What does it take to survive and thrive in space’s harsh, unpredictable environment? Innovative architecture.
As NASA prepares for deep space exploration, human-centered design will be crucial to the success of future Artemis missions. In our August Thought Leader series, “Space Architecture,” presented by UTMB Health, NASA’s space architects will explore how habitats can be developed on Earth to support interplanetary living.
Panelists
Larry Toups
Larry Toups attained a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the University of Houston. After practicing architecture, he received a master’s degree in Space Architecture from the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering Sasakawa Institute for Space Architecture (SICSA). After joining NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in 1994 he worked in the International Space Station (ISS) Program Office and assumed the role of Habitability Systems Lead in the ISS Vehicle Office and was responsible for human factors requirements, and hardware items such as Crew Quarters, Galley and Food Systems for the ISS. Toups retired from JSC in January 2020. Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering (SICSA).
Kriss Kennedy
Kriss Kennedy worked as a Space Architect for 30 years at JSC, retiring in December 2017. Currently, Kennedy is founder and president of TECHNE‘ Architects, LLC (architecture and space architecture firm) and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Space Architecture at the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering (SICSA). Kennedy has worked on over 45 NASA design projects and published over 60 papers in the field of aerospace human spacecraft design. His vision is to provide habitation capabilities to enable Lunar and Martian ecosystem to thrive in support of human exploration and resource consumption to become Earth-independent while establishing permanent sustainable human presence on the Moon and Mars.
Brett Montoya
Brett Montoya is a lead space architect in the Center for Design and Space Architecture (CDSA) at JSC. Montoya provides architecture and design services such as concept development, spacecraft layout design, mockup design and fabrication, and human-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, to NASA’s human spaceflight programs. He obtained his master’s degree from SICSA in 2017 and has been working at JSC ever since.
Paolo Mangili
Paolo Mangili is an International Student at the University of Houston, pursuing a master’s degree in Space Architecture at SICSA. Originally from Italy, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Product Design from the Polytechnic University of Milan. Mangili is a life-long space enthusiast, who believes in the peaceful utilization of outer space for the benefit of Humanity.
