Saving Outer Space: The First UX Design System for Our Nation’s Satellites
Summary
When you hear the phrase “Space Industry,” you probably associate it with words like “futuristic” and “cutting edge.” That’s certainly the case for private space companies, but not within the Department of Defense. Until recently, our nation’s satellites have been operated by applications with inconsistent 1990s interfaces, and DoD operators have suffered because of it. But thanks to an Enterprise UX Design Company (coincidentally named “Rocket Communications”), that’s all changing. This is the incredible story of how the first UX Design System for Space Applications came to be, and what it– and Rocket– has done to transform the DoD Space Enterprise.
Key Insights
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Military space relies heavily on satellites critical to everyday civilian and defense operations.
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Thousands of satellites and debris orbit Earth, creating unprecedented space congestion and collision risks.
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Military satellite software systems are built in silos by various contractors, leading to fragmented UX.
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Outdated software interfaces cause steep learning curves and operational inefficiencies for space operators.
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The US military considers itself engaged in a real war in space due to threats from China and Russia.
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Poor UX in satellite control software poses national security risks beyond simple inconvenience.
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Rocket Communications helped initiate UX transformation in military satellite systems starting with Harris Corporation.
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Military hierarchy and culture can intimidate civilian contractors but authenticity is more valuable than conformity.
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The Astro enterprise UX design system evolved over years into a mandated standard across SMC and defense contractors.
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Prototypes and live demos are crucial to convincing large defense contractors to adopt new UX systems.
Notable Quotes
"Our modern way of life is actually really dependent on satellites."
"Space is congested, with thousands of satellites and tens of thousands of debris pieces orbiting Earth."
"This poor young airman is not entering into a super cool sci-fi command center but using apps built by their grandparents."
"These applications were designed by engineers for engineers without interviewing the operators."
"China blew up one of their satellites with a missile, creating tons of debris, proving they can threaten our satellites."
"I had to learn their military culture, but I realized they actually wanted people who weren’t part of the military."
"If you see a person standing alone, even if that person’s a CEO, walk up to them."
"Military contractors didn’t have design teams; most had never invested in UX design before."
"It became a mandate this year for companies to use Astro for all applications in enterprise cross-mission ground."
"Nearly 30 years into my career, I’m doing the most rewarding work of my life helping modernize military space systems."
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