Building a Science Economy in Space
The near future of LEO research will see a wider variety of market entrants and greater demand for cost and experience differentiation. An ideal in-space lab will enable researchers to focus on their science rather than space station logistics. The design challenge is the incorporation of a human-centered approach while still satisfying the engineering needs of a space habitat.
Many unanswered scientific questions can only be answered through experiments in the microgravity environment of LEO. A microgravity research ecosystem is needed to conduct these experiments.
National LEO Research & Development Strategy
March 2023
Programmatic zoning can separate work types, minimize cross-contamination risks, protect intellectual property, limit acoustic noise transmission, and support different work styles.
The near future of LEO research will see a wider variety of market entrants and greater demand for cost and experience differentiation.
An ideal in-space research lab should enable researchers to focus on their science rather than space station logistics.
While spatially condensed, achieving a similar program mix that supports a variety of research types and working styles in a single module is possible.
The Architecture of World-Class Research Facilities
State of the art laboratory buildings are not just scientists at a bench but multi-use facilities that encourage both formal and informal collaboration. Floor plans are organized to support day-to-day research through zone adjacencies, shared back-of-house utilities, and social amenities that include informal seating, high-quality views, large gathering venues, and kitchenette and lounge areas.
Standardization is key to accelerating the growth of on-orbit infrastructure after ISS. This can be accomplished by utilizing modular design at many different scales.
A space station module purpose-built for scientific research can be an anchor tenant of an eventual thriving commercial space station.
