Thomas Rathjen

I work for the Flight Projects Division at Johnson Space Center, which is part of the Space and Life Sciences Directorate. My current job is managing Space Human Factors Engineering research, which is all about understanding how to design spacecraft, habitats, and missions that maximize human performance on long duration space flights. My most recent project was designing hearing protection for the International Space Station crews. Previously at NASA, I designed and managed flight crew equipment for the Space Shuttle. Some examples are the galley, body restraints, cameras, and tools.

I became an engineer because I like to create things and solve problems. I received my undergraduate degree in Engineering and Applied Science, with a specialty in Mechanical Design, from the California Institute of Technology. After working on crew equipment design for about ten years, I became particularly interested in human-machine interfaces. So, I recently obtained an engineering masters degree in Human Factors from Wright State University.

I am married and have four children, so most of my free time is dedicated to family activities. We love to camp and travel. I also play guitar in a rock and roll band and fly as a private pilot.

Last Updated: 06/20/01