Space
The UK space industry is experiencing a surge of innovation and investment, making it an exciting time to launch a career in this rapidly growing field.
While the sector may seem smaller than that of the US or China, the UK is a powerhouse of cutting-edge technology, with over 1,700 organisations contributing £18.9 billion to the economy.
From satellite data analysis and spaceport operations to AI-driven research and planetary protection, the space sector offers diverse career paths beyond just rockets and astronauts. With increasing global reliance on space technology for navigation, climate monitoring, and communications, the demand for skilled professionals - engineers, scientists, business strategists, and even legal experts - is rising.
PhD and masters students
Look out for these boxes for information specific to you!
European Space Agency (ESA) Young Graduate Trainee Programme
Space technology is woven into all parts of our lives. From weather forecasts, SatNavs, smart phones and TVs, to providing essential technologies to a broad range of industries.
Careers in space cover everything from building spacecraft and designing satellites or components, to forecasting future climate and co-ordinating disaster relief, to inspiring and teaching the next generation of space scientists. Opportunities are available in the public and private sectors, in universities, major multi-national companies and small to medium enterprises.
Teams from the UK are working on missions to the Moon, Mars and Jupiter. New satellite communication services are being developed by UK engineers, and scientists are monitoring and researching life in our oceans and on other planets.
UK Space segment career roles into the following:
- Engineering: this focuses on the design and construction of spacecraft, robots and other instruments. There is a practical application of knowledge to creatively solve problems with teams.
- Natural science: this focuses on using satellites to observing changes to the Earth from space. Biologists may use sensors to explore plastic pollution, chemists and physicists may use satellite data to predict the effects of climate change or weather patterns.
- Space science: These roles focus on the big questions that can leave us feeling a little small; “are we alone in our universe?”, “just where does the edge of the universe start or end?”. Physicists and astronomers are tackling the fundamental questions about the nature of the universe.
- Services: This is one of the biggest growth areas in the UK space sector, and organisations are looking for people with a wide-range of skills. This could include drawing up legal contracts, developing algorithms to analyse complex data, recruiting new talent, or focusing on sustainability. The range of roles will suit a range of graduates including those from law, computer science, geography or business.
Which employers work in this area and what roles are available?
Check out the NASA Podcast here
Global space economy
The global space economy is worth up to around £250 billion, with key players being the United States, the EU, Russia and Japan. It is estimated that it could surge to $1 trillion by 2040 according to Morgan Stanley.
As a truly international industry, there are global opportunities, particularly for people with the right level of specialist skills, knowledge and expertise.
It is worth being aware, however, that some roles and companies in this sector are linked to national defence and security, and are therefore less likely to employ non-native citizens of nations in which they operate.
UK Space Agency
European Space Agency
East Midlands
The sector in the East Midlands is worth £20 million, the majority of which is accounted for by space manufacturing. Leicester in particular is a hub for space-related research and technology with the emerging National Space Park and the National Space Centre.
There is intensive research activity into space at the University of Nottingham. The university is home to the Nottingham Geospatial Institute, and its business engagement unit, the GNSS Research Applications Centre of Excellence (GRACE). A partnership between The University of Leicester and De Montfort University is also set to build a £13 million Institute of Technology dedicated to space science and digital and cyber technologies.
Leicester has invested in a £100m space park which focuses on analysing data sent down from satellites. Tenants include UK Space Agency, Rolls Royce, Airbus, NCEO, Frontier Space Technologies and EarthSense.
What's going on in Nottingham?
Along with the research activity at University of Nottingham, there are a handful of companies linked to the space industry across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire:
- British Geological Survey
- Geospatial Ventures – based on Jubilee campus, this organisation provides geospatial systems integration and expert consultancy services to businesses.
- GMV – also based on Jubilee campus, this company provides high-tech solutions to a range of industry sectors including space, aeronautics, and cyber security.
- Terra Motion – provides satellite ground monitoring data analysis for companies in the buildings and insurance sectors.
At the University of Nottingham
How can I use my degree in this sector?
There are a broad range of opportunities, particularly for those with scientific and technical skills, but also for students from non-technical backgrounds.
Physics students
You can use your fundamental understanding of the science behind materials, propulsion, signal propagation and processing, gravitational forces and (space) weather systems to contribute to the design, manufacture and effective use of essential components and instruments required for space technology.
