Careers in Space - 1
CAREERS IN SPACE
Space education find roots in societal needs. Be it a salaried space professional or an entrepreneur*;
the space industry offers various kinds of opportunities for qualified youth. Daily needs like
communication, entertainment, banking, internet services are direct applications of space technology.
But, when it comes to managing life in a more productive and effective manner, space applications
give leverage to many domains such as agriculture, resource mapping, food distribution, weather
prediction, ecology maintenance, water resource management, mineral mapping, renewable energy
sources, etc. Space education shall be bundled with basic education to effectively manage natural
resources, which are becoming scares from day-to-day needs. The knowledge of space applications
must be nurtured from the basic level of education to plan and build a career.
The career could be seen as - choosing the right education, pursuing employment, venturing into
entrepreneurship, participating in family businesses, anything to achieve the desired goal.
The Global Space Economy is said to be worth 423.8 billion U.S. dollars, and it can be mapped to,
• Government programs,
• Satellite manufacturing
• Launch vehicle manufacturing,
• Ground system elements
• Satellite data
• Servicing and maintenance of all the systems.
A Career means not only a salaried job or education; it could be a profession or engagement. In the
competitive world, education is mostly looked at as the way to get a salaried job either in Government
or Private. As the qualified youth is out beating the job opportunities in numbers, self-employment is
only the way to lead careers and also provide job opportunities for others. Innovation and
entrepreneurship are the order of the day for future generations.
Space is not one discipline; it is a platform on which many technologies are built. Many engineering
disciplines find a place in realizing the space systems. Usually, employment into ISRO can be
categorized into two
I. Scientific (S&T) and
II. Administrative.
Scientific staff are recruited into the majority three levels
1. Technicians* with ITI qualification,
2. Technical Assistants with Diploma and
3. Engineers with Graduation or post-graduation or PhD qualification.
The attenders and helpers for any category will be with the 10th qualification. All the administrative
cadres will be recruited with any degree qualification and promoted through departmental tests. The
vacancies are recruited through open advertisements either centrally or by individual ISRO centres.
In the case of special disciplines in the scientific cadre, campus recruitment also is another choice,
but not the usual practice.
The recruitment advertisements will be posted on the website of ISRO www.isro.gov.in or websites
of respective centres.
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ISRO is spread across the country and the following map shows the details of all the centres of
ISRO/DOS.
Fig 1: Map of ISRO Centres
Work in Space:
Space missions require professionals in many different occupations. Scientists, engineers,
technicians, and media and communications professionals often collaborate on projects. For example,
scientists may set a goal, such as observing stars. Engineers might then design a product for those
observations to make the product. Media and communications professionals document the process to
share the information with the public. One can either work on earth at a space agency or plan to go
to space. One can be a space doctor by serving the astronauts, the possibilities are endless. Let us
explore various careers one can think of in this following section of this Chapter.
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I want to fly to space… Astronaut
It is perhaps the most popular job in the space field. Despite being the most popular term that comes
to people’s minds when thinking about space, astronaut
jobs are most limited in every country and space agency.
Astronauts can be from any background like physics,
biology, computer science and more. They are chosen
based on mission requirements. It is listed as one of the
most challenging jobs, requiring the best state of mind
and body, perfect vision and certain height and weight
requirements.
There is high competition for open positions.
Astronauts spend most of their lives training for the
mission as precision is essential and mistakes are
undesired. Given the national security policies, most
space agencies also require the astronaut applicant to be Fig 2: Dr. Kalpana Chawla – An Astronaut
citizens of their home country.
I want to observe and study stars, planets and galaxies…
Astronomer
Astronomers are scientists who use equipment like telescopes in big observatories, telescopes in
space, etc., to collect information about objects in space. They study stars, planets, moons, comets,
galaxies etc. They dive deep into concepts like the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies.
Further, there are branches such as planetary astronomy, galactic astronomy, or physical astronomy.
The most notable astronomers are Aryabhata, Galileo Galilei, Nicolas Copernicus, Henrietta Swann
Leavitt, Issac Newton, Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking.
Astrophysicist:
An astrophysicist is an astronomer specializing in studying
celestial objects, how they are made up and how they interact
with other bodies in space. They conduct research and develop
theories with the help of concepts in electromagnetism,
quantum mechanics, celestial bodies, exoplanets, formation of
the Universe, formation of star and others.
Fig 3: Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar –
Famous Indian Astrophysicist.
Astrobiologist:
Astrobiologists are astronomers that study the possibility of life on other planets beyond earth. They
work on finding exoplanets and studying their suitability to host life. The research on bacteria that
live in extreme conditions is conducted by astrobiologists. They develop theories on origin, evolution
and suitability of life in many different types of environments by studying life in extreme conditions
here on earth.
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Can I build something that will go to space? Engineers:
Engineers are the famous problem solvers of the world. They take any world problem, churn some
numbers and give a suitable solution. It is a job that requires creativity in addition to technical
soundness. But what about outside of earth? Yes, engineers are required to solve problems there too.
