SAGA Designs a Circadian Light Panel for the ISS

SAGA Space Architects, a Danish architecture and design practice dedicated to making space livable for future space travelers, has unveiled a new Circadian Light Panel for astronauts which will soon be tested onboard the International Space Station for the small Crew Quarters.

Sleep is one of the major issues currently facing astronauts in space due to a variety of factors including the confined cabin, noise, and offset circadian rhythm from orbiting around the earth. The new lighting system designed by SAGA features three light faces that emit light at different angles and spectrums to either promote alertness or induce sleepiness. Unlike the current systems on the ISS, which are manually operated, SAGA’s light panel will automatically adjust lighting according to the astronaut’s scheduled sleep schedule.

To accommodate for the monotonous environment in the cabin, SAGA’s light panel will also emit dynamic wavelengths to simulate shifting weather on earth and the natural change in lighting that brings. To warrant a place on the ISS, the design must be space-grade — bearing flame-retardant and fail-safe properties.

Find a video of SAGA co-founder Sebastian Aristotelis testing the product below in a simulation pod with more details to be found on the SAGA website.