Job Profiles
The space industry is growing fast and new jobs are being created every day. Space professionals design components for Mars rovers, develop software that uses satellite data, study images taken by space telescopes, research the effects of microgravity on the human body, and even practise law.
Credit: NASA/AmesAerodynamicist
Aerodynamicists research into the motion of air and its interaction with solid objects such as a spacecraft. This can then be used in the technical design and development of spacecraft to maximise their performance.
Agricultural Data Analyst
Agricultural Data Analysts use data and imagery collected by remote sensing to monitor the quality of agricultural land and the changes it undergoes to inform farmers on the most effective use of land and aid environmental and conservation research.
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Credit: NASA/Henry BortmanAstrobiologists
Astrobiologists are scientists studying the possibility of life in space, and what life needs to survive.
Credit: PHYS.orgAstrochemist
Astrochemistry is the study of the elements and chemical reactions naturally occurring in space. This concept of space chemistry aims to bring chemistry to space: to adapt or develop chemical processes, synthesis and technologies to be used for space applications.
Credit: NASAAstronauts
Astronauts are the people who actually go into space, conduct experiments on space stations like the ISS, and pilot spacecraft like the Space Shuttle.
Credit: Loaded LandscapesAstrophotographer
Astrophotography is one of the earliest types of scientific photography, capturing celestial events and astronomical objects. The field of astrophotography accelerated the accomplishments of astronomical research while engaging viewers with more intrigue and passion for astronomy.
Credit: ESO/G. HuedepohlAstrophysicists & Astronomers
Astrophysicists study objects in the universe, including galaxies and stars to understand what they are made of, their features, their histories, and how they were formed.
Credit: NASADisaster Response Coordinator
Satellite technology is increasingly becoming critical to disaster response coordination, not only can it be used to monitor how areas have been affected and where aid is most needed, it is also invaluable for communications, vital for the success of relief efforts.
Credit: NASA/JPLEarth Observation Scientist
Earth Observation Scientists use remote sensing to gather images and data about the Earth which can then be used to learn more about the natural and built environment and the changes that are taking place.
Credit: NASA/Goddard/Chris GunnEngineers
There are many kinds of engineers in the space sector. Their job is to design components, software, and systems, improving on current designs and creating totally new ones.
Insurer
Launching rockets into space is risky and expensive, as a space insurer you would be providing cover for spacecraft and satellites in case something was to go wrong, covering space vehicles throughout their life.
Lecturer
Lecturers primarily work in Higher Education institutions teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supervising PhD students and also conducting their own research.
Credit: Wes Agresta/Argonne National LaboratoryMeteorologist
Meteorologists study the Earth’s atmosphere allowing them to predict the weather and climate.
Credit: ESANavigational Scientist
The applications of satellite data for the use of navigation has become an integral part of life, whether that be for use for SatNav systems in cars or for tracking shipping.
Oceanographer
Oceanographers bring together knowledge from biology, chemistry, physics and geology to study the characteristics of the Earth's seas and oceans. They also use data from remote sensing to research into sea currents and tides.
Credit: NASA/GSFC/Aaron SilverPlanetary Scientists
Planetary scientists study planets and moons like Mars and Titan to try to understand what they are made of and how they are formed.
Credit: NASA/Tom TschidaProject Manager
Project Managers are responsible for overseeing projects, managing teams and making sure they run to time and keep within a budget.
Credit: NASA/AmesResearcher
Research is essential for any advancement in the space industry, whether that be improving technology and our ability to navigate space or learning more about space and our place in the universe.
Science Communicator
Science communicators work to increase public engagement in science related topics of interest, focusing on making the field of scientific development more accessible to non-experts.
Credit: 
Space Lawyers
Space law governs all space-related activities. It covers things like the protection of planets from human contamination, to the rescue of stranded astronauts.
Credit: GCTCSpace Medical Professionals
Space medical professionals are doctors and scientists who study the effects of being in space on the human body, viruses, and medicines.
Credit: ESA - Jurgen MaiSpacecraft Operator
Spacecraft Operators are vital to the success of any space mission, whenever a spacecraft is powered up they are responsible for making sure that it is running correctly, efficiently and diagnosing and fixing any problems that occur.
Credit: Orbital Sciences CorpTechnician
Technicians are at the forefront of building and testing spacecraft and space systems, perfect for someone who is looking for a hands on career.