Extraterrestrial Design™

EDITORIAL

Submission Guidelines

*Currently under review with our advisory and editorial boards. Requirements and terms are subject to revision.

[ IN DEVELOPMENT ]

Our Editorial Mission

Extraterrestrial Design takes space industry topics that are often esoteric or highly technical and presents them in ways that connect diverse audiences. From mission engineers to design students, from venture capitalists to space enthusiasts, each with a distinct perspective and a vision to inspire generations of pioneers to come.

We believe that the future of space exploration depends on unprecedented collaboration between disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives.

What We Publish

Design Stories (800-2,000 words)

  • How breakthrough space technologies solve design challenges

  • Case studies of form-meets-function in extreme environments

  • Profiles of designers, engineers, and artists shaping space infrastructure

  • Visual narratives that reveal the hidden design thinking behind space missions

Technical Translations (600-1,200 words)

  • Complex space systems explained through accessible analogies and visuals

  • "How-it-works" pieces that break down complicated science in a clear and fun way

  • Emerging technologies with clear implications for space exploration

  • Cross-industry insights (what space can learn from other fields, and vice versa)

Future Visions (1,000-1,800 words)

  • Speculative design concepts for life beyond Earth

  • World-building exercises that imagine space infrastructure

  • Solutions-oriented perspectives on space industry challenges

  • Intersection pieces exploring art, culture, and space exploration

Brief Encounters (300-500 words)

  • Quick profiles of innovative space industry professionals

  • Tool spotlights and technology updates

  • Book, film, and project reviews relevant to space design

Submission Requirements

For all submissions:

  • Pitch Email to submissions@extraterrestrialdesign.com with subject line: "PITCH: [Your Title]"

  • Story Summary (100 words maximum): Describe the project, problem, solution, and function

  • Audience Hook: Why this story matters now to space industry professionals AND curious outsiders

  • Visual Elements: Describe available images, diagrams, or visual support materials (do not send attachments)

  • Author Bio (50 words): Your background and why you're qualified to tell this story

  • Timeline: Proposed delivery date and word count

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If accepted, we will follow up with instructions for submitting your material.

Visual Standards:

  • High-resolution images preferred: JPG format, RGB mode, 2300W x 1200H pixels minimum

  • Diagrams and technical illustrations strongly encouraged

  • Credit requirements for all visual elements

  • Behind-the-scenes process shots when available

Writing Standards:

  • Accuracy First: Every technical claim must be sourceable and verifiable

  • Collaborative Tone: Write as if experts and beginners are both in the room

  • Visual Thinking: Structure stories to support strong visual storytelling

  • Cross-Industry: Show connections between space challenges and solutions from other industries

What We're Looking For

Strong Candidates:

  • Stories that reveal unexpected design challenges in space exploration

  • Pieces where the scientific or technical insight has clear, engaging takeaways

  • Cross-disciplinary perspectives (architecture + orbital mechanics, fashion + spacesuits, etc.)

  • Work that shows rather than just tells through compelling visuals

  • Solutions emerging from constraint-driven design

What Doesn't Fit:

  • Pure science for science's sake without design/systems thinking

  • Marketing content disguised as editorial

  • Highly technical papers without accessible translation

  • Student projects unless created for actual clients

Our Editorial Process

Pitch Review (7-14 days): We respond only to pitches under serious consideration

Assignment: Detailed brief with word count, deadline, and visual requirements

Draft Submission: Include all sources, technical consultants, and visual materials

Collaborative Editing: Expect significant back-and-forth to perfect technical accuracy and accessibility

Visual Production: Our design team works with your materials to create final layouts

Fact-Check: All technical claims verified by industry experts

Our Contributors

Space industry professionals seeking broader audiences for their work

Design and architecture professionals interested in extreme environment challenges

Science communicators with access to space industry sources

Researchers and academics willing to translate their work accessibly

Artists and speculative designers exploring space-related themes

Anyone with compelling access to untold space industry stories

Rights and Compensation

  • We publish original work only

  • Contributors retain rights but grant us exclusive license and rights to publish

  • Payment details discussed upon assignment

  • Full attribution and portfolio-worthy presentation guaranteed

  • Author bylines include brief bio and social/professional links

Questions? Email editorial@extraterrestrialdesign.com