Workforce Opportunities in the Space Industry
Ever since Neil Armstrong famously stepped foot on the moon in 1969, Americans have had an incredible fascination with space. From planets different to our own to the mystery of black holes, space is considered the final frontier.
However, space is more than just a few astronauts, as it takes a team of hundreds to prepare for each rocket launch. This means the space industry creates plenty of exciting career opportunities for both entrepreneurs and young students.
If you’re passionate about space, here are some of the best career opportunities to consider.
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Engineering
One of the most fascinating employment options in space is engineering. Specifically, aerospace engineering.
Why are they so important to the space industry? Think about a spaceship—how is it able to leave the earth’s atmosphere, travel through space, and then safely land on another planet?
The key is engineering! Aerospace engineering is all about the science behind flight.
They help to design spacecraft and calculate their flight path. It’s a very exact science, as even having your formulas off by a mm can be disastrous.
It’s not easy to become an engineer, as it requires plenty of high-level courses in math, science, and physics. You’ll need an advanced degree as well.
Some of the best aerospace engineering programs in the US can be found at MIT, Stanford, and the Georgia Institute of Technology, to name a few. There are many types of engineering, but aerospace engineering is specific to space travel.
Administrative Support
Young professionals who may not have an interest in science and math, but still want to work in the space industry, can find plenty of clerical roles.
The space industry, like most industries, requires high-level experienced support. From managing schedules, arranging meetings, and helping space tourists arrange their trips, administrative support is essential.
Working in an office or government bureau plays a very helpful role in keeping the space industry running well. Plus, it’s exciting as you’ll be on the front line of a very exciting industry!
To work in administrative support, consider going to a community college or university. There, you can earn a degree in business management or administration.
Astronomer
Astronomy is the study of the planets and stars, so it’s heavily involved with the space industry. Astronomers are experts in the stars, solar systems, and even far-off galaxies, so their knowledge helps shape space exploration programs.
As an astronomer, you’ll help your colleagues understand more about outer space. Astronomers also work within the space industry to run research programs.
Whether it’s learning about new black holes or working with astronauts to bring back rock samples, astronomers are always helping us learn more about our understanding of space.
Most astronomers go on to earn an advanced degree, such as a Ph.D., in astronomy or astrophysics.
In addition to working directly in the space industry, many astronomers also work as professors within universities.
Technical Writer
If you enjoy writing, you can enter the space workforce as a technical writer. A technical writer helps to write the manuals and guidelines for all aspects of space travel.
Since rockets and space vehicles are so intricate and complex, instruction manuals are needed so that astronauts and engineers know how to use them correctly.
As a technical writer, you’ll work closely with engineers to create guides and manuals. Often, this will involve translating complex information into something that’s easy for people to read.
You can obtain a degree in technical writing or English to work in this field. It also helps to have a strong understanding of engineering principles.
Writers in the space industry might also write other documents, including press releases or website copy.
Geologist
Do you love examining rocks, land, and natural landscapes? If so, the space industry has a big need for geologists.
Although we understand the physical attributes of the earth, we are only beginning to understand what the rocks and land might be like on other planets. The surface of both the moon and Mars, for example, are very different from our own.
As a geologist, you’ll closely study rocks and formations from other planets. This will help us better understand our own solar system.
Geologists can also make predictions as to what other planets will be like, based on knowledge of our own planet.
Most geologists study earth sciences or geosciences, but also have strong knowledge of chemistry and science in general. You can then further your studies with a Master’s or Ph.D. in space geology.
NASA hires many geologists, furthering our knowledge of meteors, comets, moons, planets, and asteroids.
Astronaut
Perhaps the most well-known career in the space industry is being an astronaut. It’s something millions dream of, but only a few achieve.
Most astronauts undergo a degree in science, math, engineering, or computer science. Then, they go through almost a decade of specialized aerospace training.
However, even after all that, there’s no guarantee that an astronaut will ever be selected for a space mission. It’s a mentally and physically demanding role that not everyone can handle.
However, as space tourism continues to grow in popularity, we’ll need more and more qualified astronauts. They may work as pilots for space travel missions or conduct space research for privately-owned organizations.
Astronauts also play a huge role in educating the public about space. From lectures to media appearances, astronauts often become public figures that both children and adults admire.
Meteorologist
Another great space career is working in meteorology. A meteorologist is someone with expert knowledge of understanding and predicting weather patterns.
The space industry needs talented meteorologists, especially when it comes to mission launches. Rockets can only go into space if the weather conditions are absolutely perfect.
Otherwise, there’s a danger to the rocket and the astronauts onboard. Experienced meteorologists will predict the weather before space flights, ensuring the conditions are right.
If you’re passionate about the climate and weather conditions, this could be a great career option. You’ll need a degree in meteorology, which requires courses in math, physical sciences, and oceanography, to name a few.
Media and Public Relations
The space industry needs talented media professionals to handle communications and marketing. Whether it’s a government agency or a private company, someone needs to explain the company’s projects and goals to the public.
This is especially true for government agencies like NASA, who are often required to justify their expenses to the public.
Media professionals also help distribute and manage resources, like https://www.spacesymposium365.org/memberships/.
Or, in the case of private space tourism, marketing helps attract new tourists on trips. With so many concerns about space travel, such as cost and safety, media experts help the public feel more comfortable booking space trips.
Private space travel isn’t cheap, with flights hovering around $200,000, so savvy marketers are needed to help fill seats.
If you have a degree in communications and a passion for space, there are lucrative opportunities to be found in the space industry.
Electrical Engineer
As an electrical engineer, you’ll work in teams to manage the electric systems on rockets, spacecraft, and computer systems. There are so many moving parts and complexities in space travel. So, an electrical engineer helps develop, build, and service spacecraft.
You’ll need an advanced degree in electrical engineering. But, it also takes years of specialization to understand how to work on spacecraft.
Software Development
If you love computers, software development is an important career. You’ll use coding and data to develop programs and tools to help build software for the space industry.
This will help rockets and spaceships travel safely. Software also plays a big role in simulation, helping scientists predict how a space mission might go.
You’ll need a strong knowledge of programming, coding, and computer science to be successful in this role.
Which of These Space Industry Opportunities Are You Most Excited About?
If you’re interested in a career in space, one of these opportunities might be right for you! To get started, think about which space opportunity is most exciting.
Then, be prepared to put in a few years of studying. During or after your education, an internship is also a helpful way to get your foot in the door.
Because space is such a competitive industry, it will take some hard work to get hired out of college, but it’s worth it! There’s nothing more thrilling than exploring our solar system and helping us understand more about galaxies outside our own.
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