Become aSpacecraft interior designer

Becoming a Spacecraft Interior Designer allows you to combine your love for design with a passion for space exploration.

You get to work on groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of human habitation. This career is perfect for you if you enjoy creative problem-solving and want to make a tangible impact on the future of space travel.

Plus, it’s an exciting and rapidly growing field with plenty of opportunities to innovate and collaborate with experts from around the world.

• Design futuristic living spaces for space travel.
• Create innovative, comfortable interiors for astronauts.
• Blend high tech with uber cool aesthetics.
• Transform the way humans experience space missions.

As a Spacecraft Interior Designer, you will:

Design Living Spaces

Create layouts for crew quarters, workstations, and communal areas to ensure they are efficient and comfortable.

Select Materials

Choose materials that are lightweight, durable, and safe for use in space.

Collaborate with Engineers

Work closely with aerospace engineers to integrate your designs with the technical requirements of the spacecraft.

Focus on Ergonomics

Ensure that all designs are user-friendly and support the physical and psychological well being of astronauts.

Innovate for Zero Gravity

Develop solutions that work in a microgravity environment, where traditional design principles may not apply.

Space Agencies

Work with organisations like NASA, ESA, and other national space agencies to design interiors for their missions.

Private Space Companies

Join companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, or Virgin Galactic, which are developing commercial spacecraft.

Aerospace Manufacturers

Collaborate with companies that build spacecraft, like Boeing or Lockheed Martin, to design interiors that meet their specifications.

Research Institutions

Contribute to academic and scientific research projects that focus on improving the living conditions in space.

Design Firms

Work for firms that specialise in high-tech design, bringing your expertise to innovative space projects.

Creative Thinking

Generate innovative design solutions for the unique environment of space.

Technical Proficiency

Use design software and understand engineering principles.

Collaboration

Work effectively with a multidisciplinary team.

Attention to Detail

Ensure every aspect of your design is functional and safe.

Problem-Solving

Overcome the challenges of designing for zero gravity and limited space.

Several STEAM subjects will provide the foundational knowledge needed to pursue a career as a Spacecraft Interior Designer. These subjects combine aspects of design, science, and technology.

Design and Technology

Learn the basics of design principles and how to use design software.

Physics

Understand the principles of motion and forces that affect spacecraft.

Engineering

Gain knowledge of how things are built and how systems work together.

Mathematics

Develop problem-solving skills and the ability to perform precise calculations.

Art

Enhance your creativity and aesthetic understanding, important for creating visually appealing designs.

As a Spacecraft Interior Designer, you’ll get to do some really cool things:

Design And Test Zero-Gravity Furniture For Comfort
Imagine creating seating and sleeping arrangements that work seamlessly in a weightless environment!

Collaborate With Astronauts To Optimise Their Living Space
Work directly with astronauts to ensure their spacecraft environment meets their needs and preferences.

Develop Innovative Solutions For Small Space Challenges
Create clever designs to maximise space efficiency and functionality in spacecraft interiors.

Use Virtual Reality To Visualise Spacecraft Designs
Explore your designs in 3D simulations to see how they’ll look and function in space.

Incorporate Advanced Materials For Safety And Comfort
Select and use materials that are both durable and comfortable in the extreme conditions of space.

Attend Space Mission Briefings And Design Workshops
Stay at the forefront of space exploration by participating in exciting briefings and collaborative design sessions.

Dr. Lisa Harvey-Smith
Dr. Harvey-Smith is an award-winning astrophysicist and space scientist who serves as the CSIRO’s Research Director of Space and Astronomy. Her work focuses on integrating advanced interior systems into spacecraft to ensure both functionality and astronaut comfort, contributing to a more sustainable future in space exploration.

Dr. Sarah Burch
As a leading researcher in human factors engineering and space habitability, Dr. Burch has published extensively on spacecraft living environments. Based at the University of Melbourne, she specialises in ergonomics and user experience, aiming to enhance crew conditions during long-duration missions.

Melanie Bagg
Melanie Bagg is renowned for her innovative designs in space habitats, contributing to various international space missions. At the Australian Space Agency, she focuses on developing habitat designs that improve both comfort and efficiency for astronauts in space environments.

Dr. Julie Williams
Dr. Williams is a specialist in spacecraft technology integration and interior design, recognised for her contributions to space station projects. Working with space mission planners at the University of Western Australia, she ensures spacecraft interiors meet the highest standards of safety and comfort.

These traits will help you navigate the challenges and demands of this exciting career.

