I’m sure you’ve heard of this popular career — being an astronaut. This is someone who travels into space to perform research and take pictures of planets and stars.
What you may not know is that other careers are linked to a career in the space industry. This includes jobs like engineers, scientists, and managers.
The space industry has many professions, but it can be confusing to know exactly what you should do to best fit the industry. This industry is filled with big governmental agencies as well as smaller companies for where you can work.
==
==
Nearly every company in the space industry has its own unique set of job duties, which can make it hard for new employees to decide which career path they would take.
If you are interested in pursuing one of these careers or want to know more about them before deciding, then read on.
Careers in the space industry
Aerospace engineer
To ensure that goods adhere to engineering principles, aerospace engineers assess designs. Aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles are all designed, developed, and tested by aerospace engineers. They also develop and test prototypes to make sure they work as intended.
Astronaut
The most well-known space career is that of an astronaut, who undergoes rigorous training to be able to travel to space and conduct research. Doing scientific research and space station maintenance are an astronaut’s principal responsibilities while in orbit. A lot of what astronauts do when they are not in space would be preparing for future missions, supporting other existing missions and interacting with other astronauts in space. They’re also assisting in the planning and preparation of prospective expeditions as well as the tools and procedures used on them, and conducting experiments.
PROMOTED CONTENT
Mission control specialist
These professionals are responsible for monitoring and directing spacecraft from Earth. As the “eyes and ears” of astronauts on Earth, mission controllers use a multitude of computers to track anything from spacecraft communications to Earth’s weather. The brains behind the operation, mission controllers keep the mission on course.
Data scientist
Data scientists analyse and interpret data from space missions to help answer scientific questions and improve space technology. They collaborate with scientists to use data management strategies and statistics to study databases and files. Data scientists assist in making sense of the enormous amount of information that a space agency gathers and keeps, whether it be related to changes in land use, air composition, or sea level.
Spacecraft mechanic
These professionals work on the maintenance and repair of spacecraft and their components. Spacecraft mechanics also identify problems and make any required repairs. The function also includes preventative maintenance, including replacing outdated components and systems. These professionals need to be highly skilled in the use of heavy machinery and other equipment.
Spacecraft systems engineer
This profession involves designing, building, and testing complex systems for spacecraft. Aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, satellites, and other apparatus are designed, built, and tested by space systems engineers. They make sure that every component of a spaceship functions as a whole to achieve its goals.
Satellite engineer
To use satellites for telecommunication, weather forecasting, and other purposes, satellite engineers design, construct, and test the satellites. Moreover, they set up and maintain satellite dishes or aerials, test equipment, repair defects, and estimate installation costs.
Planetary scientist
The goal of planetary scientists is to increase our knowledge of the solar system’s planets and satellites, as well as other things like moons, ring systems, gas clouds, and magnetospheres. They investigate the atmospheres, surfaces, and inner workings of planets to comprehend their histories and the physical methods at play. They also use radar to identify asteroids with potentially dangerous impacts on Earth.
Astrophysicist
Astrophysicists study the physical properties of celestial objects and phenomena, such as stars, galaxies, and black holes. They improve our understanding of the cosmos using physics and chemistry to analyze celestial objects, as well as create and test new hypotheses with their findings.
Commercial spaceflight specialist
With the rise of private companies in the space industry, there are now opportunities to work on developing and launching commercial spaceflights. Also known as commercial payload specialists, they are a group of experts in commercial spaceflight that support research organisations with payload operations and integration with orbital and sub-orbital operators during flight.
Conclusion
The space industry is growing daily, becoming increasingly important, and earning a place in our modern world. This means there are opportunities for people fascinated by the idea of working in zero-gravity conditions or just wanting to travel to the stars.
These are just a few examples of the many career options available in the space industry. The field is constantly evolving, so there are likely to be even more exciting opportunities in the future.
Receive the latest developments and updates on Australia’s space industry direct to your inbox. Subscribe today to Space Connect here.