Engineers are responsible for sending a man to space; they build rockets, rovers, satellites, etc. All
the tools that help us explore space are born from the minds of engineers. To take this career path,
usually, it is required to study engineering subjects like mechanical, electrical, computer science,
aerospace, etc., after high school. If you have a diploma instead, you can opt for technician and
technologists’ jobs.
Aerospace Engineers:
Aerospace engineers specialize in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, material science, propulsion and
control systems, to name a few. They help design, construct and test spacecraft, rockets etc. These
days aerospace engineers are involved in the research and development of advanced space travel
technologies.
Computer Engineers:
Computer science engineers come into play at various places. They build software applications to
control large telescopes and rovers on other planets. They help build interfaces to read various systems
in rockets. They build websites for space agencies. This job is very versatile. Computer engineers are
also responsible for the security of digital infrastructure under Cybersecurity* departments.
Did you know?
These days the open-source nature of the programs allows normal people to contribute to
the projects of various space agencies. For instance the perseverance rover has seen
hundreds of thousands of common people contributing code from their home to the
software used in the rover. Today that code has gone to mars.
Electronics Engineers:
Electronics engineers are responsible for
instrument panels, control systems, and
autonomous systems that go to space. They
research and develop new components that
help facilitate the working of spacecraft and
rovers that venture into space exploration. Be
it the shutter of the camera used by a rover to
take pictures of mars or the satellites orbiting
the earth; It is the job of an electronics
engineer to make sure they work flawlessly.
An electrical engineer must also have
knowledge in Electronics and
Communication, Microwave, Servo & Fig 4: Lot of electrical and electronic equipment will be
instrumentation* for working on TTC. used in a satellite
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Mechanical Engineers:
The designing of various structures and tools is the responsibility of a mechanical engineer. They
design and build the structures supporting enormous observatories, rocket bodies, spacecraft,
mechanical components of rovers and robots that assist astronauts in space. Their job is crucial as a
slight mistake in calculations can lead to fatal results.
Construction and Fabrication:
Space missions demand very huge infrastructure to be built. It calls for engineering staff from various
fields like civil, electrical, instrumentation, air conditioning, and structures as it sometimes have to
withstand static testing, rocket thrust force, etc.
Propellants and Consumables:
Our rockets and satellites have propulsion systems, for which a person with educational from
Chemicals, Chemistry, Instrumentation, are really important.
Materials and Fabrication:
Aerospace structures are made on a basis of light weight but strong characters. Making sure the
payload work even at extreme conditions is by having a sound knowledge in Metallurgy, Materials,
Heat treatment and Heat transfer are valuable.
But I want to be a doctor, can I treat astronauts or go to space?
Space Medicine:
Living and working in space is very hazardous. There are many challenges to overcome by the human
body. Astronauts train very hard to withstand the extreme environment in space. They must
continuously exercise during their stay in space to remain healthy. Despite the studies conducted
before, there is still so much to know on how micro-gravity and various radiations affect the human
body. This particular field that deals with the safety and functioning of the human body in space is
space medicine. You can be a space doctor who treats astronauts and helps them prepare for the
mission or travel with them to ensure they are in their best form.
The ever-increasing likelihood of humans
settling in other space bodies like the
moon or Mars will require space doctors
like physicians and psychologists to be an
essential part of the crew to provide
clinical support. ESA, for instance, has a
Space Medicine Team that comprises
medical doctors, biomedical engineers,
exercise physiologists and psychologists.
Space doctors specializing in nutrition are
responsible for designing the diet of
astronauts. They ensure that appropriate
nutrition is provided to the human body and Fig 5: Astronauts conducting regular health tests onboard ISS
and they have to update their space doctor back here on earth.
engineer the food to last long.
Credits: NASA
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Therefore, space doctors have a lot to manage hence play a critical role in any mission to make sure
humans spend more time in space safely. Students interested in pursuing space medicine usually study
health or life science subjects like biology, immunology, kinesiology*, life sciences, medicine,
microbiology, neurology, nutrition, physiology, psychology etc.
I want to be a lawyer, but I also love space. Can I do something in both?
Space Law and Policy:
Space is not a single entity’s undertaking. It is a collaborative endeavor of all nations across the world.
If the law interests you and you want to pursue something in the space sector, there is always space
law and space policy-related jobs.
With the increasing privatization of the space sector, it is crucial for organizations to be up-to-date
with the laws governing various rules and regulations, policies, laws governing data, to name a few
in the space sector within the respective nation and internationally while operating in this sector.
In this day and age, the job of a space lawyer is fascinating as most of the professionals are helping
develop interplanetary laws and policies for the time when humans will venture to settle on Mars.
I like to study management, I am interested in businesses. Is there a way combine that with
space?
Yes, there are many jobs in the management category of the space sector. Every space agency and a
company requires project management, chief roles, budgeting, economics, finance, business
development, and other leadership roles. Students interested in this path usually take B.Com, M.Com,
BBA, MBA courses.
I am not interested in studying STEM but I like to talk and communicate with the masses. How
can I be part of the space moment?
