How to Draw a Space Shuttle (Easy Step by Step)
A space shuttle is a great drawing for beginners because it is built from big, friendly shapes: a tall arch, two triangle wings, a small oval window, and three engines with flames. Once the body is down, each part snaps on next to it. The little stars at the end make it feel like it is zooming through space.
- Easy
- 15 minutes
- 9 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a space shuttle step by step
How to Draw a Space Shuttle · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch this oval. It only shows where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase it at the end.
Step 2: The tall body
Start at the bottom left and draw a straight line up, then curve it over the top like a tall rounded arch and come straight back down on the right. Leave the bottom open for now.
Step 3: The two wings
On each side of the body, start a little above the bottom and draw a slanted line going down and out, like a big triangle. Round the pointy tip a little, then draw one flat line across the bottom from one wing to the other.
Step 4: The round window
Near the top of the body, draw a small oval for the window. Keep it in the middle so an astronaut could peek out.
Step 5: The center fin
In the middle of the body, draw a tall, skinny pointed shape like a leaf standing up. Start at the point at the top and curve two lines down to the flat line at the bottom.
Step 6: Three engine marks
Just below the flat line, draw three short straight lines side by side in a row. Space them evenly under the middle of the shuttle.
Step 7: Left and middle engines
Under the left and middle short lines, draw two skinny engines hanging down from the bottom. Give each a little box on top and a long flame below that curves down to a point.
Step 8: The right engine
Under the last short line, draw one more engine the same way: a little box on top and a long flame ending in a point, so all three match.
Step 9: Twinkly stars
Draw two little stars in the empty space on either side of the shuttle. Make each one a rounded star shape with a tiny star inside.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your space shuttle? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a tennis racket or how to draw a bowling ball and pins next.
Tips for drawing a space shuttle
- Draw the body first and make both sides the same height. If the arch looks lopsided, lightly sketch a center line first.
- The three engines are the trickiest part. Draw the three short lines first at the same size, then add the engines and flames one at a time so they match.
- Let the wing lines start right where the body goes straight, and keep them straight with a ruler or the side of a book if you like.
Free space shuttle coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this space shuttle coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your space shuttle drawing
Try a white or silver body, red wings, and a light blue window. For a creative twist, color the flames in rainbow stripes and fill the sky with dark purple.
Space shuttle fun fact for kids
The first Space Shuttle flight, by the orbiter Columbia, launched in April 1981, and the program ended in 2011 after 135 missions. The shuttle could be flown again and again.
Questions about drawing a space shuttle
What shapes do I need to draw a space shuttle?
You need a tall arch for the body, two triangles for the wings, a small oval for the window, and a skinny pointed shape for the center fin. Each engine is a small box with a pointed flame below it.
How do I make the engines and flames look like they match?
Draw the three short lines evenly spaced first. Then make each engine the same length, with a little box on top and a flame that curves down to one pointy tip.
How do I draw a space shuttle that is easy for a 6 year old?
Take it one shape at a time and start with the big body. Skip the details you find hard, and add stars to fill the sky when you are done.
