SOLACE stands for Smart Optimal Lighting for Advanced Chronobiological Enhancement. This portable space lamp revolutionizes astronaut wellness, enhancing performance and health through personalized, robust, and dynamic lighting. Sync your rhythm, boost focus, and recharge—tailored for life beyond Earth.
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Mission and Vision
Our mission is to enhance astronaut health and performance by combating sleep deprivation and disrupted circadian rhythms through intelligent, biologically adaptive lighting.
We envision a future where astronauts experience restorative sleep and good health for sustainable living in space.
At SOLACE, our core values center around innovation, well-being, and sustainability.
We are committed to leveraging advanced science and technology to enhance human health, prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of astronauts in the most challenging environments.
Key Features
At its core, SOLACE is built to align lighting with astronauts' biological needs, promoting better sleep and performance during space missions.
CRS: Circadian Rythm Synchronization
The lighting system seamlessly synchronizes with Earth's native day/night cycle using advanced sensors and connecting with space-based precise atomic clocks. This heavily optimizes the astronaut’s circadian rhythm to match human sleep cycles.
Adaptive Lighting
The advanced lighting system uses high-performance COB LEDs with a CRI of 90+, mimicking Earth’s daylight to support circadian rhythms. Its adjustable color temperature (2700K to 6500K) allows tailored lighting for relaxation, focus, and sleep. PWM dimming technology enhances power efficiency, adjusting brightness while conserving energy during long missions.
Health Monitoring
SOLACE uses advanced biometric sensors, including PPG for heart rate, pulse oximeters for blood oxygen, thermistors for skin temperature, and GSR sensors for stress detection. These metrics feed into an AI model that adjusts lighting in real-time to optimize well-being.
Artificial Intelligence
SOLACE AI uses an advanced and robust machine learning algorithm to personalize lighting based on real-time biometric data, optimizing circadian rhythms, mood, and cognitive function. It intelligently analyzes your biometric data and then selects the perfect light mode from 8 preset options. The AI also continuously learns from the astronaut's habits, and optimizes lighting accordingly.
Long Lasting Durability
The lighting system is built for durability, featuring a silicone casing that resists damage and meets NASA’s safety standards. It uses non-toxic, flame-retardant materials and includes EMI shielding to protect spacecraft electronics. With IP67 water and dust resistance, the system is low-maintenance and designed for long-term use, offering reliable, cost-effective performance in space missions.
Versatile and Energy Friendly
The lighting system offers flexibility with a powerful, long-lasting battery and easy mounting options. Astronauts can quickly attach the light using Velcro strips or adjust it with a flexible gooseneck arm, ensuring optimal positioning in zero-gravity environments. Fast-charging capabilities provide minimal downtime, making it perfect for extended space missions. The battery is long lasting, able to run at max brightness for more than 20 hours.
Play around with an interactive model of a SOLACE Lamp below!
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Detailed Information
Battery and Power
SOLACE is powered by a hybrid battery system that combines high-capacity lithium-ion cells with advanced lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries. The lithium-ion cells provide long-lasting runtime with high energy density, making them ideal for sustained operation in space. Meanwhile, the lightweight LiPo batteries offer high discharge rates, making them well-suited for compact and portable applications aboard spacecraft. Together, these batteries form a reliable and efficient power source, ensuring uninterrupted operation to support astronaut well-being.
To integrate these technologies effectively, SOLACE utilizes a custom dual power management circuit that balances charging profiles, regulates output voltage, and optimizes the performance of both battery types. The system incorporates intelligent battery balancing, multi-channel voltage regulation, and advanced charge controllers to meet the distinct operational needs of the hybrid setup. Features such as overcharge protection, thermal monitoring, and fast-charging capabilities ensure safety, minimize downtime, and extend battery lifespan. This innovative hybrid power solution enables SOLACE to deliver dynamic, tailored lighting settings that promote circadian health and enhance astronaut performance in the demanding conditions of space.
Lighting System
SOLACE utilizes advanced lighting technologies, integrating high-performance COB (Chip-on-Board) LEDs, RGBW LED modules, and high CRI components to deliver exceptional illumination in space environments. The COB LEDs are optimized for superior light diffusion, eliminating hotspots and ensuring uniform, glare-free illumination across surfaces. This compact arrangement of multiple LED chips on a single board provides consistent lighting, making it ideal for the controlled conditions of spacecraft and space stations where precision is essential.
The system also incorporates RGBW LED modules, offering full control over light color and intensity. This enables customizable lighting modes, such as energizing cool white light to boost productivity or soothing warm tones for relaxation and sleep preparation. With a high Color Rendering Index (CRI) exceeding 90, SOLACE ensures accurate color representation, critical for detail-oriented tasks like equipment inspection or document review. These advanced lighting solutions not only enhance visual clarity but also promote healthy circadian rhythms, supporting the physical and mental well-being of astronauts during long-duration missions.