Creative

To develop innovative and effective design solutions.

Collaborative

To work well with a team of engineers, scientists, and other designers.

Detail-Oriented

To ensure every aspect of your design is precise and functional.

Flexible

To adapt to new challenges and changing requirements in space design.

Innovative

To think outside the box and create new ways to improve living and working conditions in space.

Bachelor of Interior Design

Specialises in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing indoor environments. Provides foundational skills in spatial design, materials, and ergonomics. Useful for designing comfortable and efficient living spaces within spacecraft. The University of Western Australia (UWA) offers a Bachelor of Design with a focus on Interior Architecture, which can be tailored to spacecraft design through elective courses and projects.

Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace)

Covers the technical aspects of spacecraft design, including structural integrity and systems engineering. Provides essential knowledge about the constraints and requirements of spacecraft, crucial for designing interiors that work within these parameters. The University of Sydney offers a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering, providing a solid foundation in aerospace principles relevant to spacecraft design.

Bachelor of Science (Space Science)

Focuses on the scientific aspects of space environments, including microgravity and space habitat research. Offers insights into the unique challenges of designing for space, such as microgravity effects on human behaviour and well-being. RMIT University provides a Bachelor of Science (Space Science), equipping students with knowledge pertinent to spacecraft and space missions.

Bachelor of Architecture

Specialises in designing and planning spaces, integrating aesthetics with functionality and safety. Provides skills in spatial planning and innovative design solutions, essential for creating effective spacecraft interiors. University of Melbourne offers a Bachelor of Architecture, which includes courses on design thinking and spatial problem-solving relevant to spacecraft design.

Spacecraft Interior Design is a field that thrives on interdisciplinary knowledge. By combining degrees, you can gain a holistic understanding of both design and the technical aspects of space travel.

For example, pursuing a Bachelor of Industrial Design alongside a Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace) allows you to merge creative design skills with engineering principles, ensuring your designs are both innovative and feasible.

Universities often offer flexible programs where you can take elective courses from different faculties. This means you could study materials science to understand the properties of different materials, while also taking courses in human factors engineering to design comfortable and safe living spaces.

By integrating diverse fields, you can develop a comprehensive skill set that prepares you for the unique challenges of designing for space.

During your studies, you will learn about:

Spacecraft Layouts

Designing efficient and functional layouts for living and working spaces.

Material Science

Understanding the properties of materials suitable for space environments.

Ergonomics

Ensuring designs are comfortable and user-friendly for astronauts.

Safety Standards

Learning about safety protocols and standards in space design.

Sustainable Design

Incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable practices in your designs.

Practical work experience is an option for a career in Spacecraft Interior Design. Work placements provide opportunities to work with experienced designers and engineers, giving you insights into the industry.

You might find placements at space agencies, aerospace companies, or design firms working on space-related projects. These experiences allow you to apply your learning, develop professional skills, and build a network in the industry.

Spacecraft Design Certification

Obtain certifications related to spacecraft and space mission design to demonstrate specialised knowledge in this niche area.

Human Factors Engineering

Courses or certifications in human factors engineering are valuable, focusing on designing environments that enhance human performance and safety in space.

Skills Development

Master 3D modelling, CAD software, and other design tools essential for visualising and creating spacecraft interiors.

Portfolio

Build a comprehensive portfolio showcasing design projects related to space or advanced technological environments. Highlight innovative solutions and practical applications.

Cross-disciplinary Projects

Participate in cross-disciplinary projects or competitions focusing on space habitation or spacecraft design to gain practical experience and build connections.

Micro Learning

Enrol in online courses and certificate programs that focus on specific skills needed for Spacecraft Interior Design. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer courses in design principles, materials science, and space technology.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, opportunities abound in the growing space industry. The Australian Space Automation, AI & Robotics Control Complex (SpAARC) in Perth offers exciting roles for designers interested in space technology. Collaborating with local universities, you can engage in innovative projects and research.

Australia

Across Australia, you can find numerous career opportunities. The Australian Space Agency supports various missions and projects, providing roles for Spacecraft Interior Designers. Universities like the University of Sydney and RMIT University offer research collaborations and advanced study programs in space science and design.

Rest of the World

Globally, the field is expanding rapidly. Major space agencies like NASA in the United States and the European Space Agency (ESA) in Europe are always looking for talented designers. Private companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are leading the way in commercial space travel, creating a wealth of opportunities for innovative designers. Prestigious institutions like MIT and Imperial College London offer top-tier programs and research opportunities in space design