‘Spacecraft Equipment’ always appears under the descriptor of Defence and Space. For example, on brochure covers, posters or title images, Spacecraft Equipment can be part of the headline or can be amended as a department of Defence and Space.
A white outline version of the Title block is an essential design element for the look and feel of Spacecraft Equipment. You can find all directions regarding sizes and proportions as well as templates for the Title block here.
The products of Spacecraft Equipment are part of nearly every space mission – this is visualised through the Mission modules, that can be arranged flexibly to convey different messages. Each mission module contains one letter or a dedicated pattern, the whole composition attaches to the right or below Title block.
The letters within the Mission modules conform with the type weight within the Title block: only Helvetivca Neue LT Thin may be used. Each letter appears horizontally centred within a module, please respect a protection zone of one x-height above and below each letter.
The Space patterns may be used to add a technical component to the messaging. They can be arranged singular or double and may replace a blank space or just be an additional design element that features the statement.
The sizing of the Mission modules refers to the Title block. As described below, a single Mission module equals either a fourth or a fifth of the Title block’s size (s). The modules are always organised exactly underneath and next to each other, following a rigid, orthogonal grid. To enable a more dynamic composition, the text lines should be slightly shifted relative to each other. Make sure to move the lines at least one or maximum three full grid units to the left or right.
The imagery concept for Spacecraft Equipment features two different levels: hero images are used for title images, cover pages, posters or any other more associative application. The second level depicts people and products. These pictures only have to be used on a descriptive level that describes more detailed contents. Please respect the following parameters for both imagery levels as described and exemplified in the slideshows below.
First imagery level: hero images (please slide through the images below)
athmospheric and explorative space images, giving the big picture, showing big vs. small, using straight perspectives
Second imagery level: People and products (please slide through the images below)
People: showing expertise by focusing on work, one main colour per image, following a documentary photographic style
Products: packshots always as cut-outs against blue gradients
For packshots or explanatory layouts, blue gradients can be used as well. You can create different gradients using the Airbus main colours (Blue palette) as described below. Always combine Airbus blue with the second, third or fourth shade of the main colour palette. Avoid to use the lightest shade and never combine more than two colours. The gradients are always vertical, don’t work with horizontal fadings or gradients.
As explained above, the first imagery level will be applied to posters or brochure covers. Atmospheric, interstellar space imagery teams up with the Title block and the Mission modules, giving a contemporary visual appeal.
Descriptive appllications like product sheets use plain backgrounds. Product shots or documentary images from the secondary imagery level get integrated into the Mission module arrangement as well. To do this, you can expand a Mission module by mutliplying its size up to max. 10 times and then add the product shot or a documentary picture.
According to their use case, Roll-Ups can either show hero imagery or give product information.
As the online presence of Spacecraft Equipment is part of airbus.com, it‘s not mandatory to use the Title block for the header image. This should show a hero image and Mission modules while all pictures below may be part of the secondary level imagery.
The Mission modules may change their position and content when being animated. While background images might be gently moving, the modules should appear and move abruptly to give your animation a smart and technological appeal.