Taejung Kim's Galileo Concept Transforms Car into Observatory
Taejung Kim, a third-term car design student at ArtCenter College of Design, created the Galileo concept for the 2026 GAC Design Award under a Renaissance theme. The vehicle is built around a retractable Dobsonian telescope, transforming from a compact all-terrain runabout into a stationary mobile observatory. The design references NASA astronaut transfer vehicles and features a cylindrical capsule-like cabin with chromed bodywork and the motto "Eppur si muove." The telescope deploys automatically when the vehicle stops, adjusting its viewing angle. Kim describes the project as a solo effort from ideation to rendering. He plans to develop the underlying "Renaissance Astronomy" concept further beyond the award.
Key facts
- Taejung Kim is a third-term car design student at ArtCenter College of Design.
- Galileo concept was conceived for the 2026 GAC Design Award under a Renaissance theme.
- The vehicle features a retractable Dobsonian telescope that deploys when stopped.
- Exterior design pays homage to NASA astronaut transfer vehicles.
- Interior is limited to two seats for an intimate astronomical experience.
- The motto 'Eppur si muove' (and yet it moves) appears on the bodywork.
- Kim intends to develop the 'Renaissance Astronomy' concept into a standalone project.
- The project was a solo effort from philosophical ideation to final rendering.
Entities
Artists
- Taejung Kim
- Galileo Galilei
- Taejung Jin
Institutions
- ArtCenter College of Design
- GAC Design Award
- NASA