Media, Communication and Teaching:
Suppose you are someone interested in making or producing videos, taking photographs or explaining
complex concepts in simple terms for everyone. If you like to write or teach about space, you have
the option of jobs in the science communication section. All space agencies look for photographers,
videographers, technical writers and science communicators. The related department is called public
relations.
I want to make art related to space
If you are an artist there are a myriad of areas to dive into. These days space-art is highly appreciated
and demanded. If art is your interest, one can always make space themed art either for a private
organization or as an individual. Space agencies like ISRO, NASA and ESA hire artists for various
activities like illustrations, concept-arts, music, and more.
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Can I run my own company?
Absolutely! This age of space with many private companies rising on the horizon is termed the
'NewSpace'. Fresh ideas and groundbreaking research are always welcomed in the market. Many
students are encouraged to solve problems creatively by thinking out-of-box. The art of turning the
idea into a business is part of an entrepreneur's job. ISRO has multiple incubation programs to help
small startups with big ideas realize their vision. The Indian government is encouraging students to
take the path of entrepreneurship to further promote Make-in-India by launching many suitable
programs across the nation.
Avenues for entrepreneurship
Agriculture:
A person from an agriculture family can think of smart agriculture and crop rotation or crop
identification with respect to the nature of the soil. Space data can be used to analyze the soil moisture
to assess water requirement for the crop, groundwater levels, crop identification suited to the soil, and
crop yield estimation across the geographical regions for food distribution. This creates lots of
opportunities in e-commerce. E.g., seasonal fruits like Apples and Oranges can be distributed to the
other regions of the country with proper yield estimation and logistics planning. It creates many
business opportunities and revenues for enthusiastic and qualified youngsters.
Nature plays a critical role in crop management. The weather prediction and forecast will relieve the
former from huge losses. Even if unexpected and unmanageable damage occurs, proper estimation of
loss through space data will give solace to the farmer. The amount of land cover and land usage in
India is huge, and there is abundant scope for qualified people.
Urban Development:
As urbanization is at its peak in India, various issues need to be handled to optimize urban life. The
stakeholders facing these issues may be government, residents, visitors, etc. The satellite data is useful
in identifying and isolating the issues, and solutions can be found using various technologies. The
problem identification itself is half of finding the solution.
Urban planning is the area for real estate builders and architects. Taxation is the dynamic process that
requires the very frequent intervention of the government to increase the revenue of local
administration, and which involves huge
Fig 6: (Left) Multi-spectral Image of Jarhar Haripur, UP taken on June 27, 2017 and (Right) BKC block and
Mithi River, Mumbai taken on February 17, 2017 by Cartosat 2 series satellite
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Fisheries /Food Industry:
India has a huge length of the coastal belt. Lakhs of people in the ISRO provides a messaging system
as a part of NAVIC technology for connecting remote places. OCEANsat provides information on
potential fishing zones and publishes it to the fishermen community.
Further studying the effects of micro-gravity on the human body, building the next generation of
satellites and telescopes, explaining discoveries about the solar system to budding minds. These are
just a few examples of the projects that workers undertake in jobs related to space exploration. Space
sector is a growing field filled with innovative opportunities and experiences. The interesting thing
about it is that any occupation that you can find on earth, will have its counterpart in space
environment. For eg. engineering jobs on earth have their counterparts in space as space engineers,
similarly medicine has space doctors, law has space lawyers, the trend goes on to space geologists,
space economists, space botanists, space architects and even space artists.
Is it possible to experience a job to see if it is a right fit for me?
Yes, absolutely. All space agencies provide students with opportunities for Internships and
Fellowships. One can explore those positions in an early career. Being an intern will expose one to
the various job positions and the backgrounds required for those positions. If you are already in your
degree/diploma, you may look at these opportunities in order to learn more about the job you aspire
to. You can also get mentored by scientists and professionals from an early stage to make sure you
get into the job you love.
Is that all?
No, the possibilities are unending. What we touched upon so far are just some of the surface level
popular job titles. However, there are more. As mentioned earlier, any earth-based occupation has a
counterpart in space plus more as space brings more challenges than earth. If you are interested in
math, become a mathematician and help simulate the landing conditions through equations to make
it perfect. If you like biology, help grows plants in micro-gravity. If you like building houses, help
design and build some on Moon and Mars as an Architect. If you like art, help make stunning space
art and unite the world. Dream big as space is bigger, and it gives an opportunity to every space
enthusiast.
MAP to get into Space Career:
One must decide to take either Science, Commerce or Art right after 10th standard in India. Remember
if you are a space enthusiast you can find any way to work in Space sector. From being astronomer
to professor, CA to Artist, Doctor to Engineer, Space welcomes you all to take it as career. As a student
and young person, one must be good with the skills required for working in the Space industry and
also be ready to create one’s own opportunities.
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Glossary:
• Entrepreneur - A person who runs his/her own business of any type.
• Technician - A person employed to do practical work in a laboratory and to look after
technical equipment.
• Cyber security - Keeping the information (networks, programs, devices, technologies) and
computer systems safe from online threats.
• Instrumentation - A collective work of knowing about instruments and how to use.
• Kinesiology - The study of the mechanics of body movements.
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