The launch of the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth by the then-USSR in 1957 marked the beginning of the space race, a competition driven by prestige and spectacle. For several years, the two superpowers invested all their available resources to establish supremacy in this new endeavour following World War II. The win streak for the Soviets continued as it carried the first live creature in space, a dog named Laika, and the first human in space Yuri Gagarin.
On the other side of the globe, space exploration activities in the United States consolidated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which started its operations in 1958. Several other countries followed suit, and the result of all this was the increased demand for a whole new breed of intellectuals, including mathematicians, physicists, engineers, economists, and marketers who could gather up their act and put machines and astronauts into space by utilising government resources in the most efficient way possible. Students preparing to study overseas and searching for a good programme to graduate can think of the space sector.
Diverse Use of Space Technology
Today’s global space economy is expected to reach USD 1.8 trillion by 2035 at a compounded annual growth rate of nine per cent, much higher than the global GDP growth rate. Space-based technologies are set to be the main drivers of growth, including navigation, positioning, communication, and earth observation activities. Space technologies will benefit the supply chain, transportation, food and beverage industries, consumer goods and lifestyles, and disaster management.
India’s role in space exploration has been increasing consistently and with the recent launch of Chandrayan 3 and Aditya-L1, it has again proven its mettle. Confidence in Indian space technology companies is increasing which is shown by the high funding that it is receiving (USD 126 million in 2023) and increasing year on year, even as the number of companies operating in the sector is also increasing. As India aims to increase its share in the global space sector by increasing foreign direct investment in the manufacture and launch of satellite systems, it will bolster the demand for workforce.
Career Options Generated by the Space Industry
With countries globally putting their heart and soul into the space sector, it promises to create abundant employment opportunities. However, career opportunities in this industry are as diverse as the space itself and it can be challenging enough to get a footing, and most of all how to begin.
The most traditional way to enter this sector is through STEM subjects, even though any type of qualification can help you enter the sector. Those with physics and mathematics backgrounds can continue with their education in the field and take up astrophysics, material science, or engineering at the university level. This is not all, for those from law, business, politics, and communications backgrounds will also have a role to play. Geologists will be employed as they will help in understanding the geology and planetary science and how it can be applied. You might be surprised to know that even psychologists can find themselves working in the sector as there will be a need to understand and assess the impact of space travel on the human mind.
The educational requirements for a career in the space sector will be according to the specific field you want to enter. For example, scientists and engineers can start with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as physics or aerospace engineering. Certain fields will demand specialised knowledge and will require a master’s or doctoral degree. There will be demand for legal professionals as well for there will be a requirement to frame space policy as well. The management and business administration people who can run the entire setup efficiently are not to be left behind.
A Booming Sector for International Students
The exploding space sector both in India and other parts of the world presents good career options for international students pursuing different programmes. Given that the space sector requires professionals from different walks of life, anyone who has profound knowledge of their field and has the inclination to accept challenges and explore uncharted territories has a place in the industry.
In this never-ending race to explore the infinite, there will never be a shortage of work for those who have the right competency. Talk to overseas education consultants in Chandigarh to receive the right guidance on how you can frame your career in the sector. For the past few months, as there have been hiccups in the job market with international students not matching up with the job requirements, the booming space sector is worth exploring and considering.
Start the Countdown…
Let’s start the countdown to launch your career in the space sector. Students who are embarking on pursuing a degree from an overseas university can pursue a career in the ever-expanding space sector. The industry promises to offer ample growth opportunities along with challenges that will push you for limitless career growth.
