Though many people think of astronauts when they think of jobs in space, there are actually a variety of positions available for those who want to work in the aerospace industry.
The most exciting and newsworthy missions require large teams that work together to make them successful. NASA projects include scientists and engineers from within the organization, international organizations like the European Space Agency (ESA), or private companies like Northrop Grumman and Locked Martin. Together they develop the technologies that make it possible to explore space with space probes and telescopes. With the great advances that SpaceX has made in aerospace engineering, now we are also looking to the next adventure, the era of space exploration.
So there are many choices from getting your hands-on experience working in a spacecraft without actually going to space. NASA, ESA, and many private companies offer great opportunities and need skilled people like you to achieve these goals. Here are 8 roles you can play working on a space project without wearing a spacesuit.
1.) Basic Engineering Disciplines
Several engineering disciplines are critical for the success of space missions. Mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering are among them. So, even if you didn’t think that such earthly careers can get you a job in space, think again.
As a chemical engineer, you could work with teams responsible for all of the fluid systems necessary to launch rockets in space. As a mechanical engineer, you could work on the design, build, test, and activate launch pads and tools to produce rockets or oversee their operations. As an electrical engineer, you could be in charge of the design, operation, and troubleshooting of launch facilities and launch pad electrical components and systems. All of these engineers have a degree from an accredited college or university.
2.) Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers are responsible for designing, constructing, and testing aircraft and spacecraft. They use their knowledge of physics and mathematics to figure out how these vehicles will fly and function in space. In addition to designing new space vehicles, aerospace engineers also improve existing designs.
There are two types of aerospace engineering: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. Aeronautical engineers focus on the development, testing, and production of aircraft and related systems, while astronautical engineers focus on spacecraft. Most aerospace engineers have a degree from an accredited college or university.
In order to become an aerospace engineer, you must be good at math and science. You must also be able to think critically and solve problems to transform flight-related concepts into functioning designs that are built and operated. If you have these skills and attributes, a career as an aerospace engineer may be right for you!
3.) Spacecraft Technician
As a spacecraft technician, you could be responsible for the maintenance and repair of spacecraft in one of the many systems that support spaceflight. These might include avionics, hardware, and electrical subsystems, as well as integrating subsystems, conducting inspections, replacing parts, and testing or assisting engineers with performing tests. You don’t need to be an engineer, but you will need to work with them and have a strong understanding of the inner workings of spacecraft, as well as experience in troubleshooting and repairing them.
4.) Software and Systems Engineer
Software and systems engineers are critical for all space missions. As a systems engineer, you could be in charge of systems development and support the process of engineering change to maintain reliability of spacecraft production and maintenance lines.
As a software engineer, you could be in charge of developing, implementing, and improving software and processes for hardware management, configuration management, rocket maintenance, and critical production systems of many missions. You could also be creating new applications or tools that improve operation or developing highly reliable and scalable data pipelines to manage the large amount of data generated by many space missions.
5.) Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer
As a Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) engineer, you will apply principles, concepts, and theory for the design of systems to control the movement of satellites and space vehicles. You will be in charge of designing navigation systems, control algorithms, and spacecraft systems requirements. You could also be in charge of planning space missions, from defining orbit orientation and identifying launch opportunities, rendezvous analysis, and planning, to performing mission modeling and simulation.
6.) Mission Control Operator
Mission Control Operators have more specific duties. In this job, you will be responsible to oversee all aspects of space missions, from launch to landing. You will work closely with astronauts and other mission control personnel to ensure that everything goes according to plan.
In this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of the space environment and the various systems involved in space missions. You will also need to be able to effectively communicate with all members of the mission control team.
7.) Mission Manager
As a mission manager, you would be responsible for the planning and execution of space missions. You would be the technical and programmatic point of contact for customers and coordinate all the teams that support all phases of mission planning, integration, testing, and verification. In some instances, this would include selecting the crew and equipment for the mission, as well as preparing the spacecraft for launch. In general, you would serve as the mission specialist, being responsible for monitoring the progress of the mission and ensuring that it stays on track.
8.) Flight Director
The Flight Director is responsible for the safety and welfare of the astronauts and the success of the mission. They are in charge of all aspects of the flight, from take-off to landing. They work closely with the Mission Control team to ensure that everything goes according to plan.
As a Flight Director, you will need to have excellent communication and leadership skills. You must be willing to learn new things and able to make quick decisions to keep the astronauts safe. This is a high-pressure job, but it is also very rewarding. If you are interested in becoming a Flight Director, you will need to have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.
EXTRA - NASA Contractor Space Flight
But what about NASA? As one of the world's premier space agencies, NASA is constantly on the lookout for talented individuals that will help design the technologies needed to extend the human presence in space and to explore the secrets of the universe. One way they do this is through contracts with private companies that provide the necessary equipment and expertise.
There are a wide variety of positions available in private companies across the USA and the globe like Northrop Grumman, Ball Aerospace, Raytheon, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, and many more; these companies offer jobs like those mentioned above and have opportunities to collaborate with NASA.
The best way to find out what positions are currently available, search online for "NASA subcontractor jobs" or check directly at the company’s website. If you are still a student, you can check for internship opportunities via the company’s website. Your local university or community college might also have programs with these contractors and can set up something for you.