A backer of rocket builder space Exploration Technologies, Thiel is exploring investments in artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and aerospace engineering.
The inside of spaceships also lacked gravity, while the actual ship design conformed to aerospace engineering rather than a "futuristic" aesthetic.
In one survey, working conditions for philosophers outranked some other prestigious fields like aerospace engineering and astronomy.
He had a degree in aerospace engineering when he decided to pursue photography.