This week, we had the incredible opportunity to welcome astronauts Dr. Norah Patten and Dr. Shawna Pandya to CREW, in association with the Irish Space Association and the Embassy of Canada.
In keeping with the timing of Irish Design week, hosted in CREW’s Innovation Lounge, “Designing for Space” brought together our creative community including hub members, strategic partners and local entrepreneurs for a fascinating discussion on the many design challenges of working in space. From human-centred design to the realities of extreme environments, every insight had the room fully captivated ; you could hear a pin drop.
What made the conversation particularly exciting was how closely it aligned with the types of companies CREW supports every day. From gaming technologies used in spacecraft control systems, to immersive tech powering astronaut training and health monitoring, to product and user-experience design shaping how astronauts interact with equipment, the intersection between creativity and space is filled with opportunity. As of the end of 2024, over 109 Irish companies were working on solutions for the space sector, a clear sign of national momentum.
Our guests asked brilliant questions throughout, and it was especially energising to see younger attendees completely absorbed in the discussion. Moments like these show the power of exposure, curiosity, and community in shaping future innovators.
Both Dr. Patten and Dr. Pandya are part of the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) and are scheduled to fly with Virgin Galactic next summer, adding an extra level of excitement and real-world relevance to the day’s conversation.
A huge thank-you to our partners and to everyone who joined us. At CREW, we’re proud to host events that spark imagination, foster collaboration, and connect creativity with opportunity — even beyond our atmosphere.
📸 Photos by Andrew Downes, Xposure
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