The Future of Space Sector Jobs: Careers That Don’t Exist Yet

1. Why the Space Sector Will Create Jobs That Don’t Yet Exist

1.1 The New Commercial Space Race

Private companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, and Virgin Orbit are reshaping launch and orbital logistics. The UK is investing heavily in its own launch capacity, with Spaceport Cornwall, Shetland Space Centre, and Sutherland Spaceport. This will require a new workforce of launch specialists, orbital operations managers, and payload integrators.

1.2 Satellite Mega-Constellations

Mega-constellations like OneWeb and Starlink involve launching thousands of satellites to deliver global broadband. Managing these vast networks will require orbital traffic controllers, cyber defenders, and debris management engineers.

1.3 Space Tourism & Commercialisation

Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX are pioneering space tourism. The UK, with its aerospace history, is positioned to contribute to this market. Careers will expand into orbital hospitality, passenger safety, and tourism logistics.

1.4 Lunar & Martian Exploration

NASA’s Artemis programme, ESA’s Moon Village, and SpaceX’s Mars ambitions point to sustained off-world habitation. Future jobs will involve resource extraction, base construction, life-support systems, and extraterrestrial agriculture.

1.5 Defence & National Security

Space is increasingly militarised. Satellites are critical for navigation, communications, and intelligence. New jobs will appear in space security strategy, cyber-defence, and satellite resilience engineering.

1.6 Space Sustainability & Debris Management

More than 36,000 pieces of tracked space debris threaten orbital safety. Careers in debris removal, sustainable satellite design, and orbital policy enforcement will be essential.

2. Future Space Careers That Don’t Exist Yet

Here are ten roles likely to emerge in the next two decades:

2.1 Orbital Traffic Controller

Monitors satellites, spacecraft, and debris in real time to prevent collisions. This role will use AI systems but require human oversight for risk decisions.

2.2 Space Resource Extraction Specialist

Designs sustainable mining systems for lunar regolith, asteroids, and Martian soil. These specialists will provide materials for construction and extract water for rocket fuel.

2.3 Orbital Robotics Engineer

Develops robots to repair satellites, refuel spacecraft, and assemble orbital structures. Robotics will reduce reliance on astronauts for hazardous tasks.

2.4 Space Cybersecurity Analyst

Protects satellites and spacecraft from hacking, espionage, and interference. This role will be crucial as space assets underpin banking, GPS, and national defence.

2.5 Extraterrestrial Habitat Designer

Combines architecture, engineering, and materials science to create livable lunar and Martian bases, ensuring safety, comfort, and sustainability.

2.6 Space Tourism Coordinator

Oversees logistics, safety, and customer experience for suborbital and orbital flights. A blend of aviation, hospitality, and safety expertise will be required.

2.7 Space Debris Retrieval Engineer

Designs technologies to capture, recycle, or de-orbit debris. From nets to robotic arms, these solutions will be vital for orbital safety.

2.8 Interplanetary Supply Chain Manager

Plans logistics networks between Earth, Moon, and Mars. Will coordinate transport of food, fuel, and equipment across space.

2.9 Space Ethics & Policy Officer

Advises governments and corporations on fair resource use, planetary protection, and compliance with treaties. Will shape the “laws of space”.

2.10 Space Medicine Specialist

Doctors trained in space physiology will manage bone loss, radiation exposure, and psychological challenges of long-term missions.

3. How Today’s Space Roles Will Evolve

3.1 Satellite Engineer → Orbital Systems Architect

Satellite engineers will expand from single satellites to managing interconnected constellations.

3.2 Launch Technician → Autonomous Launch Operations Engineer

Manual processes will be replaced by automated systems, requiring oversight of robotics and AI.

3.3 Space Scientist → Resource Utilisation Specialist

Researchers will pivot from observation to practical extraction and application of extraterrestrial materials.

3.4 Aerospace Engineer → Extraterrestrial Habitat Developer

Engineers will focus on building radiation-shielded, climate-controlled habitats.

3.5 Astronaut → Space Explorer & Constructor

Astronauts will become long-term builders, scientists, and leaders in off-world colonies.

3.6 Defence Analyst → Space Security Strategist

Defence roles will focus on orbital threats, anti-satellite weapons, and satellite resilience.

3.7 Regulatory Specialist → Space Governance Advisor

Policymakers will draft new frameworks for resource rights, orbital slots, and ethical exploration.

4. Why the UK Is Well-Positioned for Future Space Jobs

4.1 Government Investment

The UK’s National Space Strategy commits £1.5 billion over the next decade. Priorities include small satellites, spaceports, and global navigation systems.

4.2 World-Class Companies

• Inmarsat: Satellite communications.

• OneWeb: Mega-constellations for broadband.

• SSTL: Pioneers of small satellite manufacturing.

4.3 Spaceports

Spaceport Cornwall and Scottish sites like Sutherland are preparing for commercial launches, bringing high-value jobs to regional economies.

4.4 Academic Excellence

Leicester University leads in space science; Strathclyde excels in aerospace engineering; Surrey is globally renowned for satellite innovation.

4.5 Small Satellite Leadership

The UK leads the world in CubeSat and small satellite design, a fast-growing niche in the sector.

4.6 International Collaboration

The UK works closely with ESA, NASA, and commercial partners. British scientists and engineers contribute to Mars exploration, the ISS, and lunar programmes.

5. Preparing for Space Jobs That Don’t Yet Exist

5.1 Build Strong STEM Foundations

Physics, aerospace engineering, materials science, and computing are essential pathways into future space jobs.

5.2 Develop Interdisciplinary Skills

Future roles will require blending engineering, AI, robotics, law, and ethics.

5.3 Gain Practical Experience

Seek internships with space companies, ESA projects, or research labs. Join university satellite or rocketry societies.

5.4 Master Emerging Tools

Familiarity with orbital mechanics software, robotics systems, and simulation platforms will be key.

5.5 Understand Policy & Governance

Knowledge of the Outer Space Treaty, UK Space Agency regulations, and evolving international frameworks will be crucial.

5.6 Join Professional Networks

Bodies such as the Royal Aeronautical Society and UK Space Agency initiatives provide access to training and networking.

5.7 Lifelong Learning

The space sector evolves rapidly. Postgraduate study, CPD, and micro-credentials will keep professionals competitive.

Mini-Conclusion Recap

The space industry is entering its most transformative era. Roles like orbital traffic controllers, extraterrestrial habitat designers, and space ethics officers will define the sector. With strengths in satellites, research, and launch infrastructure, the UK is uniquely positioned to lead.

Conclusion

The future of space jobs will span engineering, science, medicine, governance, and ethics. Many roles do not yet exist, but within the next two decades they will be critical to sustaining humanity’s presence in orbit, on the Moon, and even Mars.

For UK professionals, opportunities are vast. From building mega-constellations to designing off-world habitats, the careers of the future will be some of the most exciting and impactful of the century. The space jobs that don’t exist today could soon become the foundation of tomorrow’s space economy.