LaunchPad
Helping Businesses Grow in Lower Earth Orbit (LEO)
In collaboration with
Role
UI UX design
Design strategy
User research
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Timeline
15 weeks
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Team
Nikita Deshpande
Anamika Gopi
Natia
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Skills
UI UX design
Design strategy
User research
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X
Overview
NASA has announced its plan to de-orbit ISS from LEO in 2031
NASA’s goal is to be one of many customers in a robust commercial marketplace in LEO, where cargo and crew transportation, as well as the destinations, are available as services to the agency.
This will allow NASA to buy the services it needs from commercial companies for micro gravity research and technology demonstrations while the agency explores the Moon and Mars.
Problem
The task was to examine speculative future scenarios for NASA once the International Space Station gets decommissioned in 2031. In 15 weeks, the team came up with strategies and concepts that NASA could implement in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to benefit humanity.
What is the new LEO economy and what is NASA's role within it?
1
NASA is looking to replace its presence in the lower earth orbit (LEO).
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Play a leading role in this developing economy while simultaneously benefiting from partnerships.
Solution
During 15 weeks, we have done extensive research about space strategic development, have identified challenges and opportunities, and proposed the concept of the development of many economies rather than a single economy. We have created a wide range of solutions.We have designed several prototypes, I have specifically worked on LaunchPad a one stop shop for gathering information and starting a business in LEO Economy.
Design Process
1. Discover
Research
Understanding the developing Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) Economy environment and its players as well as assessing the importance and functions of NASA's International Space Station (ISS).
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Desk Research
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Expert Interviews
NASA's Goals: ISS Transition Report
1
Inspire Humankind
2
Conduct research to benefit humanity
3
Enable deep space exploration
4
Lead and enable International Collaboration
5
Foster a US Commercial Space Industry
Gaps & Opportunities
We addressed gaps in NASA's way of thinking, as well as gaps between the current LEO economy and the ideal future state LEO economies.
Partnerships, models, and the LEO economy are being thought
about separately
The LEO economy can be anchored
in (various) ideal economic models; Partnerships are a part of a greater whole (LEO economy)
The LEO economy is being thought about primarily from the standpoint of the SpaceTech industry
The LEO economies must include various horizontal and vertical industries
to ensure their long term survival
2. Define
Imagining the ideal LEO Economy — what do sustainable commerce and successful partnership look like in space? What strategies would further NASA's goals?
Designing an Ideal Economy in the Lower-Earth Orbit
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Can a singular economy meet the needs of the diverse interacting players and entities in LEO?
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Do we want to replicate in LEO what is happening down on Earth?
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How can these economies represent features and values that can collectively generate new ways in which actors in LEO can interact?
3. Develop
Our Solution
Powered by NASA - a pioneer in space exploration and leader in LEO economies.
Features
About LaunchPad
A one-stop-shop platform for all your business, networking and infrastructure needs in the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO)
Connect with our directory of services
Connect to your clients or customers with ease
Catch up on the latest news and developments in LEO
Get customized recommendations from experts and free resources
List accomplishments
and get LaunchPad
certified and recommended
Players
Consumer
Launchpad Service
Provider
Pfizer
Ritz Carton
Uber
Boeing
Lab rental
Food Supplies
Spaceflight rental
Solar panels
Axiom
The Pillsbury Company
SpaceX
Space Vector
4. Deliver
To demonstrate:
How would a pharmaceutical company use LaunchPad?
Persona: NextMed*
NextMed is a well-known, innovative American pharmaceutical company that plays a significant role in the industry.
Motivation
Objectives
Market Familiarity
NextMed is looking for new ways to develop effective oncology medicines and
be the first on the market.
NextMed. looking for cost-effective solutions in LEO to progress their medical research..
They have already sent samples and collected research from the ISS, and
begun to explore potential opportunities to expand pharmaceutical research and development in LEO
NextMed's Journey
NextMed navigated news in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry in space, followed by developing their commerce profile. The user then continues to search for service providers in lab equipment rental and is connected with options.
NASA's Role In NextMed's Journey
What does 'powered by NASA' mean?
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Experts from NASA can provide consultation to businessses looking to grow in LEO
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NASA provides a blueprint (roadmap, general guidelines) for businesses in LEO
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NASA takes a percentage of all trades on the LaunchPad platform
Rent Space In LEO
You can use search tool to find the desired information, such as "Rent Space in LEO" which will direct you to industries, potential partners, news articles or business offers for every industry.
