The unveiling of the interior design comes one week prior to the first annual International Space Business Assembly (ISBA) in Washington, D.C., where NASA officials will join with industry leaders to discuss the advancement of commercial enterprise in space. It also 
follows last week�s signing by President Clinton of a bill that authorizes appropriations for NASA to identify the RD necessary to adapt existing space technology for commercial use. 

�As we rapidly approach the millennium, the idea of living comfortably and safely in space is quickly becoming a reality. Given the significant amount of support by both government and private industry, and the availability of proven technology, it�s no longer a matter of how, but when,� said Gene Meyers, president of Space Island Group. �With MyHome.com, we�ve taken the space resort concept to the next level by giving the public the opportunity to see just how livable space can be.� 

�The MyHome.com design team was honored to be selected by Space Island Group to bring our philosophy and experience to space: the ultimate palette for interior designers,� said Steve Jennings, CEO of MyHome.com. �MyHome.com used its understanding of form and function to deliver a comfortable living environment for a brave new world.� 

According to Meyers, the space resort will be assembled by using external fuel tanks from NASA�s space shuttle that will remain in orbit until at least twelve are assembled end-to-end to form a ring. 

Two additional tanks will be joined together to create a center column, with several small tubes connecting the outer ring with the center column. The resort will rotate at about one revolution per minute, creating one-third to one-half the gravity experienced on Earth. Dining, entertainment and living quarters will be in the outer section of the ring, with the center column offering a gravity-free experience to visitors. 

Design Challenges in Space 

Throughout the project, MyHome.com addressed a number of challenges to provide space resort guests with a comfortable and functional living environment. The most important factors addressed in the design concepts include: 

• Reduced gravity. Given the reduced gravity in the living quarters, the design team attached smaller and frequently used items to heavier ones, such as nightstands to the bed frame, and a bar and desk to the wall.

• Orbital shifts. To accommodate shifts of the resort to adjust its orbit, furnishings with soft edges, such as round tables and an oval bed, were selected to ensure the added safety of space resort guests.

• No windows. Given the resort�s rotation of one revolution per minute, views of space through a window would pass too quickly and cause discomfort for the guests. To provide the effect of a window, the design team included a flat screen on two walls with a windowpane treatment. Video of space from cameras located on the center column of the space resort would be shown on the screens. For normal TV viewing, the windowpane treatment would slide up into the wall.

• Darkness. The lack of natural light increased the importance of lighting in the room. Equipment installed behind a crown molding along the ceiling of the room allows guests to select from a variety of colors to illuminate the walls and ceilings, creating an added level of personalization, warmth and comfort.

• Fumes. Air quality is an important issue for space living. In order to minimize emissions and interference with ventilation systems, the design team selected materials with low emissions, such as linen, cork and foam, for a variety of items, including floor, wall and furniture coverings.

The Space Resort 

The technology for the space resort structure has its roots in NASA�s 1973 successful development of the SkyLab space station. However, because law prohibits NASA from conducting any type of commercial business, private enterprise, in the form of Space Island Group, stepped in to leverage this technology and help finance the construction of a space resort. Space Island Group will lease space shuttles and astronauts from NASA to aid in the construction. 

Space Island Group and MyHome.com are continuing to work together to develop personalized and comfortable design interiors for additional rooms beyond the initial plans unveiled today for the space resort. 

�The MyHome.com design team captured the true reality of what living in space will be like within the next ten years,� explained Meyers. �The team�s goal to bring comfort, style and individuality to a home in space was fully achieved.� 

About Space Island Group 

Space Island Group, America�s leading private space enterprise, is a consortium of aerospace engineers, educators, researchers and marketers dedicated to creating the world�s first commercial space station. With the support of several international companies, NASA, government officials and private investors, Space Island Group anticipates completion of the first space resort within the next ten years. 

Bedroom Suite - The Space Resort