, so their tolerance for discomfort will be much lower than the standards we currently see aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Sierra Space has asked Nonfiction to outfit the three-story LIFE habitat to ensure four commercial astronauts can work and thrive in such a space for six months. LIFE will launch on a conventional rocket and inflate on orbit (from 5 meters fairing to 9 meters in expanded diameter). Besides living quarters, the LIFE will include laboratories for scientific research, exercise equipment, a medical bay, and the Astro Garden system, which can grow fresh produce for astronauts on long-duration space missions. At 9 meters in diameter by 10 meters long, the LIFE 500 module is larger than current hard-shelled structures. Even then, astronauts don't have the liberty to escape at will. The sensation of being stuck indoors, with the same people, for an extended amount of time will take a toll on them. To make the whole experience of space more pleasurable for everyone, we have integrated principles of empathetic design, superior ergonomics, sensory technology, smart materials, personalization, and modularity. Since a single ticket to live and work aboard the LIFE module will reach north of US$50 million, the space architecture and experience design must support the clients' needs for productivity and comfort.
Everything is more difficult in microgravity: moving around, sleeping, eating, working, exercising, going to the bathroom, privacy, and staying healthy. These are some of the reasons why intensive preflight training is so necessary. Good design and thoughtful space architecture play a significant role in optimizing the time and effort required during training, reducing the entry barrier for potential customers.
Since inflatable space architecture is a newly proven technology, it is essential to test the structure and its ability to sustain damage and hold the adequate pressure during its lifetime. For that reason, Sierra Space has conducted multiple burst tests, including a full-scale empty module at NASA Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama in January 2024.
Sierra Space was awarded a Space Act Agreement (SAA) by NASA under the second Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities (CCSC-2) initiative. This award by NASA provides support to a “pathfinder” space station, which serves as a technology demonstration for key elements of commercial space stations.
This version of the LIFE module is specifically designed to serve as both a workspace and living quarters for scientist astronauts. While many assume all astronauts are scientists, most are not trained to conduct specialized experiments, which is why microgravity research on the ISS is often simplified or automated. This limitation slows down experiment development, approval, execution, and the accuracy of collected data. To bridge this gap, Sierra Space is providing biotech companies and research institutes with a live-in laboratory, enabling professional scientists to conduct high-quality research in space.
To combat the negative effects of microgravity, such as muscle and bone loss, astronauts follow a strict daily exercise regimen of over two hours, incorporating resistance training, cardiovascular workouts, and flexibility exercises. However, traditional orbital workouts are purely functional, lacking elements that enhance motivation and engagement. To address this, we designed an immersive space gym that goes beyond basic exercise equipment, integrating projection mapping, artificial wind resistance, olfactory stimulation, dynamic soundscapes, flexible architecture, AR/VR tools, stabilization aids, and a haptic feedback “ground” to simulate expansive, Earth-like environments. This transforms workouts into engaging, multi-sensory experiences – a treadmill run feels like a scenic trek, and lifting vacuum cylinder-style resistance weights includes real-time feedback on form and performance, ensuring both physical well-being and mental engagement in space.
Storage occupies a significant volume within space station modules. Given the complexity and cost of developing, building, and launching these habitats, they are designed for decades of use. However, with rotating crews arriving every few months, supplies continuously accumulate, leading to overwhelming physical and visual clutter. Maintenance tools, consumables, equipment, and personal belongings are often stacked inefficiently, increasing the risk of misplaced items—currently, the ISS has an estimated 100,000+ lost objects—and creating hazardous surfaces in microgravity. To solve this, we developed a flexible, alphanumerically organized storage system. Smart cameras automatically catalog contents, allowing quick retrieval and enabling each crew to customize organization as needed. Collapsible storage cases free up valuable space when empty, optimizing available room. This system enhances efficiency, reduces clutter, and minimizes the risks associated with traditional storage methods in long-term space habitats.
