Design for Inclusion in Space: Parastronauts Project

Abstract

This issue investigates for the first time a revolutionary topic, “disability in space”, destined to impact the history of human space exploration. The “ESA Parastronaut Fly! Feasibility Project” launched in 2022 represents the first step toward “inclusion” providing an opportunity for design to engage with a highly relevant theme that also aligns with the principles of the New European Bauhaus Project. Some reflections on behaviours in space are highlighted. The intent is to ask whether in space, governed by other physical laws that alter many parameters, such as psycho-physiological, postural, and perceptual, we can all consider ourselves disabled. What if disable people develop different abilities in confined environments and in microgravity conditions? These experiences led on the International Space Station (ISS) with physical limitations could suggest new tools and instruments useful to astronauts as well? The focus is on the idea of a new concept of “prosthetic object as body extension” developed by Space Design Lab_PoliMi, with the support of ESA, able to amplify the performance of both astronauts and parastronauts by designing equipment and wearables that are comfortable and pleasant in use, thanks to the application of Use & Gesture Design (UGD) methodology. Through the results of the MSc course Space4InspirAction (S4I) 6th edition, are presented some case studies that propose new tools serving and supporting astronauts and parastronatus in the next interplanetary missions that can also be transferred as spin-offs to Earth. The concept of “prosthetic object” is innovative because it suggests a progressive adaptation of humans, allowing wearable extensions and new objects that somehow anticipate the evolution of life in space. Will we be mutants in space and time?