LEO Sports Destination: The Future of Sports is Here—and It Is Out of This World
Press Release | Comunicado de Prensa en Español
Seattle, WA – January 8, 2024 - Space United unveils a one-of-a-kind space station that merges the competitive spirit of sports with the boundless possibilities of space exploration.
Space United, a pioneering organization at the intersection of soccer and space innovation, is thrilled to announce the launch of its groundbreaking LEO Sports Destination, a space station that transforms how athletes and fans experience sports beyond Earth.
Designed by Space United’s soccer players turned space engineers (at SpaceX and Blue Origin), Principal Space Architect, Daniel Inocente, AIA, (formerly at NASA), and fueled by the universal passion for soccer, the LEO Sports Destination represents a bold step towards making space accessible while expanding the possibilities of what can be achieved in space.
The LEO Sports Destination is designed for hosting sporting events in a microgravity environment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the part of space closest to Earth, where satellites and the International Space Station are located. Despite experiencing 90% of Earth's gravity, these objects orbit at high enough speeds –around 17,500 mph, to continually “fall” with the Earth's curvature, creating a weightless environment. In the LEO Sports Destination, traditional boundaries in sports are lifted and crew members can perform incredible, three-dimensional movements impossible on Earth.
Space United engineer-athletes are eager to pioneer in-space sports as the future of space exploration unfolds- noting that this future will arrive sooner than it seems. Space exploration has been accelerating rapidly, with over 100 launches annually. These efforts drive innovations we depend on, like satellite communication and GPS, while fueling scientific breakthroughs and deepening our understanding of the universe. NASA, aiming to replace the International Space Station after more than 20 years in orbit, is already contracting private companies to develop commercial space stations.
Private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, have made strides towards not-so-distant future human missions to the Moon and Mars. SpaceX’s Starship, designed to transport up to 100 people to Mars in a single journey, has already successfully completed a series of uncrewed test launches. Space United’s Camilo Tobacia, former soccer player for Millonarios FC in Colombia and current Blue Origin engineer, reminds us:
'Where there are people, there must be soccer!'
The LEO Sports Destination will not only introduce a new era of sports and space but also redefine fan engagement, captivating and inspiring sports fans and space enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds with the exciting possibilities of sports and space exploration.
Space United is working to unveil an interactive prototype of the LEO Sports Destination during the FIFA World Cup 2026. This experience will offer fans an immersive environment and replicate the unique dynamics of playing football in space. The prototype will tour the U.S. and beyond, giving fans an unforgettable preview of the future of sports in space. Following this, Space United plans to launch its LEO Sports module into low Earth orbit, officially marking the beginning of a new era for in-space sports.
For Space United, this venture is a huge step in their mission to make space approachable and relatable to the broader community. With the complexity and perceived exclusivity of the space industry, many communities find themselves outside the space circle. By combining their roots in soccer and space, Space United seeks to shatter stereotypes about who belongs in the space landscape, creating a fun and exciting future where everyone, everywhere has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits with space.
Check out our unveil video of LEO Sports Destination
About Space United:
Space United is a soccer and space tech organization launching their fans toward the future of space exploration! Founded by the Tobacia Brothers—Latino soccer athletes turned space engineers at SpaceX and Blue Origin—they’re on a mission to combine their passion for sports and technology to create a fun and exciting future where everyone, everywhere can access the benefits of space. Their integrated club model features a global network of recreational soccer clubs made up of engineer-athletes who support their innovative STEM education, ‘In-Space Sports’ initiative, and their unique Soccer & Space youth academy. Soon, they’re launching a professional soccer club for their community, offering a cutting-edge tech gameday experience that trailblazes a new era of fan engagement, breaks barriers to STEM, and inspires a diverse new generation of innovators beyond geographic location.
About Daniel Inocente, AIA
Daniel Inocente is the principal architect at DIA Architecture Firm, where he combines expertise in both terrestrial and space architecture. With a career spanning projects for NASA, the European Space Agency, and Blue Origin, Daniel specializes in creating structures that overcome environmental and gravitational challenges. His unique experience allows him to innovate at the intersection of traditional architecture and space exploration, pushing the boundaries of what is possible both on Earth and beyond.
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