The module's sleeping quarters are inspired by coral reefs, as there is a possibility for the LIFE modules to dock onto Blue Origin's Orbital Reef space station. Similar to how divers float their way around corals, we envision the compact but comfortable sleeping quarters to host private pods, dark and intimate mood lighting, including phosphorescent accents, projection mapping of natural elements such as ocean ripples and elusive sun rays, and cooler temperatures for optimized sleep and coziness. Additionally, a variety of pink noise is concentrated in this area to induce quality sleep. It has a balanced frequency spectrum that mimics natural sounds like rustling leaves, rainfall, or steady heartbeats. Studies suggest that pink noise can enhance deep sleep, improve memory retention, and promote relaxation by reducing brain wave complexity.
Privacy isn’t just essential in sleeping quarters—it’s just as crucial in the bathroom. With thin walls and limited living space, maintaining privacy while using the toilet can be challenging. To elevate the experience beyond mere functionality, we designed a bathroom space inspired by the tranquility of a spa. Warm, cocoon-like shapes, vibrant yet soothing colors, and seamless, easy-to-clean surfaces create a comfortable environment. Bright, well-placed lighting enhances visibility, while ambient sounds and music promote relaxation and mask unwanted noise, ensuring a more private and pleasant experience.
Routine checkups and self-experiments in space should take place in an environment that is clean, calming, and free from visual clutter. To achieve this, we designed the medical bay to evoke the serenity of a natural spring, inspired by Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Soft gradients and soothing tones create an atmosphere of confidence and tranquility, helping to reduce stress and anxiety—especially during medical emergencies.
The expansion of space exploration and commercialization hinges on safe, adaptable missions with a good return on investment. This path requires explicit collaboration between various disciplines, including mission planning, engineering, material science, technology, design, human health and performance, resilient life support systems, and policymaking. By working together, these disciplines can ensure the success of future missions and the continued growth of this blossoming industry.
Amid the commercial space race, Sierra Space is developing an inflatable solution for orbital space modules. The Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) is designed to welcome scientist-astronauts in a microgravity environment on Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Future module design may adapt to the demanding challenges of long-duration voyages, such as Lunar and Mars surface habitation. There are many advantages of conducting scientific research in space: it can help us understand how living organisms survive and thrive in microgravity while being exposed to elevated radiation levels. We can also understand how crystals grow, opening the door to manufacturing new materials (e.g., semiconductors) and new-generation pharmaceuticals. A higher level of attention given to the astronauts' physical and psychological health is paramount because of the unfamiliar and isolating nature of living in space. Flying scientists aren't necessarily highly-trained professional astronauts, so their tolerance for discomfort will be much lower than the standards we currently see aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Sierra Space has asked Nonfiction to outfit the three-story LIFE habitat to ensure four commercial astronauts can work and thrive in such a space for six months. LIFE will launch on a conventional rocket and inflate on orbit (from 5 meters fairing to 9 meters in expanded diameter). Besides living quarters, the LIFE will include laboratories for scientific research, exercise equipment, a medical bay, and the Astro Garden system, which can grow fresh produce for astronauts on long-duration space missions. At 9 meters in diameter by 10 meters long, the LIFE 500 module is larger than current hard-shelled structures. Even then, astronauts don't have the liberty to escape at will. The sensation of being stuck indoors, with the same people, for an extended amount of time will take a toll on them. To make the whole experience of space more pleasurable for everyone, we have integrated principles of empathetic design, superior ergonomics, sensory technology, smart materials, personalization, and modularity. Since a single ticket to live and work aboard the LIFE module will reach north of US$50 million, the space architecture and experience design must support the clients' needs for productivity and comfort.
Everything is more difficult in microgravity: moving around, sleeping, eating, working, exercising, going to the bathroom, privacy, and staying healthy. These are some of the reasons why intensive preflight training is so necessary. Good design and thoughtful space architecture play a significant role in optimizing the time and effort required during training, reducing the entry barrier for potential customers.
Since inflatable space architecture is a newly proven technology, it is essential to test the structure and its ability to sustain damage and hold the adequate pressure during its lifetime. For that reason, Sierra Space has conducted multiple burst tests, including a full-scale empty module at NASA Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama in January 2024.
