GomSpace Concept Satellite
GomSpace designs and manufactures small satellites for commercial, government and research missions. SAGA designed and built two 3.6-metre-wide satellite mockups, exploring a possible design direction for GomSpace’s satellites ten years from now. One is installed in GomSpace’s reception; the other travels to exhibitions and conferences around the world.
A DESIGN LANGUAGE FOR SPACE
We approached the satellite with the same attention to form and finish we expect from a phone or a watch. A minimal design brings together a dark body, grey fabric and blue accents in GomSpace's colour. Variations in anodizing and gloss distinguish the surfaces without adding complexity to the overall form.
MATERIALS AND PAYLOADS
A lightweight aluminium frame supports the model. Carbon fibre tubes span the solar-panel wings, with the panels mounted on aluminium plates. The main body combines anodized aluminium, acrylic and grey fabric.
The camera and simulated antenna elements use plastics, animation and illumination to represent possible equipment. The concept leaves the payload open, allowing different roles in Earth observation, ship tracking, research or defence.
FROM IDEA TO OBJECT
More than 50 design concepts were explored before the final design was selected. Two exhibition mockups were then built in SAGA's workshop in Denmark.
