Project Hyperion: Designing Humanity’s First Interstellar Home

Project Hyperion aims to become an interstellar spaceship home to humans travelling, living, reproducing, and dying in space as we see in sci-fi movies. Originally conceived by Robert H. Goddard, the idea of an interstellar spaceship has become popular, but Project Hyperion will put this concept to the test.

Building an Interstellar Spaceship, One Idea at a Time

Project Hyperion is an ambitious research initiative focused on designing a generational ship capable of sustaining life in space over extended periods. According to the project’s official brief, the primary objective is to conduct a preliminary study to define integrated concepts for a long-duration spacecraft, known as a generation ship.

The envisioned spacecraft is designed to have a lifespan of 250 years, supporting a self-sustaining ecosystem capable of maintaining Earth-like conditions throughout the journey. This includes systems for air, water, food, and waste management, which are critical for long-term space habitation.

Project Hyperion aims to create a vessel that can support a population of up to 1,000 people. The ship will be equipped with essential amenities to ensure the well-being of its inhabitants, making it possible for multiple generations to live, work, and thrive during the voyage through deep space.

How to Do That?

To propel Project Hyperion forward, organizers have launched an ambitious design competition that runs from 1 November 2024, to 2 June 2025. Open to design teams from across the globe, this competition seeks visionary concepts to turn the dream of an interstellar spaceship into reality.

Teams entering the competition must consist of an architectural designer, an engineer, and a social scientist – ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to tackling the complex challenges of space habitation. Applications are open until 15 December, 2024, when the first phase of the competition officially begins.

During this initial phase, teams will develop and submit conceptual designs for interstellar spaceships. These designs must outline key features, including the spaceship’s habitat layout, life-support systems, and societal structure.

Successful teams will advance to the second phase, starting on 4 May, 2025. This phase requires detailed technical plans, comprehensive designs, and visually compelling presentations of their generational starship concepts.

The competition culminates on 2 June, 2025, when the winning design will be announced. This victorious concept could serve as the foundation for Project Hyperion’s groundbreaking effort to create a fully functional interstellar generation ship, turning science fiction into scientific innovation.