Sierra Space was awarded a Space Act Agreement (SAA) by NASA under the second Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities (CCSC-2) initiative. This award by NASA provides support to a “pathfinder” space station, which serves as a technology demonstration for key elements of commercial space stations.
This version of the LIFE module is specifically designed to serve as both a workspace and living quarters for scientist astronauts. While many assume all astronauts are scientists, most are not trained to conduct specialized experiments, which is why microgravity research on the ISS is often simplified or automated. This limitation slows down experiment development, approval, execution, and the accuracy of collected data. To bridge this gap, Sierra Space is providing biotech companies and research institutes with a live-in laboratory, enabling professional scientists to conduct high-quality research in space.
To combat the negative effects of microgravity, such as muscle and bone loss, astronauts follow a strict daily exercise regimen of over two hours, incorporating resistance training, cardiovascular workouts, and flexibility exercises. However, traditional orbital workouts are purely functional, lacking elements that enhance motivation and engagement. To address this, we designed an immersive space gym that goes beyond basic exercise equipment, integrating projection mapping, artificial wind resistance, olfactory stimulation, dynamic soundscapes, flexible architecture, AR/VR tools, stabilization aids, and a haptic feedback “ground” to simulate expansive, Earth-like environments. This transforms workouts into engaging, multi-sensory experiences – a treadmill run feels like a scenic trek, and lifting vacuum cylinder-style resistance weights includes real-time feedback on form and performance, ensuring both physical well-being and mental engagement in space.
Storage occupies a significant volume within space station modules. Given the complexity and cost of developing, building, and launching these habitats, they are designed for decades of use. However, with rotating crews arriving every few months, supplies continuously accumulate, leading to overwhelming physical and visual clutter. Maintenance tools, consumables, equipment, and personal belongings are often stacked inefficiently, increasing the risk of misplaced items—currently, the ISS has an estimated 100,000+ lost objects—and creating hazardous surfaces in microgravity. To solve this, we developed a flexible, alphanumerically organized storage system. Smart cameras automatically catalog contents, allowing quick retrieval and enabling each crew to customize organization as needed. Collapsible storage cases free up valuable space when empty, optimizing available room. This system enhances efficiency, reduces clutter, and minimizes the risks associated with traditional storage methods in long-term space habitats.
The module's sleeping quarters are inspired by coral reefs, as there is a possibility for the LIFE modules to dock onto Blue Origin's Orbital Reef space station. Similar to how divers float their way around corals, we envision the compact but comfortable sleeping quarters to host private pods, dark and intimate mood lighting, including phosphorescent accents, projection mapping of natural elements such as ocean ripples and elusive sun rays, and cooler temperatures for optimized sleep and coziness. Additionally, a variety of pink noise is concentrated in this area to induce quality sleep. It has a balanced frequency spectrum that mimics natural sounds like rustling leaves, rainfall, or steady heartbeats. Studies suggest that pink noise can enhance deep sleep, improve memory retention, and promote relaxation by reducing brain wave complexity.
Privacy isn’t just essential in sleeping quarters—it’s just as crucial in the bathroom. With thin walls and limited living space, maintaining privacy while using the toilet can be challenging. To elevate the experience beyond mere functionality, we designed a bathroom space inspired by the tranquility of a spa. Warm, cocoon-like shapes, vibrant yet soothing colors, and seamless, easy-to-clean surfaces create a comfortable environment. Bright, well-placed lighting enhances visibility, while ambient sounds and music promote relaxation and mask unwanted noise, ensuring a more private and pleasant experience.
Routine checkups and self-experiments in space should take place in an environment that is clean, calming, and free from visual clutter. To achieve this, we designed the medical bay to evoke the serenity of a natural spring, inspired by Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Soft gradients and soothing tones create an atmosphere of confidence and tranquility, helping to reduce stress and anxiety—especially during medical emergencies.
The expansion of space exploration and commercialization hinges on safe, adaptable missions with a good return on investment. This path requires explicit collaboration between various disciplines, including mission planning, engineering, material science, technology, design, human health and performance, resilient life support systems, and policymaking. By working together, these disciplines can ensure the success of future missions and the continued growth of this blossoming industry.
