How to Be Space Suit Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 3, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The development of a space suit is a complex process that requires the expertise of a suit technician. The suit technician is responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing the suit so that it can be used in space. They must ensure that all the necessary components are present and in working condition, from the protective outer layer to the life support systems.

The technician also tests and calibrates the suit to make sure it functions correctly in the harsh conditions of outer space. Without a trained and experienced suit technician, astronauts would not be able to safely explore and work in space.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Space suit technicians must have a diploma in order to become certified in the field.
Enroll in a college or university program focused on mechanical engineering or aerospace technology. These programs will provide an in-depth understanding of the science and engineering principles behind space suit construction and design.
Gain experience through internships in related fields. Internships will provide the necessary hands-on experience needed to successfully become a space suit technician.
Apply for a space suit technician position at a government agency, aerospace company, or other organization that works with space suits.
Complete any required training courses and certifications. Depending on the organization and type of space suit being worked with, additional training and certification may be required in order to perform all job duties.
Obtain a space suit technician license from the appropriate governing body. In the United States, this is typically the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in space suit technology and design. This will ensure that you remain knowledgeable and competent in your role as a space suit technician.

Being a successful space suit technician requires staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and advancements in space suit design and development. Keeping efficient means staying on top of the latest developments in the industry, as well as being knowledgeable about the different types of space suit components and how they interact with each other. To ensure efficient operations, technicians must understand the various components of space suits, such as airtight seals, cooling systems, and pressure regulation systems.

technicians must be aware of any updates to the standards and procedures for space suit maintenance, repairs, and modifications. By staying updated and knowledgeable on the latest developments and technologies related to space suit design and operation, technicians can provide the best possible service while ensuring the safety of the astronauts they support.

You may want to check Space Port Manager, Space Station Mission Control Officer, and Spaceport Logistics Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Inspect and maintain space suits and other protective clothing used by astronauts
Monitor the condition of space suits for leaks, tears and deterioration
Repair and replace components as needed
Ensure proper fit and function of space suits
Perform preventive maintenance and safety inspections on space suits
Troubleshoot and diagnose issues with space suits
Maintain accurate records of all space suit repairs and maintenance
Monitor the life-support systems of space suits to ensure proper functioning
Disassemble, clean and reassemble space suit components as needed
Educate astronauts on the proper use and maintenance of space suits

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of space suit design, construction, and operation.
Ability to inspect and maintain space suits, components, and systems.
Ability to troubleshoot problems with space suits and components.
Knowledge of materials used in space suit construction and maintenance.
Understanding of safety procedures related to space suit maintenance and operation.
Ability to work with both digital and analog diagnostic tools.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and schematics.
Ability to use hand tools proficiently.
Ability to read and interpret technical documents.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Having the skill of a space suit technician is essential to ensure the safety and success of any space mission. Properly maintaining and repairing the spacesuits worn by astronauts is crucial for any mission to go off without a hitch. Not only do the technicians need to be knowledgeable in the materials and construction of the suits, but also in how to repair them in case of an emergency.

Furthermore, they must be able to assess the dangers of a situation quickly in order to anticipate any issues that could arise. Finally, they must be able to work with a team of other technicians and astronauts in order to ensure that the mission is safe and successful. Without the skill of a space suit technician, any mission would be doomed from the start.

Space Communications Network Analyst, Space Launch Range Safety Officer, and Spacecraft Designer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in fabricating and repairing space suits?
What did you do to ensure the safety of your team when working on space suits?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest technology related to space suits?
Describe a challenging experience you had while working on a space suit.
How do you prioritize tasks when working on complex space suit repairs?
What safety protocols do you follow when handling hazardous materials used in space suits?
How do you troubleshoot problems related to the functionality of a space suit?
Describe your approach to training new technicians on space suit maintenance.
What methods do you use to identify potential problems or malfunctions in space suits?
How do you keep track of inventory and materials used for space suit repairs?

Common Tools in Industry

Sewing Machine . Used to stitch fabric together (eg: Joining fabrics to create a seam).
Thermal Knife . Used to cut through materials, especially those that are heat-sensitive (eg: Cutting through a spacesuit's thermal layers).
Heat Gun . Used to apply heat to materials for welding or shrinking (eg: Shrinking heat-shrink tubing).
Wire Crimpers . Used to crimp wires together (eg: Connecting wires to a space suit's control panel).
Wire Strippers . Used to strip the insulation off of wires (eg: Removing insulation to expose the copper core of a wire).
Soldering Iron . Used to join two metal surfaces together (eg: Connecting two pieces of metal with a solder joint).
Oxygen Tester . Used to measure the levels of oxygen in the air (eg: Testing for oxygen content in the air inside a space suit).
Pressure Gauge . Used to measure pressure levels (eg: Monitoring the pressure of an astronaut's space suit).
Multi-Meter . Used to measure electrical properties such as voltage, resistance, and current (eg: Testing the voltage of a space suit's power supply).
Vacuum Pump . Used to remove air from a space suit or other enclosed environment (eg: Removing air from a space suit before it is sealed).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS)
International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
National Space Society (NSS)
Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)
Space Studies Institute (SSI)
The Planetary Society (TPS)
American Astronautical Society (AAS)
Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF)

We also have Space Software Engineer, Space Propulsion Engineer, and Space Shuttle Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pressure Suit. A garment designed to protect a wearer from extreme pressure variations and vacuum environments, often used by astronauts during space walks.
Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). A type of space suit used by astronauts during extravehicular activities (EVAs) in the weightlessness of space.
Portable Life Support System (PLSS). A backpack-like system containing air, water, and electricity supply worn by an astronaut during an EVA.
Hard Upper Torso (HUT). The upper part of a pressure suit, composed of rigid material which supports the astronaut's body and arms.
Soft Lower Torso Assembly (SLTA). The lower part of a pressure suit, composed of fabric and insulation to provide protection from the environment.
Helmet. The headpiece of a pressure suit which provides an airtight seal and protects the astronaut's head and neck.
Gloves. Protective gloves worn by an astronaut to protect their hands from extreme temperatures and debris.
Boots. Protective boots worn by astronauts to protect their feet from extreme temperatures and debris.
Space Environment. An environment in space characterized by extreme temperatures, vacuum, and radiation which can be dangerous to astronauts unless they are wearing proper protective gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job description of a Space Suit Technician?

A Space Suit Technician is responsible for maintaining and repairing space suits used by astronauts for extravehicular activities. They must ensure that the suits are safe and functioning properly before missions.

What qualifications are needed to become a Space Suit Technician?

To become a Space Suit Technician, candidates must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, experience in garment and fabric repair, ability to interpret technical drawings and schematics, and knowledge of air and water-tight seals.

What kind of environment does a Space Suit Technician work in?

Space Suit Technicians typically work in clean rooms and other controlled environments. They must be able to work with precision and accuracy in order to ensure the safety and functionality of the space suits.

How much does a Space Suit Technician make?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a Space Suit Technician is approximately $40,000 per year.

What are some of the tasks a Space Suit Technician performs?

Some of the tasks performed by a Space Suit Technician include inspecting space suits for wear and tear, repairing and replacing components, performing routine maintenance, and testing the suits for air and water-tight seals.