send your feline friend into orbit with this spaceship-inspired cat bed by CATSA. developed in collaboration with design studio, iontank, the ‘CATSA lander mark1’ features a precision-milled composite aluminum shell and a plush foam bed. the limited edition pet beds are designed and fabricated in pittsburgh, pennsylvania, with the proceeds going to local cat shelters.
images courtesy of CATSA
the CATSA lander mark1 is the product of over six months of persistent research, trial, and quite a lot of error. CATSA collaborated with the iontank design team to create a series of prototypes that evaluated proportions, materials, stability and durability with the help of their rambunctious ‘catsanaut’ test pilots. sadly, many landers did not survive the rigorous testing process and several pilots were suspended after a large cache of catnip was found stowed aboard a particularly savaged prototype.
the mark1 features a distinct, precision-milled composite aluminum shell
eventually, the team succeeded in creating a truly stunning feline escape pod. the landers are labor-intensive to fabricate given the amount of hand finishing involved in each and every one. 3D design packages, CNC machines, large format laser cutters, small-format laser etching, industrial sewing machines, 3D printers, a customized arbor press, soldering irons, and a great deal of hand routing and sanding all come into play. CATSA took no shortcuts and made no compromises on the quality of the finished mark1.
the entryway is protected by a high impact, 3D printed ABS door frame
while there are plans for more lander iterations on the drawing board, the mark1 series will remain unique. only 99 of the brushed aluminum mark1 cat pods and 9 artist’s proofs will be produced with this debut colorway and material combination.
a laser-etched CATSA mission badge is prominently positioned by the entryway
CATSA is a small, woman-owned business on a mission to create the coolest, space-themed, cat-centric design objects possible. proceeds from its design work have helped to build hundreds of subsidized shelters to keep local outdoor cats warm. as the product line expands, CATSA strives to continue to fund more cat rescue and advocacy projects for community cats and their caregivers.
each lander sports its own serialized ID number and comes with a certificate of authenticity
the mark1 flies a black and silver damask jolly-CATSA flag hoisted on a spring steel antenna
the lander is stabilized by nine soft rubber isolation claws in case things get rowdy
a cable routing port allows the use of an electric heating pad (heating pad not included)
the plush 1 inch thick foam bed has a removable cover that is sewn locally from new and upcycled materials
the limited edition pod is created and fabricated in pittsburgh, pennsylvania by cat-loving design nerds
the lander mark1 hopes to make your space kittens smitten!
the design is also large enough to double as a low side table
project info:
project name: CATSA lander mark1 – a refined feline escape pod
design: CATSA + iontank
designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: lynne myers | designboom
