The design of the new Sensory Space Station, commissioned by Thales Alenia Space, celebrates Made in Italy and introduces, for the first time, an entire module dedicated to the entertainment of astronauts. In addition to housing scientific experiments and operational facilities, the module offers a space designed to encourage relaxation and leisure time. The project proposes a series of innovations to balance the lack of natural stimuli in confined environments and respond to the need for privacy that arises from group life in confined spaces.

Thinking of a near future in which Space around the Earth will be populated by numerous spaceships, the aim was to make the Sensory Space Station instantly recognisable, giving it a distinctive identity. Designed like a piece of jewellery travelling through Space, the station takes the form of a ring with windows set like precious stones, symbolising the beauty and excellence of Italian Space Design.

To reduce the constant background noise generated by on board instruments, the interior of the modules and part of the furnishings are covered with sound-absorbing textile materials. The strategic use of colours, materials and textures, enhancing the visual and tactile qualities of the surfaces, creates a warmer and more welcoming atmosphere, in stark contrast to the cold aluminium appearance of the interior of the International Space Station (ISS).

This project represents a virtuous example of how Space Design can promote the transfer of knowledge and technology between the aerospace industry and terrestrial Made in Italy companies by acting as a bridge between Space and Earth. In particular, the company Caimi Snowsound, which was involved in developing innovative acoustic solutions, now makes sound-absorbing panels for Thales Alenia Space’s Cygnus modules.