3 answers
M.
Student
Los Ángeles, Bío Bío Region, Chile
7
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What are the different space careers and what do they need ?
The skills required for each career and any tips would be happu
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3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
M, you’re asking about one of the coolest career fields out there! Whether you dream of launching rockets, designing space habitats, or studying alien worlds, there’s a spot for you in the universe (literally). Martha already gave you great advice, M, and she’s right—space careers are out of this world! 🚀
🤔So let me say:
1. Engineering & Tech (They are like the Builders of Space!)
Aerospace Engineer – Designs rockets & satellites. Needs physics, math, and problem-solving.
Robotics Engineer – Creates space rovers & robotic systems. Coding + mechanical skills = must-have.
Avionics Technician – Keeps spacecraft electronics running. Good for hands-on tech lovers.
2. Science & Research (lets call em the explorers of the Unknown!)
Astrophysicist – Studies black holes & galaxies. If math excites you, this is for you.
Planetary Scientist – Investigates planets & moons. A mix of chemistry, physics, and geology.
Astrobiologist – Searches for life beyond Earth. Biology + chemistry + curiosity required.
3. Space Medicine & Human Support (they, literally Keep Astronauts Alive!)
Aerospace Doctor – Studies how space affects human health. Medical school + extra training.
Space Psychologist – Helps astronauts handle isolation. Psychology background needed.
Food Scientist – Develops space-friendly meals. Chemistry & biology come in handy.
4. Operations & Business (To Make Space Work!)
Mission Control Specialist – Directs space missions. Needs quick thinking & tech knowledge.
Space Lawyer – Handles policies & regulations (yes, space laws exist!). Law degree required.
Project Manager – Oversees space projects. Strong leadership & organization skills needed.
So start with these as Martha mentioned as well.
✅ Follow space agencies – NASA, SpaceX, and the Saudi Space Agency have training programs.
✅ Explore scholarships – Many space organizations fund students interested in space fields.
✅ Join space-related activities – Astronomy clubs, coding boot camps, robotics competitions.
✅ Look at real job descriptions – See what skills and qualifications you need.
As Martha wisely pointed out, space careers aren’t just for astronauts. There’s a role for every skillset—so go explore! 🚀
All the best and good luck out there in the void! 🤗
🤔So let me say:
1. Engineering & Tech (They are like the Builders of Space!)
Aerospace Engineer – Designs rockets & satellites. Needs physics, math, and problem-solving.
Robotics Engineer – Creates space rovers & robotic systems. Coding + mechanical skills = must-have.
Avionics Technician – Keeps spacecraft electronics running. Good for hands-on tech lovers.
2. Science & Research (lets call em the explorers of the Unknown!)
Astrophysicist – Studies black holes & galaxies. If math excites you, this is for you.
Planetary Scientist – Investigates planets & moons. A mix of chemistry, physics, and geology.
Astrobiologist – Searches for life beyond Earth. Biology + chemistry + curiosity required.
3. Space Medicine & Human Support (they, literally Keep Astronauts Alive!)
Aerospace Doctor – Studies how space affects human health. Medical school + extra training.
Space Psychologist – Helps astronauts handle isolation. Psychology background needed.
Food Scientist – Develops space-friendly meals. Chemistry & biology come in handy.
4. Operations & Business (To Make Space Work!)
Mission Control Specialist – Directs space missions. Needs quick thinking & tech knowledge.
Space Lawyer – Handles policies & regulations (yes, space laws exist!). Law degree required.
Project Manager – Oversees space projects. Strong leadership & organization skills needed.
So start with these as Martha mentioned as well.
✅ Follow space agencies – NASA, SpaceX, and the Saudi Space Agency have training programs.
✅ Explore scholarships – Many space organizations fund students interested in space fields.
✅ Join space-related activities – Astronomy clubs, coding boot camps, robotics competitions.
✅ Look at real job descriptions – See what skills and qualifications you need.
As Martha wisely pointed out, space careers aren’t just for astronauts. There’s a role for every skillset—so go explore! 🚀
All the best and good luck out there in the void! 🤗
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
M.
This was super helpful, thank you!
M.
Do musicians make it to space?
Sama
You are welcome M super happy it landed a helpful shot! 😉
Dr H
Ohhh Sama, you're really about to rewrite the entire galaxy lore, huh? ☺️ Musicians have made it to space! Chris Hadfield, a Canadian astronaut, legit recorded a cover of "Space Oddity" by David Bowie IN SPACE. Man was floating with his guitar, strumming away like it was just another day at the cosmic office. And NASA literally sends music to space missions to keep astronauts vibing in zero gravity.
But a K-pop idol in space? That slot is still wide open, waiting for the first idol to drop a whole comeback from the International Space Station. Imagine the first-ever intergalactic fan chant — your fandom screaming "Sama! Sama! Sama!" from Earth to Mars.
Dr H
So if you're serious about this idol journey, you're not just manifesting a stage — you're manifesting a whole universe. Start small, conquer Earth first... then we'll work on getting you that NASA trainee application.
