Fueling Innovation: My Side Project Between Satellite Tests
Fueling Innovation: My Side Project Between Satellite Tests
As I am developing a cubesat system and testing equipment for qualifying satellites I like to wind down with a couple of creative hobbies as it helps my mind resolve issues in the background while not burning out.
Anime and space are two things that I am passionate about which is why I decided to base my merchandise and t-shirts for conferences on. I do love watching anime with space sections as not only to wind down but to also get possible ideas for mechanical space systems. This might sound a bit of a stretch but fiction especially science fiction has had an influence on new technologies [1]. I am dabbling in learning to draw anime characters for potential new shirt designs and to let my imagination run wild in an environment where physics and finances don't exist, who knows I might come up with a satellite or deployer idea based on what I sketch. One of the anime I loved with satellites and robots was Gun Sword where the protagonist summons a mech where it is launched from an orbiting spacecraft. Anime is wild with some of its plots and technology, but I always want to develop more advanced tech which is why I'd like to take Wyrm Engineering to become a Skunk Works and develop new tech and technology demonstrators.
The Story Behind Our Designs
The dragons I got designed for my initial shirts were commissioned by a couple of artists from an online competition. I can only get one artist's names and would like to share his online profile https://dribbble.com/herykrist as I felt he did an excellent job in one of the designs. The other artists had private accounts on the site I used to commission so sadly can't share them which is unfortunate as I'd like others to hire them for designs.
From Concept to Your Wardrobe
What started as simple t-shirt designs for conferences has evolved into a complete collection that reflects both my engineering background and creative passions. Each piece in our store represents this fusion of technical precision and anime aesthetics:
Our Space Dragon Hoodies - Perfect for those chilly late-night coding sessions or early morning satellite tests. The dragon design isn't just decorative; it represents the power and precision needed in aerospace engineering.
Gaming Mouse Pads - Born from countless hours of CAD work and gaming sessions. The cosmic dragon design creates the perfect backdrop for both technical work and gaming battles.
Coffee Mugs - Because every engineer runs on coffee, and every space mission starts with a good brew. The flame dragon design adds energy to your morning routine.
I have based some of those designs on mousepads and designed my own sports clothing as I want to pair up fitness with anime and space since I love working out. Making these designs allows me to do something creative while I am winding down and hope to also get my sketching good enough to showcase it. When I am trying to solve an engineering problem I like to walk away sometimes and carry out another task while my mind subconsciously finds potential solutions.
Standing Out in the Engineering World
I know the anime motive won't suit everyone or not take it that seriously but I felt that doing something different than the mould will suit me. I didn't want to show up to conferences wearing a suit or have a polo shirt with the Wyrm Engineering logo and wanted to stand out from the crowd. I have had folk tell me they like the anime shirts and had negative reactions also which is something I wanted, to be noticed and remembered. If folk were lukewarm I would be forgotten quickly and be part of the noise.
Conference Stories and Customer Reactions
The reaction to our designs at aerospace conferences has been fascinating. While some traditionalists raise eyebrows, many younger engineers and even seasoned professionals appreciate the bold approach. One aerospace manager told me, "Finally, someone who shows that engineers can have personality!"
These reactions prove that our community is ready for something different - clothing that reflects who we really are, not just what we think we should look like in professional settings.
The Creative Engineering Connection
Apart from drawing and designing anime styled clothing I have taken up origami as another creative outlet. One of the biggest challenges in satellites is space on a rocket and I wanted to find ways to design large deployables (like antenna and solar panels) that take up the least amount of volume. Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding so I thought it makes sense to learn this art so in future projects if I need to design large deployables and get them to fit I will be equipped for the challenge. After learning the basics, I am now developing my skills by folding shapes that look like Pokemon. I plan to complete all the original generation 1 pokemon and then maybe plan to move onto generation 2. I also like to create my own origami mecha designs. This is also another creative hobby as an engineer I have taken up that helps me wind down while I try and solve engineering problems.
Future Design Inspirations
My origami practice and anime sketching are directly influencing our upcoming merchandise designs. I'm working on:
- Origami-inspired geometric patterns that reflect folding mechanisms used in satellite deployables
- Hand-sketched anime characters in space suits and cosmic settings
- Technical diagram aesthetics combined with anime art styles
Why This Matters to Our Community
I do suggest folk should pick up creative hobbies to not only wind down and get away from work but to also develop a new way to solve challenges. Inspiration can come from anywhere and every avenue should be explored.
Our merchandise isn't just clothing and accessories - it's a statement that engineers are multifaceted people with diverse interests. When you wear our space dragon hoodie, you're showing that technical excellence and creative passion can coexist.
Join the Mission
Every purchase supports not just creative expression, but real engineering innovation. The revenue from our store directly funds:
- Satellite testing equipment development
- Cubesat system research
- Future aerospace technology projects
- More awesome designs for our community
Ready to Upgrade Your Engineer Aesthetic?
Whether you're debugging code at 2 AM, presenting at conferences, or just want to show your unique style, our collection has something for every space-loving engineer and anime fan.
Browse our full collection:
- Space Dragon Hoodies - Perfect for professional casual or weekend projects
- Gaming Mouse Pads - Upgrade your battlestation with cosmic flair
- Coffee Mugs - Start every mission with the right fuel
- Anime T-Shirts - Make a statement at your next conference
Follow our journey on social media for design updates, origami tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content from both our engineering work and creative process.
Bibliography
[1] A. Erkurt, "How Sci-Fi Influenced Modern Technology and Innovation," 02 September 2025. [Online]. Available: https://scifilab.substack.c