Beyond Orbit: Designing the Next Era of Space Through Data, Systems, and Human Capability

Abstract

The year 2026 marks a noticeable shift in space exploration from access to sustainability, driven by recent advancements such as NASA’s Artemis missions. This introduction synthesizes four critical perspectives including thermophysical data, cryogenic system sustainability, cross-disciplinary integration, and human-centered design highlighted by Drs. Narayanan, Chung, Petersen, and Fu. These works redefine space as an interconnected system where accurate data enables reliable modeling, engineering ensures long-term operation, integration overcomes disciplinary silos, and human capability remains central. This issue positions space not merely as a destination, but as a designed environment requiring coordinated innovation to support continuous operations and human thriving beyond Earth.

Keywords

Space systems integration, Human-centered spaceflight, Cryogenic thermal management, Thermophysical data, Artemis program

Author Biography

Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu

Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu has many years of experience in the tourism and hospitality business. Rachel is the Chair and Professor of the Department of Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management (THEM) in the College of Health and Human Performance at the University of Florida, where she is  the Director of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute (EFTI). Rachel is an affiliate Professor in the Department of Information Systems and Operations Management (ISOM) at the Warrington College of Business. Rachel is  an affiliate Professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Ecology within the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). Rachel spearheaded the creation of AI/Data Science tracks in THEM undergraduate and graduate certificate programs at UF. In the past decade, through serving as editor-in-chief, guest editor, associate editor, editorial board member (for 16 leading and well-respected international journals), reviewer (for 9 leading international journals), and chair/reviewer (for 4 major international associations), Rachel has provided leadership in academic and professional organizations. Rachel has published more than 260 papers, including refereed journal articles, refereed conference papers, magazine articles, newsletters, technical reports, and book chapters. Rachel's work has been featured in various media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Condé Nast Traveler, Carnival Cruise Line, NBC, BBC, Bottom Line Personal, CNBC, ABC News, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Popular Science, AARC, KCBS, Recommend Magazine, U.S. News and World Report, , the Conversation, Business Insider, UF News, Newsweek, and Bloomberg. Rachel is the author of 'Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robot Applications in Hospitality Businesses' [ISBN 979-8-7657-8381-8] and 'Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Robotics in General Businesses' [ISBN  979-8-3851-5339-8] (Kendall Hunt publishing company).