May 15, 2025
Research & Strategy
NASA
Design strategies to make Lower Earth Orbit more accessible to general public.
OVERVIEW
This project explores strategic solutions to expand the opportunity landscape for the International Space Station (ISS). The project aims to create sustainable frameworks that enhance long-term space operations. Through interdisciplinary research and strategic foresight, the project identifies pathways for innovation, commercialization, and accessibility in space. This project leverages systems thinking, human-centered design, and speculative design to propose actionable strategies for the future of space exploration and habitation.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
The project is currently in development, with eventual goals to build strategic solutions for the ISS that: Expand commercialisation and business opportunities Improve sustainability and resource management Enhance international collaboration and policy integration Create inclusive pathways for new stakeholders in space economies This project showcases my expertise in strategic design, management, leadership, facilitation, systems thinking, and research.
PROJECT BRIEF
How might we tell the story of the expanded opportunity landscape in Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) and the evolution of extraordinary science done on ISS?
RESEARCH
Conducted in-depth qualitative research and user interviews, identifying key insights shaping NASA’s Low Earth Orbit strategy.
STRATEGY
Developed comprehensive strategic frameworks that clarified mission goals, enabling cohesive internal communication and stakeholder alignment.
VISUAL DESIGN
Created compelling visuals and storytelling materials, effectively translating complex aerospace concepts into accessible narratives for wider audiences
METHODOLOGY
This project employs a mixed-methods research approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis to assess challenges and opportunities in space expansion. Utilizing systems thinking, speculative design, and business model innovation, the methodology includes literature reviews, stakeholder interviews, trend analysis, and scenario planning to develop strategic solutions.
STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS
We conducted a stakeholder analysis to identify gaps, map power dynamics, and gain insights into the financial, political, and operational structures influencing the International Space Station.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK (The System)
Three Phases of Engagement
Preparing for Launch → Build awareness
Lift Off → Transition & amplify diverse voices
In Orbit → Create sustained engagement & governance
Each phase targeted specific user groups and engagement levels, optimizing content creation and distribution to maximize reach and impact.
PROTOTYPING & VALIDATION
Over 12 prototypes were developed, each strategically aligned with our engagement framework. Examples include "Get Ready With Me (GRWM) on the ISS" social media campaigns, "Space to Talk" YouTube dialogues, gamified orbital debris awareness through "YEET," reality-based entertainment shows, collaborative investment platforms like "CoLab Market," and international policy dialogues via "Orbital Assembly."
(Day in Life without NASA Link)
IMPACT & OUTCOMES
The resulting suite of validated prototypes offers scalable solutions that address public engagement, equitable access, sustainable governance, and commercial viability in space exploration. By employing cross-pollination strategies across digital platforms, we effectively increased public awareness, diversified funding participation, and promoted global collaboration toward a thriving, just, and sustainable space economy.
COLLABORATORS
This project was developed under the External Engagement Studio at Parsons School of Design, in partnership with NASA’s International Space Station. Contributions to this initiative have been made by Swasti, Anisha, Ren, Michelle, Abhishek, Khush, Saniya, Meha, Shoro, Dhruvi, Shruti, Henry, Nana, Hussein, Prerana, and Yasmeen. The project has been guided and facilitated at every stage by our professor, Mark Kroeckel and Christie Cox and Lynn Harper, NASA, ISS.
