Thunderbird: OMI's Modular Space Station Concept for Max Space

Design studio OMI (Of My Imagination) has unveiled Thunderbird, a concept for an expandable orbital space station developed for Max Space, a startup focused on expandable habitat technology. The design aims to create a human-centered environment in orbit, moving beyond purely functional spacecraft. Thunderbird is intended to be launched aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and features a circular structure that optimizes the use of microgravity, with modules that expand once in orbit. The station includes quarters for a permanent crew of four, gym facilities, control centers, scientific laboratories, and a communal living space, totaling eight functional areas. The design was developed in collaboration with former NASA astronauts and emphasizes modularity, flexibility, and functionality. External surfaces are made from multi-layered Kevlar, providing light weight and strength with triple safety redundancy. The station offers 350 cubic meters of living space, packable into a single Falcon 9 rocket, which is about a third of the ISS's volume. Max Space is currently funded by NASA to explore modular approaches for lunar habitats. OMI's Dan Window highlighted the studio's expertise in transport design and the goal of creating a novel habitat. Max Space CEO Saleem Miyan called Thunderbird a 'viable and evolutionary leap' for human habitation beyond Earth, praising the team's work in addressing frustrations like privacy and small spaces in current habitats.