Future Trends in Space Career
By Deba Priya R
Posted on May 10, 2024
0 Comments
5 min read
For centuries, space exploration was limited, that it could only be observed from the Earth. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that space was physically explored by humans. The most common profession that is commonly heard when it comes to space may be astronauts or scientists. But this is not the end of space career, there are a lot more, a wide range of opportunities in the space career that don’t come to mind instantly.
Opportunities for anyone looking to work in the space sector are growing along with humankind’s presence in space. An important component of space ventures is engineering. Aerospace engineers, General engineers, Computer engineers can play a large role in the development of space.
Astrophysicists have a pretty big role as they study the universe by observing space through telescopes, satellites and other imaging. We have a better understanding of our galaxy and universe because of astrophysicists.
Other than engineering and Astrophysics the booming space sector has many more diverse career opportunities and here are some of them:
● Communications Specialist: Success in the space business depends on including the public in its operations. In addition to motivating the government to give space funding a priority, public interest can inspire individuals to pursue careers in space exploration. Thanks to the efforts of communication specialists, we know so much about space than we ever would have. They take complex data from mission personnel and space organizations and present it to the public in a way that is simple to comprehend. These people help publicize space, assist with press releases, and manage social media profiles of relevant organizations.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a subject like communications, public relations, marketing, English, or journalism is usually obtained by communication specialists.
● Astrochemistry: Astrochemists investigate and examine the compounds, mostly atoms and molecules, present in space. They are scientists with a background in chemistry and astronomy. Astrochemists need to be adept at gathering and interpreting data.
Astrochemists are frequently employed by universities, museums, planetariums, research labs, and other establishments.
● Chemical Engineering: Experts in the development and production of chemical products, such as manufactured goods, food, fuel, and more, are known as chemical engineers. These scientists are crucial to the development of spacecraft, satellites, and spacesuits, among other areas of space exploration. Materials and fuels that can endure the intense heat and pressure of space travel must be developed and produced.
Chemical engineers frequently operate on-site in manufacturing facilities as well as in labs.
● Planetary Science: A planetary scientist seeks to advance our knowledge of planets and planetary systems in order to comprehend their composition and genesis and to identify new avenues for evolutionary research.
These scientists must examine the chemical makeup of the planets in our solar system, therefore chemistry plays a crucial part in guiding their understanding. The chemical composition of the rocks and atmospheric gases on Mars and Venus is one instance of what they examine.
● Payload Speciality: An astronaut who flies on a spaceship to carry out research, particular scientific duties, experiments, equipment maintenance, and other activities is known as a payload specialist.
● Spacecraft Propulsion: Any technique used to propel spacecraft and satellites into outer space from Earth’s orbit is referred to as spacecraft propulsion. The scientists working on these projects need to be highly skilled in chemistry in order to design propulsion systems and help make rocket fuel that is more effective.
These scientists are employed by governmental bodies, space agencies, commercial companies, and educational institutions.
● Space Law: Space appears to be a universally accessible entity when we think about it. Even if space is accessible to everyone on Earth, there needs to be a feeling of responsibility and regulation to make sure that space activity doesn’t have a detrimental effect on life as we know it. Because of this, there is a whole industry devoted to making sure that this doesn’t occur; this is what space lawyers do.
According to the Space Foundation* “Space law is a necessary entity that can help protect not only humanity but the space ecosystem.”
Mainly Space law has two branches such as Public International Law and Domestic Space Law. Many of the duties performed by space lawyers are also performed by other kinds of lawyers. There are certain characteristics that are necessary for the profession of practising law. Proficiency in speaking and writing is one of these. A lawyer’s work is not limited to the courtroom; oftentimes, people don’t realize how much writing a lawyer does for a living.
The future of space careers is bright, with opportunities expanding across a wide range of sectors. The sector is changing at an accelerating rate as more privately funded businesses arise, and commercialization has made it easy for anybody with a love for space to get involved in it.
The need for qualified experts with knowledge of business, policy, STEM subjects, and communication will only increase as the space sector develops. Aspiring space professionals can position themselves for success in this dynamic and exciting subject and help shape the future of humankind’s exploration of space by embracing emerging trends and developing transdisciplinary abilities.
