Case Studies / NASA Strategic Mission Communication


Leveraging aerospace technology for impact with human-centered design






Recently launched







Project 1 of 5

First Cat Video Streamed from Space


NASA Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) asked our team to make their test video, and we produced a viral sensation starring Taters, an orange tabby cat. The video made history when it was streamed from space 19 million miles away, faster than U.S. broadband internet.

Status: Reached Earth on Dec 2023 in 101 seconds at 267 Mbps (More info︎︎︎)
Role: Designer, Researcher, Producer

Skills: Research and Concept, Graphic Design, Motion Design, Media Strategy
Collaborators: DSOC Team, DesignLab Studio (Joby Harris, Dan Goods), Tyler Smyth (music)
Duration: 5 weeks







Impact

The video validated next-gen data transmission across the cosmos. It also went viral, reaching 451M people in four days and topping Google search results for “cat.” 


Major news outlets covered the feat on a global scale, exceeding sharing benchmarks by 740% and inspiring public discourse about this technological feat. The mission is recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions. 
Approach

DSOC’s success was an indisputable aerospace milestone, but most of the world wouldn’t know (or care). Thus, designing DSOC’s test video was a balancing act betwen functionality and mass (and specifically, internet) appeal. I conducted interviews with project technologists, synthesized findings into mission-specific overlay motion graphics, facilitated expert reviews for accuracy, and steered clear of motifs that might introduce ambiguities in interpretation. The video evolved from a test into a historic moment in popular culture that made an inaccessible subject digestible for all. Read our case study︎︎︎








2 of 5

Launching Europa Clipper

 
One of NASA’s “most scientifically-significant” missions (NYT︎︎︎) will investigate Jupiter's icy moon Europa and uncover the potential of life in its ocean. Leading experience design for Europa Clipper’s touring exhibit Voyage of Europa Clipper, I crafted an engaging in-person, nationwide presence in 9 U.S. cities. The designs set the visual standard for the launch identity and ultimately the mission’s public reach.

Status: Exhibited across the U.S. (More info︎︎︎)
Role: Visual Experience Designer, Brand Designer

Skills: Visual Identity, Graphic Design, Design Production
Client/Collaborators: Europa Clipper Public Engagement, DesignLab Graphics

Duration: 10 months



Education drove the exhibit’s design, and interactivity and modular elements brought the experience to life in nine locations.






I championed the use of a secondary typeface and science-informed color palette to expand the visual identity’s functional applications.




Implementing the Europa Clipper brand across NASA’s diverse touchpoints, we transformed the mission’s science objectives into a compelling story about the human search for life.









Impact

 
Cohesive storytelling actualized Europa Clipper’s design system and brought NASA’s most scientifically-significant mission to life for over 35,000 attendees nationwide.


Toured Locations


St. Louis Aquarium (St. Louis, MO)
Audubon Aquarium (New Orleans, LA)
ComicCon (San Diego, CA)
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (Falmouth, MA)
California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco, CA)
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium (Orlando, FL)
Orlando Science Center (Orlando, FL)
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Pasadena, CA)
NASA Kennedy Space Center (Merrit Island, FL)









3 of 5

Various Process-oriented Infographics


I supported the early-stage development of aerospace ventures across diverse contexts, from new mission proposals to novel research methodologies to mission development lifecycles.

Status: In Development
Role: UX Designer, Graphic Designer

Skills: Research, Information Design, Graphic Design, Systems Design, Illustration
Client/Collaborators: Earth Systems Science Team, JPL Innovation Foundry, StoryLab, Director’s Office,  Juno Science Team, DesignLab Studio

Duration: 8 weeks on average






Impact

Clarified complex SME insights, streamlined decision-making across cross-functional teams, and made technical ideas more accessible to stakeholders.


Approach 

While functionality takes precedence in these projects, I ensure the final output reflects strong identity and differentiation, extending its impact for long-term visioning. I work iteratively through sketching, rapid prototyping in Figma, and continuously seeking context to help teams move from ambiguity to clear, resonant decisions.





4 of 5

NASA Content Creator Hub


Creating space content has never been easier with NASA's new Content Creator Hub. Debuted at VidCon 2024, I designed an internet-centered visual identity that distills NASA’s expansive mission into actionable objectives, engaging over 55,000 attendees with exclusive access to space assets and launch involvement.

Status: Exhibited at VidCon Anaheim on June 2024
Role: Growth Strategist & Designer

Skills: Content & Growth Strategy, Motion Design, Visual Identity
Client/Collaborators: NASA Public Engagement, Europa Clipper Science Team, DesignLab Graphics

Duration: 5 weeks







5 of 5

Cleanroom Education Redesign


NASA personnel undergo rigorous training to build and test multi-million-dollar spacecraft. I worked closely with technical instructors to redesign course templates and teaching aids for quality, consistent, and trusted manufacturing training. The revision-conscious designs set new visual standards, are compatible across course offerings and instructing styles, and reflect NASA’s commitment to cutting-edge engineering.

Status: Implemented January 2024

Role: UX Designer, UI Designer
Skills: UX Design, Visual Designer, Design Systems
Client: Manufacturing Technology Transfer Center (MTTC)

Duration:  8 weeks






Testimonial from the MTTC’s lead instructor Katina Celio:

“What sets Elysha apart is her exceptional ability to transform high-level, abstract concepts into tangible, user-friendly designs.”










Please reach out for more information.
More projects launching soon!