Careers in Space
AEROSPACE ENGINEERS:
Aerospace engineers direct and coordinate the design, manufacture, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They can specialize in designing different types of aerospace products, such as commercial and military airplanes and helicopters, and spacecraft such as launch vehicles, satellites, and rockets. Aerospace engineers have academic background knowledge in fields such as aerodynamics, thermodynamics, materials, celestial mechanics, flight mechanics, propulsion, acoustics, and guidance and control systems. They also typically specialize in one of two types of engineering: aeronautical, which deals with aircraft that only function inside the atmosphere of the Earth, and astronautical, which deals primarily with aircraft that function outside the atmosphere of the Earth.
ASTRONAUTS:
Astronauts are trained by human spaceflight to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft. While many think that astronauts spend most of their careers in outer space, in fact, only a tiny fraction of it is. Most of their time goes into training and supporting missions. So what does training look like? Astronauts undergo about 2 years of training to prepare for missions and be certified as ready for flight. Their training includes learning how to spacewalk, how to operate the International Space Station (ISS), and how to work as a team. They also take classes on medical procedures; survival training for emergencies; public speaking classes, since they give speeches a lot of the times; and Russian, since most astronauts leaving Earth must do so through Russian territory and much of the ISS has modules and operations in Russian.
ASTRONOMERS:
Astronomers apply principles of both physics and mathematics to interpret and learn more about the universe. They gather data on the characteristics of celestial objects such as planets, moons, and starts using telescopes and supercomputers. This field is very research-oriented; it is typical for astronomers to build computational models based on theoretical equations, simulate the behavior of systems, and study physical processes through manipulating variables and analysing different parameters. As a result they are also constantly testing scientific theories and writing research papers. Those pursuing a career as an astronomer generally take courses in physics, astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, and geology, with many also taking additional courses in humanities and writing.
ASTROPHYSICISTS:
Astrophysicists are those who specifically study the physical components of celestial objects and interactions between them. Also a very research-oriented field, astrophysicists use physics, mathematics, and computing to investigate the formation of stars, moons, galaxies, and planets. They typically are involved in the analysis of data and statistics, plotting, logging, archiving, evaluating, and reporting results from their research. As for an astronomer, astrophysicists generally have a strong background in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and astronomy.
ATMOSPHERIC SCIENTISTS:
Atmospheric scientists analyze atmospheric conditions and prepare weather reports, often using computer graphics. They collect data from a variety of sources such as surface and upper air stations, satellites, and radars. They must be able to interpret data contained in maps, charts, and computer knowledge in order to make short and long-term weather predictions. Their jobs are very similar to those of meteorologists, but focus more with space as the bigger picture. They typically have strong background knowledge in fields such as chemistry, physics, and mathematics but also environmental sciences and geography.
AVIONICS TECHNICIANS:
Avionics is a field that focuses on aircraft electronics. Avionics technicians are responsible for all of the electronics onboard an aircraft. They are also responsible for the wiring that connects to the electrical system, and they run cables, mount antennas, and connect instruments for navigation and engine monitoring. They also install and troubleshoot avionics equipment on aircraft. As a result, it is necessary for avionics technicians to pay attention to detail as they work on flight-critical systems that are crucial for passenger and crew safety. In order to pursue a career as an avionics technician, once must earn a certification in avionics, which includes completing an 18-month course at an approved institution where they learn about topics that include but are not limited to circuits, radio transmitters and receivers, power supplies, and antenna theory.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS:
Electrical engineers focus on designing, developing, and testing electrical equipment such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. This is essential in the context of space since much of the machinery involved in space exploration depends upon electrical power; for example, everything on the International Space Station needs electricity, and making sure that all the power systems run smoothly and effectively is essential. They have a strong background in the fields of physic, mathematics, and power systems.
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS:
Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, including broadcast and communications systems. In the context of space, they specialize in products including launch vehicles and propulsion systems. They may also work on ground equipment to communicate with or operate spacecraft from Earth. The work of electronics and electrical engineers is often similar in that both use engineering and design software and equipment to accomplish tasks. They also have a strong background in the fields of physics, mathematics, and power systems.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERS:
Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices. In space exploration mechanical engineers’ jobs are centered around working on many different components of space machines. More specifically, they work on built structures and moving parts flown in space, including automation and robotics, instruments for scientific missions, and assessing the effects of the space environment on materials. They have an academic background in fields ranging from computer programming to power systems, and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and hydraulics.
PLASMA PHYSICISTS:
Plasma physicists design and conduct experiments for expanding research on plasma- collections of freely moving charged particles. Plasma physicists can be either experimental or computational. Experimentalists study the effects of the plasma on spacecraft thermal protections. On the other hand, computational physicists develop computational models to simulate the conditions of plasms flows and work with design engineers to come up with better designs of planetary exploration spacecraft shapes and thermal protections. They typically are have a strong background in physics, mathematics, and computer programs.
PRODUCERS AND DIRECTORS:
Those involved in filmography are not directly involved in space related activities. Producers and directors can help create visual images of outer space for the general public. They may also conduct research on outer space in order to produce fictional and non-fictional movies and documentaries on space. This is a more commercial aspect of space related careers, and those interested in filmography take up this career. Most producers and writers that create movies/documentaries about space have years of experience in the field and may even hold a bachelor’s degree.
SPACE LAW:
The idea of ‘space law’ was established in order to agree upon certain rules that apply to human activities in outer space. This field has two divisions. The first is international space law, which is a branch of ‘public international law’ since it is made and applied by states in relation to other states. The second, domestic and commercial space law, is made by the state but applies to private commercial companies. A space lawyer deals with these two components while drafting and reviewing international and national laws, and helping negotiate agreements between nations. Due to the nature of space law, space lawyers engage in a lot of policy making, and spend much of their time drafting proposals and advocating for certain policies. Those wishing to pursue space law usually earn a master’s degree in law.
SPACE PSYCHOLOGISTS:
The field of psychology is interested in understanding how psychological features such as memory, emotions, and motivation are built, used, and updated over time. Space psychologists can be involved in a variety of tasks that are space related, such as psychological examination on astronauts and implementing training programs that are aimed at improving astronauts’ teamwork capabilities. They may also be involved in research regarding trying to understand how time in space affects mental processes and developing processes valuable for long space traveling. Space psychologists are typically knowledgeable in areas such as psychology but also history, biology, and neuroscience.
TECHNICAL WRITERS:
While they do not have direct experience with outer space, technical writers may be asked to assist astronomers, physicists, etc. They assist these scientists in presenting complex, scientific information as more interesting and understandable to the general public; this is in order to reach a wider audience that may or may not have a scientific background. They use visual aids and infographics to make the information more presentable, and may even be utilized by scientists in order to help them apply for grants to fund their research. Technical writers usually have a bachelor’s degree and some experience in the field that they write about.