The start-up “Levity” has developed a satellite that shoots measuring instruments to the moon. And an FH Aachen designer is making sure that interested companies can comprehend the project at first glance.

Can you build houses out of moon dust? How do plants develop on the moon? These are questions that researchers ask themselves, and want to have answered through data collected “in situ”. Among other things, this calls for instruments that measure work in progress. The Aachen-based start-up “Levity” has developed a satellite concept that makes this possible.

And, to make sure that everyone can immediately understand exactly what it is that “Levity” can do, student Nils Stigler from the FH Aachen Faculty of Design has taken on the task of visual translation. “Levity” means lightness – and that’s what his design intends to express. With success! His work has now been awarded the International Junior Corporate Design Prize, which is endowed with 1000 euros.

Journey to the moon planned for 2026

The small satellite of the start-up team from the FH Aachen – consisting of Andrés Lüdeke, Ignacio Vinuela, Lars Kesseler and Jonas Vogler – will be launched on a rideshare rocket to geostationary earth orbit and, from there, will then fly to the moon under its own power with only 14 kg of fuel and an electric drive. So far, only a moon rocket has been able to do this. The satellite can be used there for a wide range of purposes. For example, cameras, telescopes or instruments for data measurement can be mounted on the platform.

Some companies have already expressed interest, says Lars Kesseler. The goal is to make the first launch in 2026. “We believe that this is possible,” he says.

22.10.2020

BU:

Award-winning Corporate Design by Nils Stigler