Dr H
Wow, that is so cool. Thanks for the new sights doctor.
M.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1058
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
There are many exciting careers in space exploration, each needing specific skills and education. Some of the main careers include astronauts, aerospace engineers, astrophysicists, planetary scientists, and satellite technicians. Astronauts often have degrees in fields like engineering, biology, or physics, along with good problem-solving and leadership skills. Aerospace engineers design spacecraft and satellites, so they need to be skilled in math, physics, and computer-aided design (CAD). Astrophysicists and planetary scientists study space and planets, requiring strong skills in math, research, and analysis. Satellite technicians work on satellites and need knowledge of electronics and telecommunications.
Most of these careers need a strong background in STEM. For example, astronauts and engineers typically need degrees in aerospace engineering, physics, or biology, while astrophysicists and planetary scientists usually go for advanced degrees in physics, astronomy, or geology. There are also space law and space medicine careers emerging. Space lawyers deal with legal issues related to space, so they need to understand international law, while space medicine specialists study how space affects human health, which requires medical knowledge or training in biomedical engineering. Building a solid academic foundation and gaining experience through internships or research is key to success in these fields.
To start exploring these careers, you can check out resources like NASA’s Pathways Internships Program - https://www.nasa.gov/careers/pathways - for opportunities in aerospace and space operations. For astrophysics or planetary science, universities with strong space research programs or agencies like the European Space Agency (ESA) - https://www.esa.int - offer good research projects. For space law, the International Institute of Space Law - https://www.iislweb.org - is a great resource, and future space medicine professionals can look into the Aerospace Medical Association - https://www.asma.org. Building your skills through education and experience, while staying involved in space-related organizations, can help you find a rewarding career in space.
Most of these careers need a strong background in STEM. For example, astronauts and engineers typically need degrees in aerospace engineering, physics, or biology, while astrophysicists and planetary scientists usually go for advanced degrees in physics, astronomy, or geology. There are also space law and space medicine careers emerging. Space lawyers deal with legal issues related to space, so they need to understand international law, while space medicine specialists study how space affects human health, which requires medical knowledge or training in biomedical engineering. Building a solid academic foundation and gaining experience through internships or research is key to success in these fields.
To start exploring these careers, you can check out resources like NASA’s Pathways Internships Program - https://www.nasa.gov/careers/pathways - for opportunities in aerospace and space operations. For astrophysics or planetary science, universities with strong space research programs or agencies like the European Space Agency (ESA) - https://www.esa.int - offer good research projects. For space law, the International Institute of Space Law - https://www.iislweb.org - is a great resource, and future space medicine professionals can look into the Aerospace Medical Association - https://www.asma.org. Building your skills through education and experience, while staying involved in space-related organizations, can help you find a rewarding career in space.
Thank you so much for the advice.
M.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
480
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi M, you are asking about a very exciting field. You are likely aware of the Saudi Space Agency (link below), but I wanted to remind you that they have scholarship and educational opportunities. Maybe set up an agent to alert you when they issue media releases. The next link talks about space education programs in Saudi Arabia. The one after that (Stimson) talk about the development of space exploration in the Middle East.
You said that you like the sciences, but not physics as much. Many of the roles I saw at these sites are engineering-oriented, which does involve physics. However, there are many different roles at the space agency and related companies. For example, they both would need project managers, which would is a different skillset. Depending upon the project, you could potentially still be close to the technology.
There are people and facility management roles, as well as research roles. For example, research might involve how materials react in space, how to meet human needs in space, how space affects humans, etc.
I would encourage you to read actual job descriptions at space sites to learn more specifically about different roles. Good luck!
Saudi Space Agency - https://ssa.gov.sa/en/humanSpaceProgram/?path=/human-space-program/
The National - https://www.thenationalnews.com/gulf-news/2023/08/10/new-space-education-programmes-in-saudi-arabia-to-boost-sector/
Stimson - https://www.stimson.org/2023/the-middle-east-enters-the-space-race/
You said that you like the sciences, but not physics as much. Many of the roles I saw at these sites are engineering-oriented, which does involve physics. However, there are many different roles at the space agency and related companies. For example, they both would need project managers, which would is a different skillset. Depending upon the project, you could potentially still be close to the technology.
There are people and facility management roles, as well as research roles. For example, research might involve how materials react in space, how to meet human needs in space, how space affects humans, etc.
I would encourage you to read actual job descriptions at space sites to learn more specifically about different roles. Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
M.
Thanks for the help.
M.
Females from outside US can they also become astronauts?
Sama
You're welcome and I appreciate your courtesy!
Martha Kramer
Hi, you have to be a US citizen or have dual citizen (including the US) to be an astronaut. This is the same for working for NASA. But you could potentially work for one of the partners, which could be found here - https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#:~:text=Other%20than%20extremely%20rare%20exceptions,Agencia%20Espacial%20Brasileira%20(AEB)
Martha Kramer
Wow cool thanks alot.
M.