
Veterans in Space: A Military‑to‑Civilian Pathway into UK Space‑Industry Careers
Introduction Space is no longer the exclusive domain of superpowers—it’s a booming commercial arena. The 2024 UK Space Sector Report values the domestic industry at £17.5 billion, with the Government’s National Space Strategy committing £1.4 billion to launch sites, secure communications, and next‑generation navigation constellations. Defence intersects heavily: Skynet 6, Titania (space‑based quantum comms), and the UK Space Command’s responsive‑launch mandate all need skilled professionals. Military veterans bring mission focus, security clearance, and technical prowess—qualities the space sector craves. If you’ve maintained satellite uplinks on operations, guided aircraft via GPS under EW threat, or monitored ballistic trajectories, you already think in orbital mechanics and space situational awareness. This guide shows you how to leverage MoD transition programmes, translate military experience, and secure rewarding roles—from launch‑pad technician to satellite analyst—in Britain’s burgeoning space economy. Quick Win: Explore live Satellite Operations Engineer roles to see who’s hiring today.