Guidance

UKSA Careers leaflet

Updated 7 February 2022

1. Careers in space

The sky is not the limit.

2. Why work in space?

Space is one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK economy, supporting jobs for some 117,000 people. With the motivation, and the right skills and qualifications, you could join them.

Careers in space cover everything from building spacecraft and designing satellites, to co-ordinating disaster relief and forecasting future climate. You could also help develop new technology, search for life on distant worlds or work with astronauts.

The space industry employs engineers and scientists, accountants, lawyers and communicators. There are jobs in the public and private sectors, in universities, major multinational companies and small enterprises.

UK teams are building some of the world’s largest – and smallest – satellites. They are constructing the first European Mars rover and are working on missions to the Moon, Mercury and Jupiter.

British engineers are developing new satellite communications services. Innovators have built the first colour video from space. Scientists are using satellite technology to monitor life in the oceans and the possibilities of life on distant worlds.

3. What skills do you need?

Most careers in space require innovation, creativity, teamwork and problem solving. Many jobs cover multiple disciplines and, as space is an international endeavour, they often involve working with partners around the world.

There are plenty of opportunities available for apprentices and graduates.

Studying science, engineering, IT and maths – as well as related subjects, such as geography – will put you in a strong position for a wide range of space careers.

Engineering

Teams of engineers work together to design and build spacecraft, robots, instruments and satellite sensors. They develop practical skills and need to co-operate to solve problems. As an engineer, you might be working on a new Earth monitoring satellite, propulsion system or even mission to another planet.

Natural science

Scientists work with satellite technology to learn more about the Earth and understand how it’s changing. Biologists use satellite sensors to investigate the effects of plastic pollution, meteorologists rely on satellites to track the weather, and satellite data helps chemists and physicists predict the effects of climate change.

Space science

Is there life on Mars? You could be part of a science team that is trying to find out. From discovering planets that might support life to unravelling the mysteries of Mercury, space scientists, physicists and astronomers are tackling fundamental questions about the nature of the universe.

Services

From co-ordinating the response to a natural disaster to developing computer algorithms to map urban development, there is a wealth of opportunities to help deliver services from space and make a difference to people’s lives.

This is one of the biggest growth areas in the UK space sector and businesses are looking for people with a wide range of skills. These might include qualifications in software design and IT, geography or marketing.

4. How do I find out more?

There are many routes into a space career and plenty of support available to help you. Here are some links to useful websites:

gov.uk/ukspaceagency The UK Space Agency’s official website including its online magazine, SpaceUK

spacecareers.uk Ideas about careers provided by UKSEDS, the UK’s national student space society

space.ktnlandscapes.com Set up by the UK’s innovation agency, this site provides information about organisations within the UK space sector

myskillsmylife.org.uk MySkillsMyLife - Online game and resources from WISE campaign for girls and young women aged 11-19

nationalspaceacademy.org/careers/careers-links Links from the National Space Academy to useful sites

technicians.org.uk Learn more about how an apprenticeship could develop your skills for a space career

esero.org.uk Aimed at teachers, the UK space education office has several career resources