The Galactic Suite Experience

Paper number

IAC-08.E5.3.9

Author

Mr. Marc Zaballa Camprubi, Galactic Suite, Ltd., Spain

Coauthor

Mr. Xavier Claramunt, Galactic Suite, Ltd., Spain

Coauthor

Mr. Marc Zaballa, Galactic Suite, Ltd., Spain

Coauthor

Dr. Ed Chester, CTAE, Spain

Coauthor

Mrs. Gloria Garcia-Cuadrado, CTAE - Aerospace Research and Technology Centre, Spain

Coauthor

Mr. Juan de Dalmau, CVA (Community of Arianes Cities), France

Year

2008

Abstract

Galactic Suite is a space tourism company based in Barcelona, Spain, planning to develop the first commercial space hotel and begin orbital operations by 2012.

In 2007 a multidisciplinary Project Team finished a Mission Concept Report, and an International Advisory Board was established, meeting on a regular basis. The scope of the process was to establish the general concepts, architectural designs and technical requirements needed to undertake a space tourism project, conceived as a global experience of training, accommodation, launch, stay in orbit and return to Earth. A Business Plan was developed in parallel for which fundraising is on the way.

This paper is focused on presenting the Design Process between the technical and creative members of the team in a radically different approach to a typical space project.

The Design Process was established from a set of self-imposed conceptual and module configuration designs starting from a bio-inspired growth of the mini-station as a natural organism. Space matrix analysis, module and manned launch capabilities, module geometry, docking mechanisms, systems and subsystems requirements were added to the process based on a fast visual iteration, in contrast with the more conventional requirements-constraints technical scenario.

Human factors, psychology, ergonomics developed in the modules were integrated to the design since the very beginning by identifying every step of the experience, visualing the context, dimensioning, and implementing and checking it using scaled models and computer generated imagery.

Challenges arose on both sides when working in new domains, including specific knowledge on space technology but also in sharing common points of view about the final goal of the work. As the Mission Concept Report is finished, several highlights can be identified such as the positive use of a graphic approach and the early implementation of design to the process.
In this paper we present the overall process of the preliminary concept development phase, give examples of the interfaces and exchange between the technical and the creative team members, highlight lessons learned, and offer conclusions about the role and nature of space architecture as a distinct discipline that complements other aspects of a project lifecycle.

Many of the elements configuring the project have yet to be selected (as of March 2008), but contacts with industry have already started to initiate a development phase. The company is ready to discuss potential investment in the development of critical technologies with interested industry partners.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E5.3.9.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E5.3.9.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.