And I’m Leaving On A Spaceplane…

SpaceAwards Categories
The categories are broad, including all modes of Space and adjacent design
and engineering, viewed through the perspective of our Criteria. They cover
concept, prototype and produced work, for both Pro’s and Students. We have
tried to create a very open entry system and invite every possible type of design
submission. There actually are no rigid divisions—categories are listed so a
designer feels that their work is appropriate and welcome. Designs are judged
in the context of the Criteria.

General
Submissions are by category (output)
Entry status can be flagged as Built, Prototype, In-development, Concept

Spacecraft
Vehicles and systems that move humans or payloads through or around space

  • Crewed Vehicles
  • Autonomous & Uncrewed Vehicles
  • Rovers & Surface Mobility (ie LTV, copters, suits)
  • In-Space Transport
  • Near-Space Vehicles (ie balloons, trans-orbital craft)

Habitats & Environments
Where people live, work, and gather beyond Earth

  • Orbital Habitats
  • Lunar Habitats
  • Mars Habitats
  • Private / Crew Quarters
  • Shared Living Environments (Dining, Leisure, Hygiene Bays, etc) 

Human Experience
Improved comfort, wellbeing, dignity, or delight in space

  • Sleep & Recovery
  • Hygiene & Personal Care
  • Sensory & Lighting Design
  • Wellness Systems (ie Spa, Immersive Recovery)
  • Hospitality (Tourism, Hotels)
  • Observation
  • Recreation & Leisure Activities (ie ZeroG sports, Media Spaces, Lounge, etc)

Interfaces & Interaction
How humans understand, control, navigate, and safely use space systems

  • Mobility Aids
  • Restraint Systems (human and items)
  • Wayfinding & Labeling
  • Physical Controls 

Digital UX and UI
Software and tools supporting operations in space

  • Crew-facing Interfaces
  • Operating Systems
  • Autonomous Assistance / AI Integration
  • VR / AR tools
  • Data Visualization & Mission Dashboards

Off-World Products
Objects made for microgravity living

  • Fashion & Apparel (ie flight suits, EVA suits)
  • Wearable tech
  • Softgoods (Stowage, personal belongings, etc)
  • Dining, Food & Beverage Experience (ie intoxicants, food delivery, flavors, etc)
  • Tools & Utility Objects
  • Microgravity-native Products (ie bespoke vessels)
  • Artifacts and keepsakes

Ground Environments
The journey from pre-flight through return for crew and guests

  • Training Environments
  • Spaceports & Ground Facilities
  • Family & Guest Experience
  • Mission Journey
  • Interactive Experiences

Brand, Media & Communication Design
How space organizations communicate meaning and identity

  • Brand Identity
  • Launch Campaigns
  • Graphic & Information Design
  • Educational Media
  • Co-Branded Partnerships

Inclusive Design
Expanding access across ability, culture, and experience level

  • Accessibility & Universal Design
  • Cross-Cultural Inclusion
  • Adaptive Systems

In-Space Innovation
Breakthrough systems changing what’s possible

  • Sustainability (ie closed loop systems, water/waste reuse, etc)
  • Robotics
  • Human Performance (ie exercise, recovery tools, etc)
  • Reproduction / Intimacy
  • In-Space Manufacturing
  • Material Innovation
  • New Commercial and Business Models

Infrastructure
Large-scale systems enabling sustained space activity

  • Energy & Power Systems (ie fission, solar sail etc)
  • Telecom & Satellites
  • Orbital Compute & Data Centers
  • Surface Infrastructure
  • Utility Systems
  • Debris Recovery & Recycling
  • Resource Extraction & Return

Student Projects
Student work exploring new ideas and possibilities for space

  • Speculative concepts
  • Research ideas
  • Future-focused visions
  • Novel human and product experiences

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