The space industry continuously expands as countries and private companies invest heavily in space exploration and space-related technologies. With its fast technology, you’re probably hearing new stories about space exploration every day. This growth is creating many exciting career opportunities in various space-related fields. Here are 8 unique opportunities to start a career in the space tech industry.
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineers design, develop, test, and maintain spacecraft, satellites, and aircraft. They research innovative technologies to advance space exploration and build systems for space travel and space-based applications. Aerospace engineers perform research to improve existing aerospace systems and technologies or to develop new ones. They study the forces and physical properties affecting aircraft and spacecraft to maximize their efficiency, functionality, and safety. An aerospace engineering career requires Strong math, physics, and programming skills.
Astrodynamics
Astrodynamics specialists calculate spacecraft trajectories, predict the positions of celestial bodies and analyze orbital mechanics. They determine the optimal path for a spacecraft to reach its destination efficiently while consuming the minimum fuel. A degree in aerospace engineering, physics, or math is typically required, with coursework in orbital mechanics, spacecraft navigation, and propulsion systems.
Astrodynamics experts apply principles of physics and mathematics to study the motion of natural and artificial celestial bodies. They analyze orbital parameters and forces such as gravity to understand space navigation and the motion of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Knowledge of software like MATLAB, Orbital Mechanic Analyst, and General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT) is essential for a career as an astrodynamics specialist.
Spacecraft Operations
Operators monitor and control spacecraft health, safety, and operational parameters from the ground during space missions. They track the position and status of spacecraft, check onboard systems and payloads, and send commands to adjust equipment functions or the spacecraft’s course and orientation.
Spacecraft operators work with mission directors and other personnel to plan space missions down to the smallest detail. They program the spacecraft with commands to execute specific functions and a flight path to follow. During missions, spacecraft operators send additional commands to ensure all spacecraft systems function properly and achieve objectives. Strong technical skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential for this role.
Satellite Communications
Professionals in this field design, develop, test, and operate the technology and infrastructure that enables global satellite communications, including satellites, ground stations, and networking equipment. They install and maintain satellite communications systems, monitor network performance, and troubleshoot issues. Knowledge of satellite communications protocols and networking technologies is essential.
Satellite communications specialists operate satellite systems that transmit data, audio, and video signals between destinations on the ground. They manage satellite networks that provide telephone, internet, radio, and television services to residential and business customers. Strong technical and problem-solving skills are needed to install ground stations, ensure network security and connectivity, and prevent signal interference. Familiarity with transmission standards like DVB-S is also important.
Planetary Science
Scientists study the origin and evolution of the solar system, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. They analyze characteristics of planetary bodies like chemical composition, atmosphere, geology, and potential to support life. Coursework in planetary formation, astrophysics, geophysics, and remote sensing techniques provide useful knowledge for this role.
Some planetary scientists focus on astrobiology, searching for the potential for life elsewhere in the Universe. They develop theories on conditions necessary for life to emerge and be sustained on other planets. These scientists analyze data from space missions to determine the habitability of planetary bodies in our solar system and beyond. A mix of scientific knowledge and curiosity about life itself is needed for this interdisciplinary field.
Space Robotics
Within these space jobs, robotics engineers design, build, test, and operate robotic spacecraft, rovers, drones, and instruments to explore space or assist astronauts. They develop robotic systems that can withstand the extreme conditions of space travel and operate autonomously or be remotely controlled. Space robotics specialists program the intricate sequences of instructions that control robotic spacecraft and rovers during space missions.
They operate robotic exploration vehicles remotely, monitor their systems and performance, and adjust navigation or payload equipment in real time. Strong skills in robotics, programming languages like C++, and operating robotic manipulator arms are needed. The ability to quickly solve technical issues that arise during missions is also important.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the space industry offers unique career opportunities in exciting fields at the frontiers of science and technology. The roles are highly technical, interdisciplinary, and geared toward pushing the boundaries of human achievement in space. If you’re considering getting into the space tech field, you’d be right to. Even if you’re in a completely different field and thinking of switching over, remember it’s always possible.