AI and Machine Learning
SOLACE features advanced AI and machine learning capabilities designed to optimize lighting conditions based on real-time biometric data. The system efficiently analyzes key health metrics such as oxygen levels, heart rate, and stress indicators to dynamically adjust lighting settings. By employing decision tree algorithms, SOLACE predicts optimal lighting conditions tailored to each astronaut’s physiological and psychological needs, ensuring enhanced comfort and performance.
The AI system continuously processes biometric data to fine-tune light intensity, color temperature, and other parameters, creating personalized lighting environments that support circadian health and overall well-being. The decision tree models also adapt to long-term trends in health data, enabling predictive adjustments that align with the unique demands of extended space missions. With its focus on intelligent and adaptive lighting, SOLACE delivers a responsive, energy-efficient solution that prioritizes astronaut health and productivity without the need for camera-based inputs.
Control System
The lighting system is powered by an efficient microcontroller chosen for its high-performance capabilities and real-time processing. At its core, an ARM Cortex-M4-based STM32 microcontroller (STM32F407VG) provides the computational power required to handle complex tasks while maintaining low power consumption. With integrated features like a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and floating-point unit (FPU), the microcontroller ensures precise calculations for real-time biometric data processing. This enables seamless integration with a variety of sensors, offering versatility in connecting with external devices. Its low power consumption makes it well-suited for space applications, where energy efficiency is critical.
The microcontroller works in tandem with various wearable biometric sensors that continuously monitor astronaut health metrics, such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, and stress levels. These sensors, including pulse oximeters and temperature sensors, provide real-time data, which the microcontroller processes to adjust lighting conditions accordingly. By dynamically changing light intensity, color temperature, and mode, the system optimizes astronaut well-being in response to their physiological state. Wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Zigbee, enable seamless interaction between the sensors, mobile app, and microcontroller. This ensures astronauts can easily manage their environment remotely, even in microgravity, to maintain health and performance throughout the mission.
Biometric Data
The lighting system integrates advanced biometric sensors that continuously monitor key health metrics: heart rate, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, and stress levels. These metrics are tracked using specialized sensors, which send real-time data to the integrated mobile app. The app processes this data to personalize lighting conditions based on the astronaut's physical and mental state, adjusting light intensity and color to optimize comfort, performance, and well-being.
Biometric data helps assess stress or relaxation levels, allowing the system to adjust lighting from energizing cool tones to calming warm hues. Blood oxygen levels and heart rate are measured using pulse oximetry sensors, which gauge oxygen saturation in the blood and adjust the lighting to align with the astronaut's circadian rhythm. Skin temperature is tracked using thermistors or infrared sensors, and lighting adjusts to maintain comfort based on temperature variations. Stress levels are detected through galvanic skin response (GSR) and electrodermal activity (EDA) sensors, which assess skin conductance to gauge tension. Based on these inputs, the app dynamically adjusts the lighting to promote relaxation or maintain alertness, creating an environment that supports optimal astronaut health and productivity.
Design & Materials
The lighting unit is meticulously crafted to ensure optimal usability within the tight confines of spacecraft. Standing at approximately 30 cm in height and 12 cm in width, its compact dimensions allow it to seamlessly integrate into spacecraft modules without occupying excessive space. Despite its small footprint, the unit delivers full functionality, providing astronauts with an efficient and comfortable lighting experience. Its streamlined design optimizes space efficiency, making it an ideal choice for both living and working environments aboard spacecraft.
Constructed from premium flexible silicone rubber, the light unit is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance in the challenging conditions of space. The material's flexibility allows it to conform to a variety of surfaces, enhancing its adaptability and usability. Weighing just 500 grams, the unit is lightweight and portable, making it easy to reposition in microgravity. With its ergonomic curves, sleek contours, and soft-touch surface, the light provides both functional utility and a premium tactile feel. This modern, minimalist design not only enhances usability but also reflects the cutting-edge aesthetic of high-tech spacecraft.
Mounting and Flexibility
The lighting system is equipped with a secure and versatile mounting solution tailored for the unique challenges of space environments. High-strength reclosable fasteners, such as durable Velcro strips, ensure reliable attachment to walls, ceilings, or other surfaces within spacecraft modules. These fasteners provide a firm grip without requiring tools, allowing astronauts to reposition the light fixture with ease. This tool-free mounting system enhances adaptability, ensuring that the lighting unit can be quickly and efficiently relocated or adjusted during mission activities.
