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Space concepts improve life in the desert

20 October 2005

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The inflatable tent Desert Seal is a down-to-Earth innovation derived from space exploration concepts. It utilises the special temperature curve in deserts where the temperature drops significantly two metres above ground level.

Credits: Architecture and Vision

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The inflatable tent Desert Seal, the result of a study by Swiss Andreas Vogler and Italian Arturo Vittori under ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme, on display in New York at The Museum of Modern Art’s ‘SAFE: Design On Risk’ exhibition, from 16 October 2005 to 2 January 2006. The exhibition features more than 300 contemporary design objects and prototypes from all over the world.

Credits: Architecture and Vision

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The Desert Seal tent has an anti-classic L-shape which allows for upright entry. This also minimises the aerodynamic load. An electric fan in the top manages the air intake (top picture). The tent is two metres long and provides a comfortable space for one adult.

Credits: Architecture and Vision

Innovative tent for desert nomads

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Desert Seal is an inflatable tent for use in extreme environments. It was designed as a result of a study on the use of inflatable technologies in hot and extreme environments carried out for the European Space Agency’s Technology Transfer Programme.

Desert Seal characteristics:

dimensions: 226 cm x 100 cm x 210 cm (length, width, height)
weight: 6 kg (first prototype)
energy production: 4.5 Watts flexible solar cells
energy consumption: 12V ventilator, LED interior light
structure: L-shape vertical shaped tent which is fixed to the ground by hooks and tension ropes.

Credits: Architecture and Vision

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Desert Seal utilises the special temperature curve in the desert, i.e. the air cools considerably the more distant it is from the Earth’s surface

Credits: Architecture and Vision

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Desert Seal is light and easy to transport, and simple to put-up

Credits: Architecture and Vision

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Desert Seal has a flexible solar cell panel to provide electricity for the ventilation fan and LED-light at night. A small battery is used to store the energy.

Credits: Architecture and Vision

More information

Desert Seal SAFE - Design Takes On Risk