As an inventor, I am always observing systems in nature and wondering how the workings, interactions and natural designs I see can be applied to scientific problems. At the forum I proposed that a single function solar-powered space ship the size of a balloon, and weight of a bumble bee could have a propulsion performance exceeding that of conventional space craft. Keep it small. This occurs because the structural overhead must go up proportionately to the dimension of the system in order to withstand the increasing forces on the structure. This principle of scaling is easier to understand in relation to examples in nature.
Insects have no bones.
This keeps the fraction of their total mass needed for structural stiffness low. In contrast, large animals, such as elephants, have a large fraction of their mass devoted to structural support, and are not very stiff. Maximize the flight performance. Conventional space missions usually begin with the goal of delivering an instrument. Scientists must then figure out how to get it there.