To further enhance usability, the system features flexible mounting arms constructed from lightweight yet durable materials like reinforced metal alloys. These gooseneck-style arms are designed for optimal adjustability, offering a full range of motion so astronauts can direct light exactly where it’s needed. The arms maintain their position firmly once adjusted, ensuring stable illumination for various tasks. This combination of secure mounting and flexible positioning allows the lighting system to adapt seamlessly to both confined spaces and dynamic use cases, supporting astronauts in their living and working environments.
Durability and Safety
The lighting system is meticulously engineered for durability and long-term reliability, utilizing a robust silicone casing that offers flexibility while protecting against scratches, dents, and minor impacts common in the confined quarters of spacecraft. Carefully selected components ensure consistent functionality over extended periods, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or replacement. Designed for prolonged use, the system is built to withstand the unique challenges of space missions, maintaining performance with minimal wear and tear. Additionally, it features IP67-rated water and dust resistance, safeguarding it against humidity and airborne particles in the spacecraft environment.
Meeting stringent safety standards, the system complies with NASA's Standard for Safety of Spacecraft (NASA-STD-8719.9), ensuring all materials and components are safe for enclosed habitats. Non-toxic and flame-retardant materials, such as UL 94 V-0 rated plastics, are incorporated to minimize risks of fire or harmful emissions. EMI shielding is also integrated into the design to prevent interference with critical spacecraft electronics and communication systems. Balancing high performance with affordability, the lighting system offers a cost-effective solution for routine space missions without compromising durability, safety, or operational reliability.
Lighting Modes
The lighting system combines advanced engineering with scientific research to meet the unique demands of space exploration. Each mode, grounded in peer-reviewed studies, enhances visual comfort, cognitive performance, emotional well-being, and physical health. By leveraging insights from circadian biology and environmental psychology, it ensures astronauts maintain peak efficiency and well-being in space.
Day Mode utilizes cool-toned light at 6500K to simulate natural daylight, enhancing alertness, productivity, and mood. This bright, crisp light mimics Earth’s daylight, which is scientifically proven to regulate the circadian rhythm by triggering serotonin production. Gradual brightness increases over 30–45 minutes simulate a natural sunrise, helping astronauts wake gently and without abrupt disruptions. By maintaining a lighting environment similar to Earth, Day Mode ensures optimal cognitive function and energy levels during high-concentration tasks, such as scientific research or spacecraft operations.
Night Mode provides a warm, yellow-toned light at 2700K, specifically designed to exclude blue light that could interfere with melatonin production and disrupt sleep. By mimicking the natural transition from day to night, the light gradually dims to signal the body to wind down, promoting relaxation and preparing astronauts for restful sleep. This mode is critical in the absence of natural day-night cycles in space, helping to stabilize circadian rhythms and improve sleep quality, which is essential for long-term mental and physical health.
Stress Release Mode employs warm amber or soft pink light tones, proven to reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation. These colors, combined with soft intensity transitions, mimic calming natural environments such as sunsets, encouraging astronauts to relax after intense or stressful tasks. This mode also supports emotional balance and mental clarity, reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of calm, which is vital for maintaining team cohesion and mental health on long missions.
Energizing Mode is designed for periods of high activity or critical operations, using bright, cool-toned light at 6500K to combat fatigue and enhance mental sharpness. Strategic blue light flashes provide an additional boost to alertness, stimulating the brain and increasing focus during time-sensitive tasks. This mode is invaluable for ensuring astronauts maintain peak performance during demanding activities, such as troubleshooting spacecraft systems or conducting precise experiments.
Recovery Mode supports physical and mental restoration with warm, dimmed light in the 3000K–4000K range. A slow, pulsing light pattern mirrors natural breathing rhythms, helping to reduce heart rate and encourage relaxation. This mode fosters quicker recovery from physical exertion or mental strain, providing a restorative environment that enhances the astronaut’s overall health and readiness for future tasks.
Sleep Mode uses ultra-soft red or orange light, which minimally impacts melatonin production, creating the optimal conditions for deep, restorative sleep. Low-intensity lighting mimics nighttime darkness, and gradual dimming helps the body transition smoothly into sleep. This mode is essential for promoting uninterrupted rest, ensuring astronauts are rejuvenated and prepared for the next day’s activities.
Circadian Sync Mode dynamically adjusts light color and intensity throughout the day, using real-time biometric feedback to align with the astronaut’s circadian rhythm. This mode optimizes physical and mental performance by tailoring lighting to individual needs, ensuring peak alertness during work hours and restful sleep during downtime. By maintaining circadian balance, this mode mitigates the physiological challenges of prolonged space missions and ensures long-term well-being.
Focus Mode employs neutral light at 4500K to create a balanced environment for concentration and productivity. This light reduces eye strain and fosters mental clarity, making it ideal for workstations or areas where astronauts engage in problem-solving, reading, or detailed tasks. By minimizing distractions and promoting focus, this mode enhances efficiency and supports the successful execution of mission-critical activities.
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