Space Station Design Workshop
SSDW 2025 Organization Team
"The key to success in any organization is identifying, developing, and empowering the right people."
- Craig Groeschel
Introducing this year’s organizers and helpers:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Claas Olthoff
SSDW ORGANIZER – Co-Chair
Professor of Human Spaceflight and Exploration at the Insitute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart.
“When I was 5 years old I was lucky enough to visit the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with my dad. From that moment on I knew I wanted to be involved in human spaceflight. Working with like-minded, driven and enthusiastic people on keeping humans alive in space is the best job on Earth (and in space)!“
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gisela Detrell
SSDW ORGANIZER – Co-Chair
Professor for Human Spaceflight Technology at the Technical University of Munich
“I am eager to contribute to make human spaceflight exploration possible, because space exploration allows us to understand the world we live in and to go beyond what seems possible.”
M.Sc. Natascha Bonidis
SSDW ORGANIZER – Co-Chair
Research Assistant and Ph.D. Student at the Institute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart. Active Member of KSat e.V., Project Supervisor of KSat’s SOURCE CubeSat
“Developing technologies for space applications has always been my dream. Exploring the universe – our Earth, Moon, and other planets – is my passion. By working in this field, I aim to make my dreams come true and inspire future generations to reach for the stars and beyond.”
M.Sc. Tharshan Maheswaran
SSDW ORGANIZER – Co-Chair
Research Assistant and Ph.D. Student at the Institute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart.
“Curiosity and ambitions have led mankind to create many Earth monuments. Now, we are entering an era focused on sustainable space exploration and colonization of celestial bodies. My fascination for space exploration stems from developing technologies that create a foundation for becoming a multiplanetary species.”
M.Sc. Lina Salman
SSDW ORGANIZER – Co-Chair
Research assistant and Ph.D. Student at the Chair of Human Spaceflight Technology at the Technical University of Munich
“Exploring is part of our nature, we are drawn to the unknown, to expand, to understand and to improve the lives we are living. Space is the next step for human exploration. Keeping astronauts alive when travelling to space and other celestial bodies is what I hope to contribute to.“
Sergio Santaeufemia Sánchez, Ph.D.
SSDW ORGANIZER – Co-Chair
Postdoctoral Researcher at the Professorship of Human Spaceflight Technology at the Technical University of Munich
“Inspired by biology and amazed by aerospace engineering, I consider human space exploration a crucial responsibility. Every system developed plays a vital role in maintaining the health of astronauts and preserving life beyond Earth. I am honored to be able to contribute to this effort, where human curiosity drives the integration of living systems with the future of space exploration.”
Timon Karl-Heinz Schwarz
SSDW ORGANIZER – Co-Chair
Research assistant and Ph.D. Student at the Chair of Human Spaceflight Technology at the Technical University of Munich, Operations Engineer at the German Aerospace Center (DLR)
“Space exploration is one of the defining challenges of humankind in the coming decades. Advancing life support systems is essential to enable sustainable long-duration missions and permanent human presence beyond Earth. My work aims to contribute to that ambitious and inspiring goal.”
Florian Kiko
SSDW Team – Work Package & Recipe Manager
Aerospace Engineering Bachelor Student in Stuttgart, Student at the Institute of Space Systems & Member of HyEnD e.V.
“The simple dream of flying drifting with the stars got me into aerospace engineering and space travel. The Cosmos offers limitless possibilities for humankind, including challenges to master. Making it accessible and striving for the technological excellence has always captivated me.”
Luisa Metten
SSDW Team – Merchandise
Aerospace Bachelor student at the Technical University of Munich
“Working in space always means working with like-minded people that share the same fascination and wonder for what is out there. The excitement to solve complex problems and discover new perspectives is what has led me into this field.“
Nils Fabian Dittschar
SSDW Team - Work Package & Recipe Manager
Aerospace Engineering Bachelor Student in Stuttgart, Student at the Institute of Space Systems & Member of KSat e.V.
“What fascinates me about spaceflight is not just the extreme engineering it demands, but the way it brings humanity together at a shared frontier. I’m driven by the idea of making space more accessible and thus opening the door to discoveries and possibilities that go far beyond our world.“
Zeyu Zhu
SSDW Team – 3D Printing Expert & Social Media/PR
“As I grew up, so did my country’s human space program. As a kid, I would wait impatiently in front of the TV for the launches. Now, I’m super excited to work towards being a part of it.“