Space Station Design Workshop
Achieve your design as a team.
SSDW Positions
A conceptual design study requires teamwork from several different disciplines.
The following list represents an overview of the positions you could apply for in the past.
Project Management and Mission Operations
Are you an organizational talent and do you know how to lead a team with strict time constraints to achieve a common goal? Then this is the job for you! A general knowledge of space subsystems and space missions as well as cost and risk analysis are an advantage.
Further, it is of outmost importance to understand a mission timeline with specific operation phases. This can influence decisions for setting launch dates, production timelines as well as EVA and human operations on a space station or planetary base. Scientific experiments can also only be carried out at certain times or places within the scope of a mission. These impact the final time schedule of a project to meet mission objectives.
Systems Engineering
Do you like budgets? Do you like making trade-offs? Do you like keeping track of the progression of a project? Can you come up with quick solutions for complicated problems that affect all subsystems? Then this is the task for you!
Systems engineering is at the heart of designing a space station, making sure all the different systems—life support, power, propulsion, thermal control, and communication—work together smoothly. It’s all about seeing the big picture, balancing technical needs with safety and mission goals. From early brainstorming to final construction, they make sure the space station is not just a concept but a fully functional, reliable, and sustainable environment that can support life in space.
Mission Analysis
An important part of mission analysis is the determination of the desired orbit. As several other subsystems expect information about the orbit from the mission analysts, a good general knowledge of space missions is preferable. Possible outputs for other subsystems are the visibility of celestial bodies of interest such as Earth, Moon, Sun, etc. and/or of specific ground stations on Earth, the amount of required propellant for an orbit transfer and many more.
Attitude & Orbit Control
Every spacecraft needs an attitude & orbit control system. For instance, this system assures correct payload pointing during operations and thruster alignment for propulsive maneuvers. You will need to understand how control systems works and what sensors and actuators are used for this subsystem to design a functional concept.
Space Research
Space research is a driving force behind the design of a space station, shaping its purpose and functionality. It defines the scientific objectives, from studying microgravity effects on the human body to advancing astrophysics, materials science, and biotechnology. Researchers work closely with engineers and architects to ensure the station supports cutting-edge experiments, integrating specialized labs, observation modules, and automated research platforms. By pushing the boundaries of knowledge, space research not only enhances our understanding of space but also drives innovations that benefit life on Earth, making the space station a hub for discovery and technological progress.
Space Resources
What kind of resources are available on other planetary bodies that we could explore, collect and process for use in our mission? Which systems could be manufactured in space and could enhance the mission? In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) focuses on harnessing local materials—like lunar regolith or asteroid minerals—to produce essentials such as oxygen, water, and building materials, reducing dependence on Earth. In-Space Manufacturing and Assembly (ISMA) takes this further, enabling the construction, repair, and adaptation of station components using 3D printing and robotic assembly. Together, ISRU and ISMA transform space stations into more self-sufficient, scalable habitats, paving the way for sustainable exploration and permanent human presence beyond Earth.
Thermal Control Systems
Major temperature differences within short distances / time periods are typical for the space environment. A thermal control system is needed for astronauts and electronic components to survive. You will be in charge to design an reliable and adequate system.
Electrical Power Systems
Without power nothing works – especially in space! This subsystem is vital to guarantee the safe conduction of a mission. Solar cells, fuel cells, batteries and more should be your main interest. This concept needs to allow for the survival and safe functionality of the spacecraft to reach the main mission goals.
Propulsion & Transport
3,2,1- and we have lift of! Exciting words for the start of every space mission. But how do you decide which launcher to take? How many launches do you need to get your equipment and astronauts safely to your desired point of interest in space? These are questions you will need to answer if you want to be responsible for this subsystem.
Communications
Astronauts want to be able to communicate with mission control and relatives on Earth. In addition, science and housekeeping data should be transmitted. The communication subsystem position will be tasked to design a communication system that can offer the needed data transfer rates for the mission with state of the art technology systems. If you thought communication is referring to social networking, you might want to have a look at the Journalism position.
Entry, Descent and Landing
If we want our astronauts to return safely to Earth or land on another celestial body, the spacecraft and inhabitants have to survive the landing. This is one of the most challenging and critical parts of a space mission. Your task will be to come up with a feasible concept to face these challenges.
Human Factors
As space missions are strenuous for human bodies from physiological and psychological points of view, you will be tasked to create a safe and healthy environment for the crew, where astronauts can be happy and productive.
Radiation
As we all know space is a hostile environment. Radiation shielding is one of the big topics for long term missions outside the Earth magnetic field. Your task will be to assure adequate protection for the astronauts during all phases of their mission.
Life Support Systems
As you can’t take your home planet with you when you travel through space, you have to create your own survivable environment. The life support system has to guarantee the functionality of all subsystems involved to assure the availability of vital elements as breathable atmosphere and food to support the crew members during their mission.
Structure & Aerodynamics
Nothing works without structure! You will literally be tasked with designing the space stations main structures.
Robotics & EVA
Have you always dreamed of building Mars rovers? The Robotics & EVA position will need to come up with concepts to help the crew achieve their mission with the help of autonomous systems.
Design & Visualization
Every mission needs a mission patch! But not only is the mission patch important, but also architectural design of space craft and space hub interior and exterior. You will be required to design habitats, space craft and their interior space usage in a smart way. It is also very important to make these designs very realistic and appealing. This guarantees mission funding for your team and makes for great pictures we can use on our website.
Space Architecture
Space architecture is key to designing a space station, blending engineering, ergonomics, and aesthetics to create functional, habitable environments. It ensures structural integrity, modular adaptability, and crew well-being while addressing challenges like radiation, microgravity, and life support. By transforming constraints into innovative solutions, space architecture makes the station not just a survival machine but a livable, sustainable habitat for exploration.
Applications for the SSDW 2025 are closed.
Applicants will receive a response in early April.
Keep checking our social media accounts for the latest updates!
