With the advent of space exploration came different, inventive ideas of how to travel on planetary surfaces, many of which never came to fruition. For example, the GM MOLAB was a mobile laboratory that was also used as an artificial habitat for astronauts. While it was extremely innovative, it was also terribly heavy and only a Saturn V rocket could have launched it into space. If you’ve ever been to Huntsville, AL, you will see the magnitude of a Saturn V, and how much power would have been needed to get the MOLAB to the moon. As useful as it was for training astronauts and gathering soil samples, the MOLAB never got past New Mexico.

A Novel Concept

Likewise, there were many ideas that stayed just that- ideas. One such example is the “Space Taxi,” by Raymond Loewy. While several of Loewy’s concepts actually were added to spacecraft, there were quite a few designs that didn’t make the cut.

This particular piece is fascinating because Loewy had been contracted to create more hospitable environments for the astronauts their spacecraft. Likewise, his Space Taxi concept appears to be a very comfortable ride for an astronaut cruising the lunar terrain. Unfortunately, this idea never took off…pun intended.

Ridesharing to Space?

Even though Loewy’s Space Taxi concept never caught on, the idea has been bouncing around since. Recently, NASA decided to open space exploration to private firms and astronauts. Instead of global superpowers competing for a piece of the celestial landscape, companies will be competing to be the first to fly their private shuttles to the ISS. This means that anyone willing to risk the journey (and pay the hefty price tag) can catch a ride to space.

So maybe there will be a space taxi after all. While we may not have mastered space just yet, Loewy’s legacy lives on in the design of modern spacecraft.

Concepts as Art: Space Taxi

Artists in the 1900s drew out their design ideas for presentation, much like today’s artists conceptualize on computers. This particular Loewy design did not become famous as a real-life application. However, this drawing is still an incredible testament to his innovation and ingenuity. We have several copies of the Space Taxi concept, each signed and approved by Loewy himself. Visit the Space Taxi product page to purchase your own Loewy design today!

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GEMINI 4

On June 3, 1965, astronaut Ed White became the first American to explore outside of his spacecraft, the Gemini capsule. While he was tethered to the Gemini, he used a hand-held oxygen jet gun to propel himself out to the end of his tether and back again 3 times. I’m not sure I am that brave.

The Importance Of A Good Suit

Because outer space is such a harsh environment, EVAs require a good suit. A space suit must act like a personal spacecraft. Not only does it need air pressure, protection, and communication, but it needs to be comfortable. While an astronaut is performing an EVA, the suit needs to provide mobility and be able to carry tools so work can be done either on the spacecraft or on a planetary surface. (source)

Raymond Loewy

From 1967 to 1973 Loewy performed his “most important and gratifying” work with NASA as a habitability consultant. His designs helped improve the conditions of space flight and life in orbit for astronauts. Most noteworthy, NASA’s head of the Office of Manned Space Flight, George Mueller, commented that Loewy’s efforts had “provided the foundation for man’s next great step – an expedition to the planets.” (source)

Concepts as Art: EVA

Artists in the 1900s drew out their design ideas for presentation, much like today’s artists conceptualize on computers. When Loewy’s designs became famous as real-life applications, these drawings became valuable themselves. We have several copies of the EVA concept, each signed and approved by Loewy himself. Above all, this is a beautiful reminder of what is possible when innovation and gumption come together. Visit the EVA product page to purchase your own Loewy design today!

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The Story

Launching from Cape Kennedy on July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 carried a 3 man crew to the moon. The passengers included Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin. Their mission was to collect surface materials and take extensive photographs of the lunar landscape, equipment, and each other. However, these astronauts did much more than collect scientific samples.

Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon. As a result, he completed a goal set by President John F. Kennedy 8 years prior, establishing “national preeminence over rival nations”. As our country was dealing with the Cold War crisis, this monumental culmination of years of hard work and research “[accomplished] the political goals for which it was created.” An estimated 530 million people (including me) watched Armstrong take “…one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind”.

It was truly an incredible experience to watch and to be a part of. Every time I see Raymond Loewy’s Moon Landing, I am reminded of that time in history when everything seemed possible and new worlds were opening up. Similarly, I hope this incredible piece will bring you inspiration as well.

Concepts as Art: Moon Landing

Artists in the 1900s drew out their design ideas for presentation, much like today’s artists conceptualize on computers. When Loewy’s designs became famous as real-life applications, these drawings became valuable themselves. We have several copies of the Moon Landing concept, each signed and approved by Loewy himself. Having a reminder of this historic event to serve as a reminder of the strength and prowess of American innovation will spark inspiration. Visit the Moon Landing product page to purchase your own Loewy design today!

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Here in Huntsville, AL, we are in full-blown celebration mode with the 50^th anniversary of the Moon Landing. Modern space exploration was propelled forward by the brilliant mind of Werner von Braun who took inspiration from Redstone Arsenal, one of our city’s historical landmarks. We have come a long way since those first steps on the moon. Not only are we establishing future programs to take humans to Mars, but we currently have people living in outer space aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Wow!

Loewy inspired technological advances in Space and on Earth

The ISS was not the first Space Station that Americans have lived on. Its predecessor was the Skylab, designed in part by Raymond Loewy. In 1967, NASA asked Loewy to design the interior of the Skylab, creating a hospitable environment that would be comfortable, safe, and psychologically healthy. Loewy was the mastermind behind adding a porthole so that astronauts could make visual contact with Earth. He also introduced simulating the conditions of gravity for astronauts that lived aboard Skylab for long periods of time. George Mueller (NASA’s Office of Manned Space Flight) wrote an appreciation letter to Loewy: “I do not believe that it would have been possible for the Skylab crews to have lived in relative comfort, excellent spirits and outstanding efficiency had it not been for your creative design, based on a deep understanding of human needs.” (Source)

Raymond Loewy’s “Skylab” is a beautiful testament of his work with NASA as an artist, designer, and innovator.

The Skylab program was critical to the development of the modern Space Station. It proved that humans can, in fact, live and work in space. In addition, toilets, showers, exercise equipment, and kitchen facilities were all created to withstand the effects of microgravity. Loewy’s work on the Skylab contributed to many other technologies that were significant in the progress of future space ventures.

Concepts as Art: Skylab

Artists in the 1900s drew out their design ideas for presentation, much like today’s artists conceptualize on computers. When Loewy’s designs became famous as real-life applications, these drawings became valuable themselves. We have several copies of the Skylab concept, each signed and approved by Loewy himself. It can be a special experience to own a piece of technological and interplanetary history. Visit the Skylab product page to purchase your own Loewy design today!

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