Spacecraft Designer

The Spacecraft Designer career is a role where engineers design and build spacecraft. This is a career that offers diverse career opportunities to build satellites, telescopes, space probes, and other spacecraft. These craft may have civilian uses, such as communications or researching the universe, or military uses, such as satellites or other craft that gather intelligence or that are used for protection and defense of a nation.

Developing Aerospace Products

Spacecraft Designers typically begin by meeting with clients and representatives of organizations to determine the intended use, function, and requirements for the spacecraft in question. These may have specialized functions such as communications, defense and intelligence, the exploration and study of space, or the study of the Earth and its atmosphere.

Construction

Engineers design the spacecraft by determining physical properties, such as weight, size, and shape, that would most effectively fulfill the intended uses. They then design the systems that will need to function in order for the spacecraft to work as intended, as well as how these systems will be integrated into the spacecraft. Spacecraft Designers also participate in the fabrication and assembly of spacecraft, helping to make sure that parts are fitted together properly, that all necessary systems are in place, and that the spacecraft will function as intended.

Testing and Certification

Once the spacecraft has been built, it must be tested to make sure that the systems on board function properly and that it is prepared for use in space. Engineers may help with tests to assess a spacecraft's ability to manage predicted stresses, temperatures, and other conditions in space, and to determine whether the spacecraft will be able to function properly once deployed.

Launching and Usage

After the spacecraft has been built, tested, and certified, it may have to be transported to a launch site. Engineers may assist in the preparation of the spacecraft for launch, and may also be on hand at the launch site to make sure that launch preparations go smoothly. They may also oversee the beginning of the spacecraft's mission, making sure that planned activities are carried out properly.

Day-to-Day Work

The day-to-day work of a Spacecraft Designer depends on the stage of development of the program. In the early stages of development, Designers will do research and design work, meeting with clients, designing the spacecraft, and determining the systems that will be required. Later, Designers will work in a team to build and test the spacecraft, and may work to help launch the spacecraft and ensure that its mission begins properly.

Personal Growth

Spacecraft Designers may have opportunities for personal and career growth by taking on greater responsibilities, by pursuing professional development opportunities, and by completing advanced certifications or degrees.

Self-Guided Learning

Individuals interested in a career as a Spacecraft Designer may complete self-guided learning projects, such as building a model rocket or researching propulsion systems or spacecraft design. These projects may help these individuals learn more about the field and help them determine if they want to pursue this as a career.

Online Courses

Online courses may help individuals interested in becoming a Spacecraft Designer to gain valuable knowledge and skills. Many online courses are taught by experts in spacecraft design and may provide in-depth information about the materials, processes, and systems involved in designing spacecraft.

These courses may include lecture videos, readings, projects, assignments, quizzes, exams, and interactive labs that can help learners from diverse academic and professional backgrounds to learn about key concepts in spacecraft design.

Career Prospects

Online courses may be part of a self-learning curriculum for individuals who want to change careers or to supplement their education as they pursue a formal education in spacecraft design. While online courses alone are not sufficient to become fully trained in this field, they may provide foundational knowledge that can help learners succeed in a formal career training program or degree.