How to Build a Space Ship

A space ship is a vehicle designed for use in outer space. Astronauts and scientist use space ships in order to learn more about the universe. Building a space ship is a complicated process that can take many years. These steps can assist you.

Instructions

Gain the Experience

1. Educate yourself. Building a space ship is going to require an advanced understanding of various skills in math and science. Degrees in engineering, biological or physical sciences or mathematics are needed.

2. Receive training. On the job training is needed to understand all the elements that go into creating such a complicated vehicle. Look for internships and career placement with NASA or other opportunities that relate to your degree.

3. Get a job. Once you have the necessary qualifications look for a job that allow you the opportunity to build a space ship. NASA is the leader in building space ships but a few privately owned companies are building space ships too.

Design and Build

1. Assemble a team. One individual can't build a space ship. It takes a team of highly skilled engineers and professionals who each contribute their advanced knowledge in science and mathematics to the project.

2. Define a mission. Ask questions to determine the outcome of going into space. Start planning the type of space ship you need to build in order to achieve the goal.

3. Determine a payload. The payload is what your space ship carries. Sometimes it's a piece of equipment used to study outer space or it may carry people.

4. Design your space ship. To design your space ship with all the necessary support systems to complete the mission. It should be designed to be self sufficient for the length of its journey in outer space.

5. Analyze and test your space ship. Study the designs of the ship, its weight and shape. Consider the design ability to move beyond Earth's atmosphere and maneuver in outer space. Design the space ship using computers and begin to test its performance in all areas.

6. Build a model. Create a small scale model. Use this to assist you with finishing the design. Make changes until the space ship's individual parts meet all performance requirements. Create a full size model to test for any design flaws.

7. Make a prototype. The prototype tests the space ship's ability to operate in outer space. Various tests are run to simulate conditions of space travel over many hours. Once all test are passed your space ship is ready for production.

Tips & Warnings

• A space ship can cost billions of dollars to design and build. Few people are able to afford the expense on their own.

• The more experience you have the better. Consider obtaining advanced degrees that may allow you to bypass most on the job training.

• Ways to save money and safely cut cost should be discussed in every stage of the design process.

• NASA and other such organizations are exclusive and constantly turn down applicants. The competition to join the ranks is reserved for the most qualified.

• Due to extreme cost, the complexity of design and how important your space mission is determined to be, your space ship may never make it past the design phase.

Resources

• Learn more about space ships at NASA.