WHAT TO BE A ROCKET SCIENTIST? JOB OPPORTUNITIES GROW IN UK SPACE SECTOR

More than 3,000 jobs were created in one year by companies in the UK space sector.

Employment in the sector hit 46,995 in 2020, according to latest government figures – up from 44,040 in 2019.

Spaceports in Scotland, Wales and England are expected to generate more jobs in the coming years, alongside the growth of regional space clusters, international investment, and emerging technologies such as in-space manufacturing and debris removal, supported by the government’s National Space Strategy.

From astronaut to space project manager, earth observation specialist to space systems analyst and engineer, there are probably hundreds of job opportunities in the space sector for those who want a career with a difference.

But what sort of qualifications do you need to move into space? According to the UK Space Agency, 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.

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