Rahaf Altallaa
“At just 25 years old, Rahaf Altalla (Rahaf Marsa) is a visionary Jordanian Palestinian- space architect and the founder of NAWAH Collective, the first ever space design movement led by Arab women. A proud Palestinian, Rahaf is shaping the future of extraterrestrial habitation with a mission deeply rooted in resilience, sustainability, and the cultural identity of displaced peoples. Her work explores how space architecture can serve as a model for self-sufficient, adaptable living environments—both on Earth and beyond.
Rahaf’s journey into space architecture began with a deep fascination for human survival in extreme environments. With a background in Architectural Engineering and design, she has authored multiple research papers on sustainable extraterrestrial habitat development, many of which have been published in Architectural Space Design Journals. Her research draws parallels between Palestinian resilience, desert survival strategies, and extraterrestrial settlement design, arguing that communities with a history of adaptation in extreme conditions are uniquely positioned to contribute to off-world habitation.
Her most ambitious project, RUM Base 001, is a Mars habitat concept inspired by the deserts of Wadi Rum, a landscape that mirrors Mars’ harsh conditions. The project focuses on resource utilization, biophilic design, and self-sustaining habitats for long-duration missions. As a member of SpaceArchitect.org, Rahaf is seeking to actively contributing to global discussions on human-centered extraterrestrial architecture and preparing for submissions to Mars Society research initiatives.
Beyond technical innovation, Rahaf is a passionate advocate for Palestinian and Arab representation in space exploration. Through NAWAH Collective, she is creating opportunities for Palestinian and Middle Eastern architects, engineers, and designers to play a role in the future of space habitation. She believes that the story of Palestine—of adaptation, endurance, and the fight for a home—has direct relevance to humanity’s search for a home beyond Earth.
Rahaf’s mission is clear: to design the first human settlements beyond Earth while ensuring that Palestine has a voice in the stars.
📍 From Palestine to Mars