If you wish to pursue further academic study and research, you can specialise in areas such as astrophysics and astronomy, or other areas related to the science of space.
Engineering students
Computer science and maths students
If you have advanced IT and programming skills, you will be much in demand to create and develop the programmes and applications required by the sector, as will students with mathematical modelling skills and the ability to manage large data sets across a whole range of applications.
Geography students
Geospatial engineers, geographers, geoscientists and environmental engineers are some of the space most-sought-after profiles, due to the increased operations in earth observation.
Other disciplines
Any graduate with the right skills can progress into commercial areas supporting the space industry, such as law, marketing and PR, sales, finance, project management and insurance. Space law is an emerging area.
The public interest in space means that there are opportunities in science outreach and communication for those with enthusiasm, knowledge and good communications skills.
Further space-related job profiles can be found on SpaceCareers.uk.
Space communications
You may also be interested in finding out about this area - check out our information on our science beyond the lab webpage.
What are my further study options?
It is possible to do masters courses specialising in various aspects of space science and engineering which can help students to develop specialist skills and knowledge to enable them to progress into roles within the sector.
If you are interested in a career in space-related research, a PhD will generally be a minimum entry requirement. There are a range of funded PhDs available in areas such as astrophysics, astronomy, cosmology and extragalactic astronomy, as well as materials and engineering-related subjects. For further information, visit the Thinking about a PhD section of our website.
If you are a current PhD student, there are a variety of post-doctoral positions, funding and fellowships available through institutions, universities and other organisations. See, for example, information about research opportunities and funding on the STFC website.
Where do I look for vacancies? Includes ESA Young Graduate Trainee Programme
71% of employers within the sector are small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). These smaller, more specialist companies can often be found in science and technology parks.
Space careers advertise graduate roles and other opportunities in the space sector. You could also try recruitment agencies such as HE Space or Nebula Space. It is worth looking at membership or company directories on sites such as the of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance or UKspace.
Sources of vacancies
The below are just a small selection of employers in this sector:
Graduate and placement opportunities
Space research
Research and governmental institutions
Each country will have its own space agency:
For a country of interest, searching “national space agency [country]” will produce results.
Space manufacturing
There are many organisations working in the space sector. Here are some examples to help you start your search.
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxford is a focus location for the UK space sector. There are many start-up organisations in this sector so it is worth doing your own research.
Space operations
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Inmarsat- global, mobile satellite communications.
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Commercial Space Technologies- supporting the space industry with consultancy, management and launch brokerage services.
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NEP Connect - satellite broadcasting.
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Teledyne e2v – components manufacturer for medical, science, aerospace, defence, and industrial applications.
Space applications
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Pace - suppliers of vehicle tracking, camera systems and safety equipment.
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Cobham – group of companies providing services and solutions to engineering, civil and military aircraft, satellite communications, and more.
Ancillary services
Earth observations
Also check out
- Innovate UK Business Connect – connecting innovators with new partners. There are opportunities with Space, Robotics, Geospatial and Sustainability
- Orbital Today is a news site covering the latest developments in the UK space industry and more.
How do I find work experience?
Work experience in the space sector can be hard to find. Big organisations like the STFC may have online applications, but for smaller to medium sized employers you may need to be a little more proactive. If you can’t find a space firm to host you, don’t worry – undertaking work experience in something related to what you’re interested in can be just as valuable.
We’ve given some starting points below:
- ESA Academy – is open to students from undergraduate to PhD level and provides a portfolio of learning opportunities and practical experiences in partnership with European universities. Applications for different projects and training open at different times throughout the year.
- IAESTE internships – exchange research internships for students at undergraduate, masters or PhD level.
- RISE Germany – spend up to three months on a summer research internship in Germany. Successful candidates are paid a monthly stipend. Applications open in autumn.
- STFC industrial and summer placements – work experience opportunities available on a range of projects for students. Applications for the industrial (year-long) placement open in autumn. Summer placement applications open in January.
- UK SEDS competitions hub – get involved in a student project related to satellite design, mars rover trials or working toward your UKRA qualifications. It’s a great way to apply your skills and knowledge on a new challenge and can show employers your willingness to keep learning.
Getting involved at Nottingham - Enhance your job prospects
Space Society - join the Nottingham Students' Union's society, a branch of the UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UKSEDS), to access a range of space-based events.
The Nottingham Internship Scheme may have roles that build your skills and experience in software, data analysis, project management or research.