- Max Space
- 2026-present
- Space
- Industrial design, Transport design, Vehicle Schematics & Strategy, CGI & Visualisation
Inflatable Space Habitat
Thunderbird represents OMI’s vision for how expandable habitats can fundamentally reshape life in space; combining advanced engineering with thoughtful industrial design to create environments that are efficient, adaptable and unmistakably human.
Built upon Max Space’s expandable habitat technology, the concept demonstrates how future orbital stations can deliver unprecedented volume, flexibility and comfort while dramatically reducing launch complexity and cost.
The habitat is organised into eight functional sectors, balancing private crew accommodation with modular scientific research areas. At its heart sits a communal social hub complete with kitchen facilities, and plants to add a connection to our home planet. Hygiene areas are discreetly positioned behind bulkheads to maximise privacy. A soft retreat offers 360-degree views of Earth from four windows.
Thunderbird represents OMI’s vision for how expandable habitats can fundamentally reshape life in space—combining advanced engineering with thoughtful industrial design to create environments that are efficient, adaptable and unmistakably human.
Built upon Max Space’s expandable habitat technology, the concept demonstrates how future orbital stations can deliver unprecedented volume, flexibility and comfort while dramatically reducing launch complexity and cost.
A carefully considered lighting strategy helps maintain astronauts’ circadian rhythms. Soft, indirect illumination recreates natural daily cycles regardless of orbital conditions. This keeps the crew on the same daily schedules as ground control teams. Warm communal spaces, private sleeping pods and clearly defined activity zones help reduce fatigue and support crew wellbeing during missions lasting months or even years.
OMI’s design philosophy focused on creating an environment that supports both operational performance, and psychological wellbeing. Benefitting from new materials which have allowed OMI to surpass legacy design philosophies, the expandable habitat enables distinct zones for work, rest and social interaction. This creates a station which feels intuitive, comfortable and genuinely liveable.
